Welcome to Sixteenth Notes Music School

Yali is the warm and welcoming face of our front desk and the creative mind behind our social media and advertising presence at our music school. A proud graduate of Kean University, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Marketing. Her connection to Sixteenth Notes runs deep—not only is she a dedicated member of our team, but she’s also a former student, having taken both piano and vocal lessons here. This experience gives her a special understanding of our students’ journeys and the needs of their families, allowing her to create an inviting and supportive environment for everyone who walks through our doors. Beyond her role at Sixteenth Notes, Yali brings her creativity to life through photography and her passion for working with children. She finds joy in helping others express themselves and in building fun, meaningful experiences both in and out of the studio, making her an invaluable part of our community of music instructors.

Isaac Yi is a jazz saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator with a B.A. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and a minor in Jazz Studies from Princeton University. A Protégé International Woodwind Trio winner, two-time YoungArts honoree, and 2024 New Jersey Jazz Society Scholarship recipient, he has performed and studied in New York, Seoul, Rio de Janeiro, and Hanoi. Trained at the Manhattan School of Music and Princeton, and mentored by leading jazz artists, Isaac emphasizes the importance of teaching technique and theory as a music instructor. He encourages students to engage in music lessons that inspire them to play with heart, making music a joyful way to connect and share meaning with one another at his music school.

Ray Donato is one of our esteemed music instructors. He holds a NJ Certification and is also a talented songwriter/composer, arranger, and producer, having contributed to various projects. In addition to teaching music lessons, Ray continues to perform in clubs and coffee houses across NYC and NJ. With over 20 years of experience, he teaches different instruments, including guitar, piano, violin, as well as music theory and composition. Ray earned a BA in Psychology from Seton Hall University, along with a BA and 25 graduate credits in Music Theory/Composition from Montclair State University. His professional background includes working as a proofreader, editor, and arranger in music publishing for notable companies such as United Artists, Warner Brothers, Cherry Lane, and Hal Leonard Publishers. Ray has also arranged numerous guitar books for these respected music publishing companies.

Taryn Spoto is one of our dedicated utility instructors at our music school, bringing her expertise in voice, piano, and violin. She has been singing her entire life and has dreamed of becoming a music teacher since grade school. Currently, Taryn is attending Montclair State University, where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Music Education with a focus on Classical Voice, along with a master's in Special Education. Taryn has showcased her talents at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on multiple occasions, collaborating with the New Jersey Symphony, and has also performed at renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Mayo Performing Arts Center, and Princeton University. Under the guidance of Professor Karen Driscoll, Taryn has developed a strong philosophy that emphasizes the importance of music education, theory, and body mapping in mastering an instrument or voice. She believes that engaging in collaborative work, such as duets and group performances, fosters a connected and dynamic environment for music lessons. In addition to teaching classical voice, Taryn has experience in musical theater and gospel. She is excited to help make your musical dreams a reality and to jam together!

Carlos Salas is our dedicated drum instructor at Sixteenth Notes, a prominent music school. His passion for music has guided him into the jazz world, which is his primary specialty. In addition to drums, Carlos loves learning and playing the bass guitar and guitar, and he’s also been exploring the basics of piano. With seven years of drumming experience, he is currently a junior jazz major at Montclair State University. Beyond his studies, Carlos is the drummer for his jazz fusion band, Culver, and has performed at various venues in New Jersey and New York. Over the past year, he has been enjoying teaching music lessons to students aged five and up. Not only does he teach drums, but he has also taken on piano and guitar students as part of his commitment to fostering musical talent.

 Charlene Lisboa-Young is a caring and energetic music teacher who loves helping students discover their musical voices! She earned her Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education from William Paterson University and has experience teaching students of all ages—from beginners just starting out to advanced musicians finding their style.

Charlene currently teaches in North Arlington Public Schools, where she leads general music, band, and choir classes. Her main instrument is the trombone, but she enjoys teaching a variety of instruments, including brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion, and piano.

Her teaching philosophy is built around the idea that “Practice Makes Progress.” Charlene believes that learning music should be fun, positive, and full of encouragement. She creates lessons that meet each student where they are, helping them grow in both skill and confidence while building a lifelong love for music.