Willie Myette

Jazzedge Creator & President

Willie, a Berklee College of Music graduate, has toured the U.S. and Europe as both a clinician and performer. He studied with renowned musicians Fred Hersch in New York and Ray Santisi in Boston. Willie has released three recordings as a bandleader, with his music featured on radio stations nationwide and headlining at the SXSW music festival.

As the founder of Jazzedge Academy, Willie created an online platform that makes it easy to learn Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Rock, Pop, and Funk piano, keyboard, and organ styles. The Jazzedge method, which combines foundational and fun'dational elements, has helped students worldwide become self-expressive pianists quickly.

Willie believes the best part of learning piano is playing it. Through his step-by-step lessons and the Jazzedge method, students discover that becoming a pianist is easier than they think.

Paul Buono

Jazzedge Teacher Since 2013 

Paul began his musical journey as a classical pianist at age 8, later discovering a passion for Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Herbie Hancock, and Keith Jarrett in high school. He studied jazz in college and further refined his skills at the Aaron Copland School of Music in New York City. There, he performed with jazz greats like Wynton Marsalis, Antonio Hart, and Lage Lund, while also embracing his love for rock and pop by playing at NYC venues and working as a musical director on cruise lines.

After earning a law degree and passing the MA bar, Paul returned to music, serving as musical director for artists on NBC's "The Voice" and touring extensively with Javier Colon and Maroon 5. Now based in the greater Boston area, Paul continues to perform as a musical director and sideman while cultivating a deep passion for teaching. He teaches at various universities, works with JazzEdge, and instructs online adult learners through programs like W.I.S.E. and Framingham State University's Lifelong Learning Program.

Paul focuses on real-world music skills, making music theory fun and practical. He strongly believes in using technology to foster early musical creativity. Paul is married to his wife, Aubrey, and is a father of three homeschooled children. He enjoys long-distance road trips and loves involving his kids in his musical performances.

Nina Ott

Jazzedge Teacher Since 2022

Nina Ott, a Detroit native, grew up in a musical family and began playing piano at age seven. Her early ability to pick out music by ear and her passion for singing in choirs and playing the piano set the foundation for her musical journey. Initially trained as a classical pianist, Nina earned a scholarship and degree in classical piano performance. However, her love for improvisation and jazz led her to shift focus and move to the East Coast, where she immersed herself in the jazz scene, frequently attending live shows in Boston and NYC and drawing inspiration from masters like Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, and Herbie Hancock.

Nina later moved to Chicago, where she became the house pianist at the Green Mill Midnight Jam Session, collaborating with top jazz musicians like George Fludas, Jeff Parker, and Ari Brown. During her time in Providence, RI, Nina discovered Latin Jazz and Salsa while playing with trumpeter Carlos De Leon’s band. She studied percussion to deepen her understanding of the rhythms and has since made Latin music a significant part of her life. Nina now leads her own Latin/Funk Collective, Descargadelic, and continues to explore the rich tapestry of jazz and Latin music.

Anna Rizzo

Jazzedge Teacher Since 2022

Mike Marble

Jazzedge Teacher Since 2018

John McKenna

Jazzedge Teacher Since 2022