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 & Director
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
Sara Paige graduated from Gordon College with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education with a specialization in vocal production. She believes in the importance of vocal technique and celebrates the uniqueness of each individual voice. Sara was trained classically under the NY Metropolitan Opera's own, soprano Katherine Whyte. Currently, In addition to teaching at NLMA, she is the Choral Director at Pioneer Valley Regional High School and teaches voice at Ja'Duke Center for the Performing Arts. She has also directed and music-directed musical such as Savage the Musical, Into the Woods Jr at Pioneer Valley Regional School, Descendants at JCPA, and Newsies at Beverly High School. She has also landed roles in several productions including Tracey in Hairspray, Wednesday Adams in The Adams Family, and several others. She has also performed works by Manuel de Falla, Mozart, Schumann, and others. She is excited to be a part of the Next Level Music Academy Team!
Garret Grant
Piano
Garrett Grant has played piano for nearly 30 years with styles and experience deriving from a church and classical music background. As a teacher he believes each student is unique and tailors his lessons to fit the students ability and desires. His teaching philosophy focuses on playing rather than exercises to teach technique and skill making it a more fun and engaging experience.
Kimberly Williams
Operations and Aministration
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.
Dominic Lewis
Guitar & Ukelele
After 10 years of studying both guitar/ukulele, Dom has begun to share his knowledge and passion for music with several students in the Pioneer Valley. After 2 years of teaching private instruction, he has slowly integrated his love for music production and recording into his teaching. Many of his students also get a front row seat into songwriting and how songs are recorded! When he's not teaching you can find him in the producer chair for Next Level Records making music for Tabata Songs and several other up and coming artists in the area, including his own music!
Streeter Elliott
Piano/Voice
Streeter is a passionate and experienced music educator with a Bachelor of Music from the University of Maine. He offers personalized voice and piano lessons with a focus on pop, jazz, and musical theatre styles. With specialized training in vocal anatomy and technique, Streeter helps students understand how their voices work so they can sing with confidence, freedom, and healthy
habits from the start.
Lessons are engaging, supportive, and tailored to each student’s goals—whether that’s building strong fundamentals, preparing for auditions, or simply having fun with music. Streeter believes in meeting students where they are, nurturing curiosity, and using music as a tool for personal growth, dedication, and self-expression.
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!