NEWINGTON - Whether you want to be able to strum a guitar around a campfire or play in a symphony, The Music School at Classic Music has a team of dedicated instructors to guide students where they want to go.

       Accomplished musicians Larry and Connie DiNatale opened their music school Sept. 6, 1994, with a focus on sharing their passion with students of all ages and levels. The Music School has grown to include 13 staff with five core instructors--Peggy Ryan Intravia, Amy Pirraglia, Sheila Nolan, David Krajewski and Michael Corsini. Instructors specialize in vocals and a variety of instruments in different genres as well as acting and musical theater. Students have trained and gone on to programs at The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, The Univeristy of Hartford Hartt School of Music, Berklee School of Music, NYU, Rutgers University and more.

       Newington High School student Oksana Veres has been training with the instructors at The Music School for years and says it feels like a second home to her. The multi-talented musician started with flute and piano lessons before continuing with vocals, harp and guitar training. Recently she even began practicing the bandura, a Ukrainian folk string instrument.

       Many students at The Music School find lessons a great outlet for â€�"unstressing” themselves. Students range from those preparing for auditions to retirees. The school itself feels more like a home, with soft lighting and decorated with Connie’s beautiful artwork.

       Budding musicians also regularly get the opportunity to play along with their instructors and fellow students during ensembles The Music School holds regularly. Styles vary from string, wind, drama, acting, vocal, rock, holiday and more. The school is always open to new ideas.

       â€�"That’s what’s so exciting to work here, is Larry gives us the freedom,” said Pirraglia.

       For more information on The Music School at Classic Music, 2434 Berlin Tpke. Suite 22, Newington, call 860-667-8735 or visit the school on Facebook.