Our Instructors

Jim Levinthal

Drums

Jim Levinthal has been a passionate drummer since the age of 9. Throughout his educational career, he took part in everything from school ensembles to touring bands. He graduated with a degree in Jazz Performance from Villa Maria College, and has studied under John Fatta, John Bacon and Gary Rutkowski. Throughout his musical career, he’s performed all over the country, with shows in Western New York, New York City, Vermont, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Texas, and more. He and his bands have opened for nationally acclaimed acts such as Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Godsmack, Lil Kim, Rusted Root, Nas, and more. Currently, he can be found playing in the Big Sauce Trio and the Jim Levinthal Band, as well as teaching drum lessons at The Guitar Factory.

Joel Squelch

Guitar, Bass, Alto Saxophone, Voice

• Recipient of the Woody Herman Jazz Award
• Performs with The Guilty Party
• Coaches the student performances, “The Jam”

Recording artists such as Van Halen, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Pearl Jam are noted as inspiring Joel to become the musician he is today. Through his journey, Joel has learned tremendous patience and that not being afraid of a little hard work one can achieve great rewards. Playing in the band “The Guilty Party” (www.facebook.com/theguiltypartywny), and coaching the students for our annual concert series, Joel takes great pride in his role in the Lesson Program. His students can expect patience, tolerance, understanding, personalization, organization, and most of fun.

Nick Norton

Guitar (6 & 7 string), Bass Guitar

• WNY People’s Choice Award – 2003
• Performed a Pantera song for Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul
• Performs with Fireborn

“Very much a perfectionist” when it comes to his craft, Nick is currently working on an untitled project that will be released soon. Inspired by Slash, early Metallica, Zakk Wylde, and Dimebag Darrell (to name a few), Nick’s guitar journey started at 12 years old. His persistence is credited for becoming the musician he is. Currently Nick can be found playing with Fireborn (www.facebook.com/firebornmetal), a local Death Metal band. A passion for Metal and Rock, with an appreciation for styles of music with great musicianship, Nick’s clients can expect to experience heavy fundamental and technique teaching to achieve their own style of play while having fun.

Joe Shanahan

Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukelele, Mandolin

• Villa Maria College – Music Theory/Piano
• Studied with Buffalo Hall of Fame legend, Tony Scozzaro
• Performs with: Off the Grid, Acoustic Duo

Joe has decades of performance and instruction experience. When he isn’t busy out playing around the Buffalo area, he can be found at home here at The Guitar Factory, sharing his love for music with his clients. Joe’s teaching style is adaptable to each client, and their needs, making sure that they are comfortable with the day’s lesson. In his spare time, he’s learning Recording Techniques. To learn more about Joe or to see his playlist, visit: www.Shanahantheman.com.

Mike Willard

Guitar, Beginner level Bass Guitar, Voice

• Performed at famed locations – Artpark, Kleinhans, Canalfest, Pax East, Gaylord National
• Featured in major media outlets: UK’s Guardian, NPR’s Morning Edition
• Featured in articles written by: Jeff Mier, The Buffalo News
• Performing with: Armcannon – Progressive Video Game Music Themed Rock Opera, Weaponex – Progressive metal/fusion, Those Who Fight – Final Fantasy
• Currently recording and producing an all original solo record

As a driven musician, Mike admits he “only accepts the best” from him, and works to achieve all goals that he sets forth. While in Instructor mode, he adapts his lesson programs to suit specific needs, but maintains heavy theory and technique training. To learn more, visit: www.Armcannon.com, and www.bandcamp.weaponex.com.

Jim Wynne

Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Drums

• Buffalo Music Awards C 13 time award winner
• Playing with: Living Will, Haiku, Dave Constantino Band, & Lost and Found

Jim’s journey with music began when he was just 14 years old. Establishing himself in the WNY music scene, Jim comes to our lesson program with decades of instruction and live performance experience. Describing himself as “Hilarious”, his clients can expect to learn to play with confidence, aural awareness, as well as with a few laughs. Jim has the uncanny ability to make all students feel at ease with their learning experience, and is a master at adapting the lesson program to suit the need of the clients.

Kevin Helfrich

Guitar, Bass Guitar, Banjo

• Buffalo Music Awards – Best Original Guitarist in recording 1996
• Over 30 years of professional music experience
• Began a career in Instructing in 1989 and joined The Guitar Factory Lesson Program in 2006

Over the years, Kevin has learned that one is born to be musical, it’s in the DNA. The only decision then is whether to pursue it and to what degree. Kevin’s positive attitude transfers to his clients in his teaching. They can expect to progress at their own speed, encouragement, and not to feel pushed to be further than they are ready to be.

Gary Rutkowski

Drums, Snare Drum, Mallet Percussion, Latin Timbales, Congas

• Master’s Degree in Music
• Performance and production in 4 solo recordings
• College Level Musical Instruction experience in New York (Villa Maria College, Buffalo State College) and in Pennsylvania (Edinboro University)
• Performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic
• Written a book on Drumming Concepts and Techniques

Gary’s students can expect to learn strong fundamentals, the ability to read basic music, and to have fun playing the drums.

Kevin Bartosiewicz

Guitar

• The Atlanta Institute of Music – with honors
• Attending The University of Buffalo – Industrial Engineering
• Collaborating on “BNP”, original written and recorded music with fellow musician, Scott Nadolinski

Kevin’s road to a career in music began at just 11 years old. He poses a natural talent for writing original pieces and often collaborates with fellow musicians. “We’re all capable of great things through dedication and good work ethic”, states Kevin who credits Buffalo’s Music Hall of Fame Alumni, Tony Scozzaro (original written and recording artist), for his inspiration. Kevin’s clients find their lessons to include fundamental techniques, theory, improvisational methods, as well as learning their favorite pieces.

Dave Internicola

Electric/acoustic guitar (beginner through advanced), Bass (beginner), Voice (beginner)

• Currently plays with “The Freshwater Four”, a Buffalo based surf-rock band in the style of Dick Dale and the Ventures
• Coaches The Guitar Factory’s “Summer Rock Camp”
• Musical Instructor for “Group Guitar Lessons for Homeschools”
• Cum Laude with a B.A. in English from SUNY Fredonia

Dave was inspired to learn the Alto-Sax in 4th grade after watching the movie “Better off Dead” and John Cusack’s ability to woo his leading lady in the film, but by the time he reached 8th grade, his musical interests shifted, enter Metallica and so started his love for Guitar. Dave’s clients can expect to have a fun yet organized experience that fully teaches everything they need to know about guitar and musicianship in general. With Dave’s guidance and encouragement, clients should expect to work hard to achieve their goals. For The Freshwater Four’s play schedule, you can find them on Facebook!

Haven Bartosiewicz

Piano, Voice

Bio coming soon!

Sam Osmond

Piano, Guitar

Bio coming soon!