
RAMP has now taken on the Manuel’s Music Studio lesson program and will remain guided by Garry Manuel. The only change will be more offerings in the future. What will remain the same is the commitment to quality instruction with terrific instructors that are “dedicated to the art and craft of music instruction”, which have been part of the MMS tradition for over 37 years.
JUMP Into Lessons Anytime!

RAMP (Rochester Area Music Project) has folded in the private lesson program of Manuel’s Music Studio, which has been serving Fairport, Perinton, Penfield, Victor and Pittsford areas for over 37 years and continues to be guided by Garry Manuel, with the addition of his son, Marshall. We remain “dedicated to the art and craft of music education”, covering a broad range of musical styles and performance levels, which include: rock, classical, jazz, blues, folk, acoustic finger styles and other popular forms branching from these music genres. Our instructors are qualified, experienced and talented. We offer private lessons in guitar, piano, bass, drums, voice and home studio recording. Our plan is to offer an even broader range of classes in 2018.
The ages of our students span from young children to adults. We are comfortable preparing students for the collegiate and professional level, as well as those not quite as steadfast in their goals. Some students seek preparation for involvement in jazz ensembles and school bands, while others pursue music for their personal enjoyment and/or to perform in their independent rock bands. Many of our students have gone on to pursue a variety of career options in the music field as a result of their study with us. Performance opportunities, workshops on a wide variety of topics, and ensembles are also offered during the year.


We provide a casual atmosphere in the formal training of students, with the goal of providing the blended elements of enjoyment, learning and fulfillment through the music lesson experience with us. Our programs and private study are geared toward the pace and individuality of each student. We understand that an approach can vary a great deal from student to student. In addition we offer quality sales of instruments, strings, books, and accessories. Instrument sales are best by appointment. This approach offers a relaxed time with an instrument, no high-pressure sales and useful information.
Our talented instructors are experienced and qualified with many performing professionally in addition to their teaching. Some have performed extensively prior to teaching full time. The majority of our instructors have recorded individually or with various bands. Some have been guests on notable recordings of other artists and performed yearly at the Rochester International Jazz Festival. Most of our instructors have been teaching at Manuel’s Music Studio for over ten years. The diversity of styles, quality of lessons and personal rapport with students and families are keys factors to our longstanding success in the community.
Electric/Acoustic Guitar Lessons
All of our guitar and bass instructors have taught privately for a minimum of twelve years. Each is comfortable teaching children, teens and adults and can cover a wide swath of music styles and genres.
“Garry, Thank you for another great year of guitar lessons and new challenges! It’s been so much fun. And thank you for the opportunity of being in a new band. I can’t wait for the performances to come!” – MM
Bass Lessons
We offer 4, 5 or 6 string electric bass lessons as well as upright string bass. So, it doesn’t matter whether you’re planning to play in school orchestra, jazz band or the rock band in the neighborhood – we got it covered! Our bass instructor graduated from the Berklee College of Music and has a ton of performance experiences under his belt, that encompass many music styles. And, BTW – bass players are in demand!
Drum and Percussion lessons
Our team of drum instructors brings over 20 years of teaching and extensive performing experience to our stable of talent at the studio. Each is steeped in the jazz tradition, but have no problem transitioning to rock, funk, R & B, and numerous other styles.
Piano lessons
Our piano instructors also offer a range of styles from classical, traditional, Broadway, pop and jazz. All of our instructors have extensive experience and backgrounds in teaching private piano lessons.
“Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for your support. And thank you for your wonderful studio! You really make a difference in the lives of young music students.”
Saxophone, Flute, Cello, Clarinet and Piano
Logan is a very passionate music performer and educator. She received a Jazz Saxophone Performance degree from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied with Charles Pillow, and was a member of the Eastman Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Bill Dobbins as well as other ensembles during her time there. She loves working with students of any age, and finding out what she can do to further enhance their musicality. Logan is primarily a saxophonist, but is also well versed on cello, flute, clarinet and piano. She can teach various musical styles, including jazz, classical and contemporary. Logan has also been a member of the Silver Arrow Band, a premiere wedding band known worldwide, for three years. She has performed at the Rochester International Jazz Festival, and continues to share her music in the Rochester community at various locations including the Strong Memorial Hospital where she participates in the Eastman Performing Arts Medicine program. Logan has been a private musical instructor since 2014. She has collaborated with renowned jazz artists such as Danilo Peréz, Dave Glasser, Bobby Floyd, Rich Perry, and others. Logan approaches teaching with an open mind and enthusiasm for what she does. She believes that everyone is on their own musical journey, and she strives to be a part of that journey’s progression and success.
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Adult lessons
We also are providing lessons to an expanding population of adults who either are wanting to pursue the dream of learning an instrument for the first time or who are looking to brush up on the skills they accumulated over the years.
“I would definitely recommend lessons for adults!” Jennifer S. stated, “Not only is music therapeutic and relaxing, it also gives me a sense of accomplishment.”
Recording Lessons
Marshall Manuel – Joins the RAMP staff as Vice President and will teach recording and provide recording opportunities for students. He holds a BS degree from New England School of Communications, at Husson University in Maine, where he concentrated on audio engineering. Marshall studied guitar with nearly all the instructors at Manuel’s Music Studio and studied with Dennis Turechek at SUNY Oneonta, where he also took courses in the music business and recording. He has an EP and a full length album, and has worked on four major projects in 2017.