Music Lessons
All ages, all styles.
Take your music to the next level
Whether you’re looking to learn a new instrument, improve your skills, or start a band and rehearse alongside the help of a teacher, Downright Music is here to help! We offer lessons for all ages, most instruments, and all musical styles. We also offer the option to write and record your own original music and take it home with you!
Call us at (860)-693-6530 to ask any questions, or to book a time and get started right away!
Meet your teachers
Andrew Decker: Andrew is the owner of Downright Music and has over two decades of experience both teaching and performing music. His unique and original instructional approach has helped many students over the years become great musicians and go on to perform in professional bands. He teaches guitar lessons, bass, drums, piano, singing, performance, group jam classes, recording, songwriting and several other instruments.
"Teaching music has taken me to the next level as a musician. I have learned that when you show someone music, you are rewarded by learning as well. Music has a long history and an unwritten future. I am truly blessed to be apart of it. Thanks to all the people who have shared their music with me."
Cooper Robinson: “Cooper Robinson is a musician from Burlington, Connecticut. He started playing at 9 years old at downright music and continued to play with others from the area since. He is experienced on guitar, bass, and drums, and plays in local bands Ruby Leftstep and Soggy Paper Cups. He also has a lot of experience in recording arts, helping produce local players’ records, along with his own music. Cooper loves teaching people of all ages and hopes to spread his passion for music!”Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Maddy Taylor is a mostly self-taught musician who teaches voice, piano, ukulele, and guitar. At the age of six Maddy began playing music at her grandmother’s piano. Soon she branched out to become a multi-instrumentalist and song writer. Maddy also currently sings in her church worship band and has been writing original music since she was about twelve. She loves being able to connect with students in a fun and inspiring atmosphere.
Austin James: Hartford area multi-instrumentalist, Austin James, has been writing and performing original music for over a decade. His songs blend heartfelt lyrics with blues, soul, rock and folk to create a unique and energetic sound. Austin has shared the stage with national acts including Hawthorne Heights, Needtobreathe, Switchfoot, and Neon Trees; and he has honed his sound touring throughout the United States and Europe. Austin James and his band The Nomads have been performing regularly since 2020, playing around the country as a national touring act, and even being featured in the Freestlye Libre 2 commercial for Abbott Pharmaceutical.
In addition to being a performer, Austin has taught violin, voice, and beginner guitar and piano for almost 2 decades.
Daniel Ravita: is an accomplished music educator and multi-instrumentalist with over 20 years of performing and more than a decade of classroom teaching. He specializes in trumpet and also plays guitar, ukulele, bass, drums, piano, brass and woodwinds. He received his Bachelor of Music in Jazz from Western Connecticut State along with a Master of Music Degree in 2016. Notable performances include playing with the Denver Broncos marching band and with the award winning Colorado Tejano group, Sangre Nueva. As a teacher Daniel works with the unique traits and talents of each student, while helping them build a solid foundation based on good technique, practice habits, and music philosophy.
Angelina Plourde: found her love for music right here at Downright! Starting with piano at just 7 years old, she later expanded her skills to guitar, ukulele, and bass throughout her teenage years. Since then, she has aced college courses in Electronic Music, Guitar, and Piano, with plans to continue broadening her knowledge. For the past 5 years she has dedicated her Sundays to leading live worship with her church band. With a passion for all genres of music, Angelina is eager to promote a creative environment for students to explore and develop their musical potential.
Robbie Nellson: Robbie has been playing drums ever since he was able to walk having grown up in a musical house. He’s been a part of both cover and original groups like The Taste of Sheetrock, The Oliver Morris Band and more. He is extremely talented multi-instrumentalist whose looking forward to sharing as much knowledge as possible! Robbie has a positive teaching style that really inspires his students to love and pursue music.
Corey Rieman: Corey is a professional touring musician, recording artist, and music educator with over 10 years of teaching experience. He is the frontman of Corey Rieman and The Dilemma Band and also owns and operates a recording studio. Corey brings real-world experience in performance, songwriting, recording, and music history and production into his lessons.
Record your best work.
Whether you’re a solo act, or a full band, or just someone who has been taking lessons and is looking to bring their skills to the next level, we offer the option to professionally record and film your favorite songs once they’re complete. Create a fully finished piece (original or cover) to keep for yourself, or to post, share, and grow your following!
Downright teacher, Katie Smith’s official video for her original song “Our Preview”
Downright student band, The River Rats, performing their cover of “Creep” by Radiohead
Downright student band, Human Nature, performing their cover of “1612” by Vulfpeck
Downright student, Hailey Jordan, performing her original song “Overthrown”