Peak Music Studios
Inspiring Artists, One Note at a Time
Welcome to Peak Music Studios, co-owned by Jeff and Crystal Moore, passionate musicians and trained educators. With their deep expertise in both music and teaching, Jeff and Crystal have created a nurturing environment where students not only learn to play and sing but also truly understand and connect with their music.
At Peak Music Studios, located in the heart of Latham, we proudly offer high-quality voice, guitar, and songwriting education for children and adults. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an advanced musician fine-tuning your craft, our certified and Berklee College of Music-trained instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.
We foster a welcoming environment where students can dream big and grow into extraordinary artists. From private lessons to ensemble performances, we’re dedicated to nurturing creativity and helping each student find their unique voice.
But music is more than just practice—it’s about sharing with the community. Peak Music Studios regularly performs at local charity events and venues, giving our students the opportunity to showcase their talents while giving back.
This December, we’re thrilled to present Peak Music’s Finding Christmas: A Rock n Roll Holiday Extravaganza at the historic Palace Theater in Albany. This festive event will not only showcase a diverse lineup of performances from our talented students but will also benefit Building on Love, a local charity that provides financial assistance to families facing medical crises. Together, we can celebrate the holiday spirit while supporting a great cause.
Nevaeh Anderson
Hi, my name is Nevaeh, and I’m 10 years old. I love singing, playing softball, and shopping at Ulta!
Adriana Barker
Adriana has always enjoyed singing and being on stage. She has been in three musicals and several concerts. She loves hanging out with her friends, snowboarding, and playing with her pets!
Teia Benincasa
Teia has been interested in singing for a few years. This is her first year with Peak Music Studios. She has been on a dance competition team with Dance Dimensions for five years.
Tyler Bowers
I started playing electric guitar in November of 2023 at Peak Music Studios. It’s been a really great journey. My favorite things about guitar is learning my favorite songs or even writing my own songs. Some of my favorite songs to play on guitar are master of puppets by Metallica, heart shaped box by Nirvana, and given up by Linkin Park.
Joseph Burgos
Joseph is an 11th-grade student with a passion for history and a love of music. His musical journey began in 3rd grade with the French horn, followed by percussion mallets in 4th grade. By 6th grade, Joseph had picked up the ukulele and guitar, and he hasn’t looked back since. As a guitar student at Peak Music Studios, Joseph continues to develop his skills and share his love for music. When he’s not practicing, you can find him enjoying Roblox or lifting weights at the gym. Joseph is excited to bring his energy and talent to the stage!
Miranda Carr
Miranda is a sophomore at Shaker High School. Aside from singing, Miranda enjoys art, computer games, shopping, and spending time with friends. Miranda has a special love for music and aspires to continue her musical education well into the future.
Eva Corbett
Eva Corbett is excited to return to the Palace Theater for the Peak Music Christmas show in support of Building on Love. Eva has been a proud member of the Peak Music Family for three years and has developed a colorful, outgoing stage presence to match her ever-growing and engaging vocal talents. With great tenacity and resilience Eva strives to excel in all that she does in and out of the studio. A 13 year old eighth grade student, Eva takes accelerated studies, viola and successfully competes in track.
Derick Defreest
Derick Defreest is a 17-year-old high school senior with plans to become a music teacher. With 12 years of singing experience and a deep love for music, he has already made a name for himself as a multi-award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist. Derick has been a cherished part of Peak Music Studios for six years, embracing every moment of his musical journey. His dynamic performances captivate audiences, showcasing his passion and talent. A constant source of encouragement and inspiration, his grandmother—fondly known as his "Grandmanager"—plays a key role in his success. As he prepares to attend college in the fall, Derick continues to share his love for music with every note he sings. Get ready to be entertained by this extraordinary young performer!
Kevin George
Kevin George is in 10th grade and loves music, art, and basketball. He is a very creative young man and loves to draw sports figures. He has been studying guitar at Peak Music for about 6 months and is very quick learner. Kevin has a bright future in the music and arts!
Bill Gonzales
Bill is from Castleton, New York, and his lifelong love of music and desire to play guitar came together when he began retirement. He enjoys all genres of music, especially the oldies, and pursues his passion at open mics or simply jamming with friends.
Bianca Guedes
Bianca is 12 years old and has loved music ever since she was little. She enjoys hanging out with her friends and loves math. It is her best subject. During her free time she enjoys writing in her journal and listening to her favorite songs.
Allison Ferracane
Alison Ferracane is 13 years old and has been singing with Peak Music for three years. Her favorite song to perform is the Star Spangled Banner, and she sings it nearly every day. She also loves rock music and is learning the electric guitar at Peak Music. Allie enjoys entertaining others with the goal of having fun and spreading joy and happiness.
Cora Fredette
Cora Fredette is a senior at Shen High School who plans to study theater tech in college. She loves Broadway musicals and has been involved in musical theater for several years. She recently had a leading role in SIX the Musical. She has been a voice student with Peak Music for four years, and is a wonderful entertainer with a powerful voice and stage presence.
Frankie Graven
Francesca (Frankie) Graven is 7 years old and passionate for all types of music. In the car, on a walk or doing her homework, Frankie can often be heard carrying a tune wherever she goes. Since joining peak music studios over a year ago, Frankie’s skills and passion have grown significantly and with it her ability to “hit the high notes.”
Ann Horton
Music has always been a part of my life. Some of my earliest memories are singing along as my grandmother played the piano. Throughout school and high school, I was actively involved in musicals, stage crews, and my church choir, all of which helped me develop my abilities and deepen my love for music. After some time away, I’ve returned to my passion for music, collaborating with Peak Music and Dark Ballet on memorable projects like Out of the Darkness and this year’s Heavy Metal Christmas. The incredible team at Peak Music Studios has been instrumental in helping me rediscover and refine my musical talents. I’m excited to share this journey and my love for music with others!
Jess Knapp-Laws
Guitarist/vocalist Jess Knapp believes in the power of music to connect people from all walks of life. Piano lessons at an early age prompted a continuous stream of musical pursuits throughout her academic career and beyond. A classical vocal background ultimately evolved into a calling to gritty punk and rock and roll. When not in the studio, Knapp can be found in the barn with her horse, River of Dreams (derived from the Billy Joel song of the same name....not quite punk but solid nonetheless).
Sunny Le
Raised in Greenville, North Carolina, Sunny Le is an Engineer at a toothpaste manufacturer in Greene County, NY. Outside of work, Sunny is passionate about music, especially R&B, pop, and indie genres. Influenced by artists like Chappell Roan, Dominic Fike, Lloyd, and Frank Ocean, Sunny finds great joy in both performing and creating music. With the support of mentors Jeff and Crystal, Sunny has grown significantly throughout this musical journey, blending hard work with a genuine love for singing.
Julie Mae
Julie Mae is a capital region native. She is a compassionate advocate and an eternal student of life. She loves to spread the spirit, joy and light; Especially when playing her flute and while singing, encouraging self expression and creativity. Raising loving awareness for her family’s genetic aortic and vascular condition, Vascular Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (vEDS) is near and dear to her heart ❤️ (quite literally!)
With the love, guidance, friendship and support of Crystal and Jeff - Julie is growing and finding her voice.
Teagan Mann
Teagan has always loved music and started with singing and humming to the melody of "Annie" at two years old. She started performing musical theater when she was eight years old, beginning with Annie and has since broadened her musical palette with all genres of music. Most recently, Teagan learned the bass to play the role of Katie in SLOC's production of School of Rock. You can find Teagan singing along to 80s rock and pop songs wherever she goes.
Gianna Marascia
Gianna has been singing pretty much since she came into this world and started Peak Music voice lessons in September. She loves Taylor Swift, and can always be heard belting out a tune around the house. Gianna also enjoys listening to music while doing chores like folding her laundry.
Ann McAvoy
My earliest memories include my dad at the piano playing everything from Beethoven to Gershwin. I discovered at an early age that I could play piano by ear – so began a lifetime love of playing piano and developing my passion for all types of music.
Jeff Moore
Jeff Moore has been a passionate musician since childhood, starting with piano at a young age, writing his first song at 6, and continuing with decades of voice and guitar studies under world masters. His deep commitment to music comes from a desire to express the deepest emotions and creativity, and he now shares that passion with his students at Peak Music Studios. From voice science to composing for movement (currently collaborating with Skidmore College Ballet), Jeff’s approach blends technical mastery with artistic expression.
Crystal Dea Moore
From singing in her childhood church to jamming on guitar with her nephew at family gatherings, Crystal Moore’s deep connection with music has enriched her life and shaped her career. Her passion shines through in her bass playing, lyric composition, and dedication to music education. With an M.A. MSW, and PhD as well as a professional certificate from Berklee College of Music, Crystal’s unique blend of academic knowledge and creative insight empowers students to grow as artists and individuals.
Elias Motley
Elias is 12 years old. He started with Peak Music studio in June of 2021. Elias also plays the trumpet in his middle school band. Elias is very proud of his Guyanese heritage. Elias loves anime, cats, and Roblox.
Ashlynn Palmer
Ashlynn Palmer is 11 years old and has been singing since she was 3 years old. That same year, she appeared in a music video featuring a song that was written for and inspired by her. In addition to her passion for music, she’s a 6th grader at Shaker Middle School who loves playing basketball. Ashlynn is a giving and caring girl, and is very happy to be raising money for Building on Love during this holiday season.
Evelyn Peters
Hey! I’m Evelyn Peters, and I’m in seventh grade. My hobbies are drawing, acting, and dancing—and of course I love to sing! My favorite Broadway shows are Legally Blonde, Mean Girls, and Hamilton. I have many special Christmas memories, but I like when my family gets our Christmas tree each year. Every year on the day after Thanksgiving we go and cut down our tree. We spend a long time looking for the perfect tree that we can all agree to cut.
JJ Petry
JJ has wanted to play guitar since he was 5. He joined Peak Music in November and is loving it. His favorite band is Dropkick Murphys. He also enjoys tap dancing, break dancing and video games.
Aubreigh Premeaux
Aubreigh, AKA, Aubs, is 8 years old from Mechanicville, NY. She has shown her interest in performing for quite some time, always singing and dancing whenever she hears a beat! We were lucky to join the Peak family last September. Aubs favorite singer is Taylor Swift and admires her for both her singing and her kindness to others. One of Aubs best qualities is her big heart! She loves making new friends and making others happy. In her spare time, she loves arts and crafts, eating lots of snacks, taking walks with her Mom, and playing video games with her Dad. Aubs is grateful to be a part of the Christmas show this year for a second time.
Juliana Pucci
Juliana Pucci is 7 years old and absolutely loves to sing. She began her music journey at a young age, and since joining Peak Music nearly one year ago, her enthusiasm for music and singing has grown substantially, and with it, her passion to perform. There isn’t a moment where Juliana is not singing or dancing at home, and she especially loves singing duets with her mom.
Santa Rick
I am a retired Social Worker with 30 years of experience with Children and Family Services. I have worked with children of all abilities and their families. I started out playing Santa for my granddaughter and delivering gifts for the Adopt-a-Family program in Albany County and now both volunteer and perform as Santa during the holiday season. My goal is to make your holiday one to remember!
Reese Rumble
Reese 'The Reesester' has been with Peak Music Studios for just over a year. This smart and spunky kid is passionate about singing, soccer, and spending time with family and friends.
Lily Stone
I’ve been seeking for as long as I can remember. It has been a constant as I try new things such as drama, cross country, writing, and even when I moved across the country from California to New York. After the move I started at Peak Music Studios. It was love at first song! The Peak Music community was so welcoming, and welcoming to my friends, too, as they joined. They are so supportive me and my voice. I love singing and Peak Music!
Honesty Tolliver
I have been in love with the performing arts since the age of 4, modeling, dancing, and singing. What I enjoy most is ballet and hope to one day become a professional ballerina. I discovered my voice in kindergarten singing my first solo "Lift Every Voice" at my graduation. I am smart, kind, open-minded, love to dance and try new things.
Chuck VanZandt
Chuck VanZandt is the rhythm guitarist for the band Dark Ballet and a long-time student at Peak Music. Checks biggest musical influence includes the late Dime Bag Darrell of Pantera, and he plays Dime’s signature flying V. When he’s not rocking out, you’ll likely find Chuck watching horror movies and hanging with his family.
Maanasa Vijayaraghavan
Maanasa is a junior at Shaker High School with a lifelong passion for music. She plays the violin and piano and, of course, loves to sing. Recently rejoining Peak Music Studios, Maanasa is excited to embrace new opportunities to grow as a musician. Her favorite music genres are R&B and indie, reflecting her diverse musical tastes. In her free time, she enjoys reading, drawing, playing violin, and singing!
Julia Wojcik
I have always loved to sing and dance and have been taking voice lessons for almost 4 years now. Singing makes me happy. I love performing on stage with my friends. The best feeling is making my family smile when I’m singing.
Selena Wu
Selena Wu is Peak Music’s Studio Assistant and Social Media Manager. She is a sophomore at Skidmore College with a double major in music and English. In addition to her incredible talents as a video editor and producer, Selena is an experienced violinist, vocalist, and is now turning her musical attention to the guitar. Selena’s on stage performance during the show is short, but serves as a glimpse into the five-year long running bit she has with her friends that the only song she will sing between the months of November and January is All I Want for Christmas is You. Her friends are hoping that since she gets to sing it on the Palace Theatre stage this year, she will finally shut up for good.
Nicole Zieba
Nicole Zieba is 7 years old and full of energy and craziness! She has been with Peak Music Studios for the past 7 months, and she loves it. Nicole has had a passion for singing since she was 6 years old. Besides singing, she enjoys swimming, boat tubing, fishing, and relaxing on the family boat. When she is not in the water, she loves mushroom picking, camping, and bike riding. Nicole loves nature and animals but at the same time she likes to go bowling, going to movies, and the water park.
Meet the Performers of Peak Music Studios
Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and we are so proud of the work they have put into this show. From aspiring singers to seasoned guitarists, each performer brings their unique talents to the stage.