• Valerie Villa-Kelly with student playing saxophone at Encore Experience

    The Encore Edge: Helping students reach new heights

    My music studio provides a safe and enriching environment, with one-on-one instruction in which to learn and grow in music and the arts.

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  • Junior Musical Theatre Camp

    Learn more about our Junior Musical Theatre Camp!

    Our 2-week (weekdays 9am-4pm) JUNIOR Musical Theatre Camp for kids and tweens ages 6-13, acts as an enrichment and enjoyment activity for the summer.

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  • Valerie Villa-Kelly instructing student on keyboard in one-on-one music lesson

    In studio lessons to help your student grow!

    At the Encore Experience music studio, we offer a variety of music, voice and instrumental lessons for all ages!

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  • Encore Experience teaching in school music lessons to student

    In School Lessons

    If you are looking for a summer or an academic year program, daytime or after school, we have the band and lessons program for your private school, public school, or home school organization!

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Announcement!

Valerie Villa-Kelly holding a tuba at Encore Experience in Amherst New York

Mrs. Valerie Villa-Kelly will be the Director of Bands at St. Gregory the Great School starting in the 2024-2025 school year!

She will continue teaching privately on select days!

NEWS! ECMEA & NYSSMA Solo Festivals

Each January and May/June, students are encouraged to participate in the ECMEA and NYSSMA solo festivals. These are excellent opportunities to showcase what practicing for progress can do. For non-piano students, they have the opportunity to be chosen for select ensembles featuring the best of the best. Auditioning takes courage, self-discipline, and confidence. All students receive special recognition for their efforts at our Spring Showcase. 

ECMEA 24-25
M.C. - Amherst Grade 7 Level 4 Clarinet
K.K. - Kenton Grade 7 Level 5 French Horn
A.S. Williamsville Grade 7 Level 2 Tuba
A.H. Williamsville Grade 6 Level 4 Flute
J.G. Amherst Grade 6 Level 4 Alto Saxophone
C.J. Williamsville Grade 6 Level 4 Flute
H.M. Williamsville Grade 6 Level 2 Tuba
J.A. Amherst Grade 5 Level 2 Clarinet

NYSSMA 23-24
M.C. Amherst Grade 6 Level 4 Bass Clarinet 26/28 Outstanding *Area All-State
K.K. KenTon Grade 6 Level 4 French Horn 27/28 Outstanding *Area All-State
J.G. Amherst Grade 5 Level 3 Alto Saxophone 27/28 Outstanding
M.M. Amhert Grade 5 Level 2 Piano 25/28 Excellent
J.S. Amherst Grade 5 Level 2 Piano 26/28 Outstanding
J.A. Amherst Grade 4 Level 1 Piano 26/28 Outstanding
O.F. Grand Island Grade 3 Level 1 Piano 23/28 Excellent
R.L. Williamsville Grade 3 Level 1 Piano 26/28 Outstanding

ECMEA 23-24
M.C. Amherst Grade 6 Level 3 Bass Clarinet 98/100 *All-County
K.K. Kenton Grade 6 Level 3 French Horn 95/100 *All-County
A.S. Williamsville Grade 6 Level 1 Tuba 93/100
J.G. Amherst Grade 5 Level 3 Alto Saxophone 97/100
A.H. Williamsville Grade 5 Level 3 Flute 95/100
J.L. Williamsville Grade 5 Level 3 Flute 97/100

ECMEA 22-23
H.G. Amherst Grade 6 Level 3 Trumpet 98/100
K.K. Kenton Grade 5 Level 1 French Horn 98/100
C.N. Cheektowaga Grade 5 Level 2 Alto Saxophone 95/100
A.H. Willaimsville Grade 4 Level 1 Flute 97/100

What Parents & Students Are Saying:

  • “Ms. Villa is simply excellent! She knows exactly how to bring out the best in each and every student. From the kids who are born for the spotlight all the way to those who on the surface seem to be shy. She knows how to bring out their talent through support, character building, and most importantly instilling in them a spirit they can do it for themselves.”

    Cheryl B. - Orchard Park

  • “Thank you so much for being our daughter's piano and flute teacher. She enjoys lessons and seeing you each week! We are so happy to see her doing something she loves. It has also been amazing to see her confidence level all around improve. We are so grateful to have selected you to be her teacher - we couldn't have found a better fit! You are exceptional at what you do. Thank you for making our daughter so happy!”

    Jillian & Todd S. - Cheektowaga

  • “Ms. Valerie is a true blessing! She meets each student where they’re at and is so connected to their individual personalities, unique needs, and goals. Our daughter has arthritis and Ms. Valerie has a remarkable gift for working with the diagnosis to bring out the very best in her both musically and beyond. Our daughter has blossomed in her skill of playing french horn and deepened her love for music. I smile each time I see her go into her lessons so happy and come out re-charged and ready for the week. From her kindness, motivation, and encouragement, to the “cool” music, to her undeniable expertise, and so much more - Ms. Valerie is the perfect fit for us…and Figaro too!”

    Kristie & James K. - Kenmore

  • “Ms. Villa is an excellent teacher. She knows how to motivate and keep students engaged. My daughter looks forward to her guitar lesson every week. From the start, Ms. Villa piqued her interest by teaching her how to play songs that she actually enjoys listening to — from Taylor Swift to The Beatles. In just a couple of months, my daughter learned “Here Comes the Sun” and she plays it with great pleasure and pride. Thank you, Ms. Villa!”

    Ella L. - Kenmore

  • “If you want a fantastic experience to learn an instrument, even virtually, adult or child - this is the place to go! We love Ms. Villa and what she has been able to do for our child during these tough times at home. She is so patient and encouraging. He actually likes to practice, and looks forward to having his weekly lessons! Thank you so much for being a part of our lives.”

    Bill & Mary B. - Kenmore

  • “I wanted to take lessons in order to better my ability with the trumpet, just for fun. The thing I like about lessons is the fun feeling of learning how to play at a higher level than my own. Ms. Valerie is a great teacher. I've gained much skill from this experience, I went from being able to play just a few standard trumpet songs to being able to play multiple songs of different genres. For any other kids wanting to take lessons from Ms. Valerie, just know it is so worth it!”

    E.P. , Sophomore - Kenmore

  • “Ms. Villa has an amazing impact on the kids. In a very short period of time, she has taught them complex pieces, readied them for solo festivals and made them passionate about music. Ms. Villa is always looking for ways to improve the program and to find opportunities for the kids. Our son absolutely loves band and has really improved as a musician.”

    Kimberly S.

  • “Our 7th grade daughter had taken lessons at Guitar Center and was doing OK. We found out about Ms. Valerie from a friend and our daughter really blossomed. She is greatly improved and really looks forward to class every time. Add in she’s been part of the group. Seeing the Spring Showcase showed not only how much passion Ms. Valerie brings, but how she's such a great teacher. It’s really made our daughter’s interest in guitar become a passion. Can’t recommend her enough!”

    Tom & Christine S. - Tonawanda

  • “I signed up for voice lessons because I wanted to learn more about music and learn different genres of music. I also wanted to step out of my comfort zone. It was both fun and challenging learning new music and hanging out with Ms. Valerie and her cat Figaro. I would tell anyone thinking of starting lessons to go for it - there's no reason not to!”

    L.E., Freshman - Buffalo

  • “I am most thankful for my music teacher right now. I am most thankful for her because she has brought me so far with my instruments. I have played piano for 3 years and french horn for 1.5 years. She has encouraged me to push myself. I have done two level two NYSSMA solos. I did great! I think I did so good because of her. I can play almost all of Fur Elise. I love her. I bet other kids love her too!”

    J.S., Middle Schooler

  • "Thank you so much for your work these weeks. My kids loved the camp; they were engaged, looking forward to every day, and really loved being part of the production. This camp was much better than other similar ones, and seeing their smiles made my day!"

    Paola & Brian H., Amherst

  • "Our child loved Encore’s summer musical theatre camp. Mrs. Valerie created a fun and exciting theatre experience for the campers. All of the counselors were warm and knowledgeable. The campers got to participate in choreographed dance, voice and performance coaching, as well as set and costume design. Her organization and communication skills also help make the production shine. We were impressed, and our child cannot wait to sign up again next year."

    Madelyn & Steven E., Grand Island