Encore Experience Music Studio in TONAWANDA NY

music & instrument lessons for kids & teens

Encore Experience, located in Tonawanda NY, provides personal music lessons for your child!

Mrs. Valerie Villa-Kelly gives your child the personal attention and guidance to help them grow in both ability and in confidence. Encore Experience’s in-school and private studio lessons give children and teens the best music and instrument lessons in Western New York!

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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 band director at St. Gregory the Great School and St. John the Baptist schools starting in the 2026-2027 school year!

She will continue teaching privately on select days!

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

  • “My daughter has been taking piano lessons with Ms. Valerie for the past five years, and we couldn’t be happier. She has a wonderful way with children and brings so much passion to her teaching. Miss Valerie is an excellent musician and an encouraging, supportive instructor who truly cares about her students. Because of her guidance, my daughter has grown not only musically, but also in confidence, self-discipline, and consistency. I have recommended Encore Experience to friends and family in the past and will continue to do so, as I truly believe Miss Valerie has made a meaningful difference in my daughter’s life.”

    Cheryl S. - Grand Island

  • “Since starting clarinet lessons with Ms. Valerie, our daughter's skill has grown exponentially. Ms. Valerie is encouraging and kind, and obviously loves sharing her love of music with children. I appreciate how communicative she is, and how she follows our daughter's interests. I'm so thankful we found Encore Experience!”

    Alexandra & Angielique R. - East Amherst

  • “We couldn’t be happier with our child’s piano lessons with Ms. Valerie! She has a wonderful way of motivating kids and keeping them genuinely excited about learning. She challenges our son with new pieces at just the right pace so he’s always progressing without feeling overwhelmed. Her patience, kindness, and reassuring approach have really helped build our son’s confidence and love for music. We’re so grateful for her thoughtful and encouraging teaching style.”

    Peter & Tarah F. - Amherst

  • “Mrs. Valerie is an amazing teacher who consistently creates a strong culture of learning in her sessions. She came highly recommended by our family member. Her coaching has elevated our daughter’s skills and confidence to the point where she truly feels there is no note or piece of music she can’t play. We deeply appreciate Mrs. Villa’s partnership approach and her willingness to go above and beyond to help our daughter succeed. She is genuine, fun, and energetic, while also holding her accountable - which is especially important as she gets older. We are so grateful to have her as part of our lives.”

    Jeff & Cele S. - Cheektowaga

  • “Our son is really enjoying his lessons with Ms. Valerie. He has excelled at the piano in a short period of time! She challenges and makes it fun at the same time. We would highly recommend working with Ms. Valerie for anyone interested in piano lessons for their child.”

    Jamie & Daniel W. - Amherst

  • “Ms. Valerie has been such a wonderful teacher for our daughter! Her gentle nature and constant smile make our 7-year-old feel at ease. Ms. Valerie is highly encouraging, as well as being innovative and thoughtful in ways to motivate students. Her lessons are always smooth and her attention to her student’s interests is impactful. We could not be more thankful to have found her!”

    Kaitlynn & Matthew P. - Amherst

  • “Ms. Valerie and Encore Experience are amazing! Our 3 girls have been with Valerie for 13 years - through piano, instruments, and musicals. She's excellent with all ages, and understands each child's unique musical gifts and needs. As homeschoolers, we worried about how to give our girls a musical education, and Encore Experience has filled that role perfectly! We’re so grateful.”

    Elizabeth & John Z. - Depew

St. Greg's receives silver at Springville-Griffith Institute High School

Under the direction of Encore Experience’s Director, Valerie Villa-Kelly, in her third consecutive year at St. Greg’s, the band impressed parents with a standout performance of three pieces — including “The Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Philip Sousa.

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