Tony Pepoli



Title: Guitar (acoustic and electric) and Ukulele Instructor
  
Skill Level: Guitar – Beginner & Intermediate; Ukulele – Beginner
 
Genres: Contemporary – Rock, Pop, Folk
 
Education: B.S. in Education, Kutztown University; Master of Education, Lebanon Valley College; Military Veteran
 
BIO:

Tony began playing guitar at age 10, taking lessons from a Catholic priest who ran a music store in his hometown of Shenandoah, PA.  Then as a teenager, he had the great good fortune to meet Richard Bindi, a very accomplished guitarist who had moved back to town after a career as a studio musician for such notable acts as Miles Davis and Chicago.  Tony ended up studying guitar with Richard throughout his middle and high school years.  Under his tutelage, Tony was exposed to the world of jazz and contemporary music that set the tone for a lifetime of musical proficiency and enjoyment.

In the late 1980’s into the 90’s, Tony played in various college bands, but he is best known in the Harrisburg area as a member of the band HotWingJones from 2001 until they dissolved in 2016.  Tony played lead and rhythm guitar, did some singing and was a primary songwriter for the group.  They released two albums produced by Bret Alexander of the Badlees and performed on stage with national acts including Tommy Conwell and Grammy-winner Chris Thomas King.  A very popular local band, HotWingJones was named Simply The Best and Reader’s Poll Winners by Harrisburg Magazine multiple times.

Tony has been teaching guitar professionally for 25 years.  He got his start while working as a science teacher at Saint Theresa’s in New Cumberland.  He began giving guitar lessons after school and his student base quickly grew.  He later taught at State Street Academy in Harrisburg for about 7 years where he had a full schedule of after-school guitar students.  He left that position several years ago so that he could spend more time with his family.  He continued teaching a limited number of students at his house, but now that both his kids are in college, Tony’s really looking forward to once again teaching in a music school environment.

Even at his day job at Bermudian Springs Middle School, Tony incorporates music into the lessons.  He elaborates, “I believe that music is a common thread that brings all people together regardless of their background.  I’ve been incorporating music into my regular middle school academic science classes with much success for the last 20 years.  The kids know me as the science teacher who plays guitar and sings.  I encourage my students to create songs of all styles, especially rap and hip-hop to help them learn science content.”

Tony’s knowledge, skills and abilities as a musician, combined with his experience as a professional educator make him a perfect fit for KMAC.  We are thrilled to have him on our team!