About Downingtown Music Academy
At Downingtown Music Academy, we offer a wide range of music lessons to help you in whatever instrument or concepts you want to focus on. Call today.
Humble Beginnings
Downingtown Music Academy started in 2013 and has since been helping students achieve their musical goals, fast, for the past 10 years. Rosalind Hayes began teaching lessons towards the conclusion of her master’s degree program while pregnant with her first son. Over the years the studio grew until we opened our first physical location in 2020. Teaching and building a business with three children has not been the easiest task for her, but it is her great joy to bring music to the community and instill confidence and success in budding musicians.
During COVID we had the pleasure of teaching students internationally and even writing a six-month vocal course used on a multi-million dollar music app, Tonara.
Our studio has been voted the best in Downingtown three years in a row since 2019! We’ve won awards on Thumbtack and on Alignable for 2020 best Downingtown business out of 900 businesses on the site. Most Recently we won the Best of Mainline 2021.
We are committed to creating a culture that emphasizes community, convenience, and collaboration among our students. Our holistic approach to lessons incorporates recitals, community performances, personalized lesson experiences, and an efficient method for monitoring and motivating students to practice at home.
Throughout the years we have performed throughout the community and partnered with other like-minded businesses including the annual Halloween boo bash at Kerr Park, fall performances with Highland Orchards, and the national anthem with the Wilmington Blue Rocks.
Watch A Testimonial View All Testimonials
Our Instructor: Rosalind Hayes
Rosalind Hayes has been teaching since 2012 when she first started at the AIM Academy in Conshohocken, working with kids with special needs and learning disabilities.
In 2011, she completed her undergraduate degree in voice performance from the highly acclaimed Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. She graduated from the honors program with a minor in psychology, Summa Cum Laude. Following this, she completed her graduate degree in Music Therapy from Drexel University in 2013 while pregnant with her first son and graduated with honors. She also completed both a master’s and bachelor’s theses on the transfer effects of learning a musical instrument.
She started Downingtown Music Academy Lessons in 2013 and since that time, has led studio participation in many Chester County-based community performances, including workshops, masters classes, non-profit concerts, music festivals, farmers markets, and more. Her students have gone on to perform in NYC and to achieve admission into acclaimed music education programs like Temple University. Her students have also achieved notable success getting sizable parts in community theater programs, solos in school concerts, and even winning awards for songwriting. Ms. Hayes has also performed personally at several world-renowned venues such as the Kimmel Center and Carnegie Hall. She also completed a six-month vocal course for Tonara, a seven-figure international music learning company and app.
Qualifications List
- Westminster Choir College Magna Cum Laude 2011
- Drexel University MA in Music Therapy 2013
- Downingtown Music Teacher of the Year 2019, 2020
- Best Business Owner Alignable of Downingtown 2020
- Best of Mainline 2021
Meet the Team
Our talented instructors bring years of professional experience in teaching and performing. Each member of our team is passionate about helping students grow, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of music. Whether you're just starting out or refining advanced skills, our instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.
Rosalind Hayes
Rosalind Hayes is a dedicated music educator, performer, and founder of Downingtown Music Academy Lessons. She earned her undergraduate degree in Voice Performance from Westminster Choir College, graduating summa cum laude with a minor in psychology, and later completed a master’s degree in Music Therapy at Drexel University. Since 2013, she has guided students to success in performances, theater roles, and prestigious music programs while actively performing at renowned venues such as the Kimmel Center and Carnegie Hall.
Jason Mannheimer
Jason Mannheimer began guitar at age 11, studying at The Newtown School of Music and Coyle’s Richboro Music before advancing as a self-taught musician. He studied Music Education and Performance at Bucks County Community College and Montgomery County Community College.
Jason is a multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and educator with over 30 years of professional experience with teaching and performing. Trained in guitar from age 11 and later self-taught on bass guitar, drums, and ukulele. He has performed nationwide and internationally in more than 30 different bands and projects. He has over 20 years’ experience playing guitar, bass and drums. His teaching experience consists of 14 years on bass, 5 years on drums, and 3 years on ukulele.
As a singer-songwriter and seasoned performer, Jason brings a friendly, detail-focused approach to teaching, tailoring lessons to each student’s skill level. He has taught ages 4 and up in both private and group settings, creating engaging, personalized learning experiences
Rachel Massay
Rachel is a classically-trained violinist, violist, and actor-musician based in the Philadelphia area. Rachel has taught privately and in schools since 2008 and is Suzuki certified through Book 4. Rachel is also an active freelancer and regularly performs with orchestras such as Allentown Symphony Orchestra, Bay Atlantic Symphony, Reading Symphony, and with theaters such as Arden Theatre, Delaware Theatre Company, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, and People's Light. Rachel received her training through Denver University, Longy School of Music, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Kevin Guttilla
Kevin Guttilla is a professional piano teacher, certifiedMusic Together instructor, and board-eligible music therapist known for his holistic and supportive teaching style. For Kevin, the piano lesson is a welcoming space for creative exploration and personal growth, free from the anxiety of perfection.
With a comprehensive background in both traditional instruction and therapeutic settings, Kevin has taught one-on-one lessons and group classes in diverse environments—from private studios to specialized healthcare facilities. This deep experience allows him to bring a uniquely compassionate and responsive approach to the keyboard, particularly with students requiring tailored support, such as those with developmental disabilities.
Kevin holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from West Chester University. He is committed to nurturing each student's love for music, building lasting joy and confidence in their abilities. Kevin lives locally in Malvern, PA, and looks forward to sharing his expertise with the studio's community.
Our Testimonials
Jennifer BachSep 08, 2025
My daughter takes ukulele lessons with Rosalind. She had no music experience and started when she was 7 years old. Rosalind is a great teacher and creates a learning environment that makes it fun and engaging. My daughter has learned so much and really looks forward to her lessons!
Carlo UrsalSep 04, 2025
Rosalind is an amazing teacher that really tailors the exercises and practices to you. She is able to articulate what each exercise does and point out things that you didn't even notice. Overall fantastic and amazing lessons
usha krishnakumarSep 03, 2025
We truly appreciate Ms.Rosalind's hard work, kind with the students especially with the beautiful recitals she organizes twice a year. They're such a great experience for all the students. We also wanted to thank you for making summer lessons so interesting. The practice challenges she sets up are a fantastic way to keep the students motivated and we've seen my son's skills grow so much because of them. Your efforts really make a difference. We have been so impressed that we wouldn't hesitate to recommend you to anyone looking for an incredible piano teacher.
Keeza ErgaAug 31, 2025
My child has been taking piano lessons with Rosalind for the past four months, and I've already seen noticeable improvement. Rosalind has a fantastic way of making each lesson fun and engaging—she uses games and rewards to keep kids motivated and excited to learn. Because of her creative approach, my child genuinely looks forward to lessons each week. What’s really impressive is that my child is now able to read music notes independently and play both hands together, which is a big step! As someone who believes in the benefits of music education, I also appreciate how piano playing challenges both sides of the brain—each hand plays its own rhythm and part, which can be tricky at first. But with consistent practice and Rosalind’s excellent guidance, it becomes easier, and the cognitive benefits really start to show. Highly recommend Rosalind for anyone looking to start their child on piano in a supportive and enriching environment.
Write Your Review
Get In Touch With Us
Ready to book your first appointment?
Rosalind - Guitar, Music Theory, Piano, Ukulele, & Voice
Rosalind Hayes is a dedicated music educator and accomplished instructor who is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop strong musical skills, and achieve their personal goals through engaging, personalized lessons.
Book with Rosalind View BioKevin - Piano
Kevin Guttilla is a compassionate piano teacher and board-eligible music therapist who creates a supportive, judgment-free environment where students of all abilities can explore music, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love for the piano.
Book with Kevin View BioJason - Guiter, Bass, Drums, & Ukelele
Jason Mannheimer is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and experienced educator with over 30 years of performing and teaching experience who provides engaging, personalized lessons in guitar, bass, drums, and ukulele for students of all ages and skill levels.
Book with Jason View BioRachel - Violin & Viola
Rachel is a classically trained violinist, violist, and actor-musician who has been teaching since 2008 and actively performs with regional orchestras and theaters throughout the Philadelphia area while providing Suzuki-based instruction for students of all levels.
Book with Rachel View Bio