About Us

A guitar is sitting on a stage next to a drum set.

Shane Allessio

Brooklyn Music Workshop co-founder Shane Allessio has been teaching music since his Berklee College of Music days in the early 2000’s. Guitar, bass guitar and double bass are his specialties, and he loves sharing his passion for music with kids and adults of all levels. Jazz is his main groove, but he’s spent time with classical orchestras, funk and blues bands, a Tool cover band and everything in between. Shane is also our main in-house composer and transcriber, with decades of experience in both fields. Find out more at shaneallessio.com and search “Shane Allessio” on your favorite streaming service.

A man wearing glasses is playing a bass guitar

Lilac and Willow

Shane’s girls, Lilac and Willow, are a huge part of his musical journey and inspiration. Recorder and guitar specialists, and sometimes business consultants, they’re an integral part of Brooklyn Music Workshop!

A little girl is holding a wooden violin in her hands.
A little girl is sitting in a chair playing a red guitar.

Diane Picariello

Brooklyn Music Workshop co-founder Diane Picariello is not only our PR specialist, but a crucial part of the workshop (seriously, we wouldn’t exist without her) as well as a talented interior decorator and arts and crafts enthusiast.

A woman with long dark hair is taking a selfie in a room.