Our Story
The idea for Next Level Music Academy grew out of John Waynelovich and Sara Holmes teaching private lessons in the attic at Ja’Duke. Over time, their rosters grew and they found that having each other as a resource to bounce ideas and collaborate lead to better outcomes for students and teachers.
The construction of the new Ja’Duke Theater presented a new opportunity; what if we could create a music school here in Turners Falls tailored for individual student goals? What new student experiences and opportunities could we create? Next Level Music Academy was born.
Meet The Team
John Waynelovich
Founder & Piano
John has over a decade of experience teaching and performing. Primarily a pianist, he toured with roots rock band Barefoot Truth after obtaining a BA in music education/jazz studies from Westfield University. With a huge passion for piano and music, he has inspired dozens of students to grow as proficient pianists/music students. In his hours not teaching you can find him performing/touring the country with some of top choreographers on JUMP Dance convention or producing for his fitness music company Tabata Songs.
Sara Paige
Voice and Administration
Sara Paige is a graduate of Gordon College, where she earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a specialization in vocal production. A dedicated advocate for healthy, sustainable vocal technique, Sara is passionate about cultivating each singer’s unique sound and artistic identity.
She completed her classical training under esteemed soprano Katherine Whyte of the Metropolitan Opera, refining a strong technical foundation that informs both her teaching and performance work.
In addition to her role at NLMA, Sara is the voice instructor Ja'Duke Center for the Performing Arts, where she has taught the choral classes, Disney performance troupes, and music-directed numerous musical theatre productions. When she is not teaching, she continues to perform on the state-of-the-art stage at the Ja'Duke Theater, bringing her artistry and experience full circle from educator to performer.
Dan Holmes
Drums
Dan Holmes has been playing drums since the third grade. Originally from Upton, MA, he is a Westfield State graduate with Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Studies.
Dan recently relocated back to Western Massachusetts after living in Nashville, TN, working as a touring musician for ten years with artists Elizabeth Cook, Andrew Leahey and others. Over these years, he has shared the stage and/or worked with talents such as Willie Nelson, John Oates, Butch Walker, Savion Glover, Wade Robson, and many more. Locally, you may have seen on stage with hometown heroes
Barefoot Truth or Jamie Kent.
Dan is beyond excited to be a part of Next Level Music Academy. He is ready to bring the beat to aspiring drummers of all ages and abilities!
Kimberly Williams
Operations and Owner
Kimberly, sister to John Waynelovich, is a passionate force behind the performing arts in Franklin County and beyond. As the heart and soul of all things JaDuke, she has dedicated her life to inspiring creativity, cultivating talent, and bringing the magic of theater to life. With a rich background in musical theater and a deep love for singing, dancing, and acting, Kimberly’s experience on and off the stage spans decades. Her greatest joy comes from watching students blossom—discovering their potential, growing in confidence, and shining brightly in the spotlight. She lives in Montague with her husband Mike and four children.
Jake Goldstein
Piano, Guitar & Ukelele
Jake Goldstein has been fully immersed with music at a very young age. In college, he received his bachelors of arts in music from Franklin Pierce University, graduating in 2012. Jake worked at Berkshire Hills Music Academy, a private music school in South Hadley, assisting with adults with disabilities in teaching music.
Currently, Jake is teaching and going to school for music therapy, tying his two favorite careers together—music and helping others. Besides work, Jake enjoys playing music under his performing name “Jukebox Jake”, taking nature pictures, going for long distance bike rides, and spending time with his friends, children, and family.
Suzanne O'Gara
Voice
Suzanne is thrilled to be joining the Next Level Music staff, bringing with her over two decades of experience teaching and performing. Having graduated from the James J Whalen School of Music at Ithaca College (BM, Vocal Performance, minor in Dance, 2001), Suzanne has run private vocal studios on Long Island and in the greater Phoenix, AZ area before relocating to Western MA a few years ago.
During her years in NYC, she studied with Linda Larson and the late Christopher Cain, coached with Bruce Stasyna, Joshua Greene, and Louis Menendez, and performed Coloratura soprano roles such as Oscar in "Un Ballo in Maschera" (Burgas, Bulgaria), Franca in "The Light in the Piazza" (Smithtown PAC), and Queen of the Night in "Die Zauberflote". Most recently, Suzanne has been seen performing at JaDuke Theater as Grace Farrell in "Annie"!