A voice and piano teacher since age 14, this Long Island woman opened up a music school last year

Along Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station, a steady stream of young musicians, singers, and curious beginners walk through the doors of IntermezzoStudio each afternoon. Some carry instrument cases. Others arrive with nothing more than curiosity. Inside, the sounds of piano scales, vocal warmups, and laughter weave together—a reminder that learning music is as much about exploration as it is about technique.

Photo byIntermezzoStudio

For founder Isabella Scarpa, that spirit of exploration started early.

She began teaching voice and piano when she was only 14 years old. At first, it wasn’t a formal business. She taught siblings, neighbors, and friends simply because she loved music and wanted others to experience the same joy she felt while performing and practicing.

Over time, those informal lessons began to grow. What started as a hobby slowly became something more structured. By May 2025, when Isabella graduated from Stony Brook University, her home-based studio had already grown to around 40 students.

Photo byIntermezzoStudio

The idea of opening a full music school had always been in the back of her mind. When the opportunity finally appeared, she took it.

In September 2025, Isabella officially opened IntermezzoStudio, a place where students could learn music and theatre under one roof while working with a team of instructors specializing in different instruments and performance styles.

The name itself carries layered meaning. In music, an “intermezzo” refers to a short connecting instrumental movement within a larger composition. For Isabella, the word represents the moments between notes and scenes—the effort, growth, and discovery that happen along the journey to a finished performance.

“It’s about appreciating the work that goes into creating something,” she explains.

The name also holds a personal touch: the initials of IntermezzoStudio match Isabella Scarpa’s own initials, a detail students and families often enjoy discovering.

Photo byIntermezzoStudio

From the beginning, Isabella envisioned the studio as a collaborative and welcoming space. The teaching team reflects that energy—young instructors who are recent graduates in music, education, or performance, with some continuing advanced studies toward master’s or doctoral degrees.

Rather than following a rigid curriculum, lessons at IntermezzoStudio are entirely student-centered. Teachers adapt their approach based on each student’s goals, musical interests, and learning style. Classical pieces might share the same lesson schedule as pop songs, Broadway numbers, or jazz improvisation.

The philosophy is simple: music should meet students where they are.

That flexibility has helped the studio attract a wide range of learners. Toddlers attend group classes exploring basic musical concepts. School-aged students work toward recitals and performances. Adults rediscover instruments they once played years ago. Some students are even in their 80s, proving that the desire to learn music has no age limit.

Photo byIntermezzoStudio

In less than six months, IntermezzoStudio has grown to more than 100 students—a milestone Isabella credits to both community support and strong marketing partnerships. FraSca Design Group, located on the top floor of the same building, has helped the studio establish its presence locally while word-of-mouth referrals continue to spread the news.

Starting a business at a young age comes with challenges, particularly when it comes to marketing and visibility. But Isabella says the encouragement from students and families has made the effort worthwhile.

“My favorite part of running the studio is meeting people I never would have met otherwise,” she says. “Students, families, other business owners—it’s been amazing building a community.”

Photo byIntermezzoStudio

That community is centered around performance. Recitals play a major role in the studio’s programming, offering students the chance to share their progress and experience the thrill of performing in front of an audience. A recital scheduled for May 31 will showcase students’ work, but Isabella hopes to expand these events into themed performances throughout the year.

The studio is also launching its Musical Pathways: Music Exploration summer camp—a week-long program designed to introduce young musicians to a variety of instruments through hands-on learning. Early registration is available through the studio’s website, along with affordable $25 trial lessons that allow new students to experience the environment before committing.

For Isabella, IntermezzoStudio is more than a music school. It’s a place where creativity, confidence, and connection grow alongside technical skill.

In the spaces between the notes—the intermezzo moments—students discover something lasting: a love of music that can follow them for a lifetime.

IntermezzoStudio
📍 590 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
📆 Opened: September 2025
👩‍🏫 Founder: Isabella Scarpa
🎼 Concept: Student-Centered Music & Theatre Education Studio
🎹 Specialty: Voice, Piano, Instrumental Lessons & Group Music Classes for All Ages
🎭 Programs: Recitals, Themed Performances, Trial Lessons & Youth Music Camps
💛 Mission: Inspire students of all ages to explore music while building confidence, creativity, and community
🌎 Vision: Expand performance opportunities and programs while nurturing a welcoming artistic space for lifelong learners