Music

The Dryden Center for Community has space for lessons, individual and group practice, and performances. If you are a teacher in our community and or know of someone looking for a space to teach, let us know!

Here is the list of current teachers here at the DCC:

Guitar

Dan Forsyth is no stranger to writing and performing original music for the stage. As a founding member and primary singer-songwriter of the folk band Driftwood, he has spent over 20 years crafting songs, touring, and connecting with audiences through storytelling and musicianship.

Drawing from decades of real-world experience as a performing artist, Dan brings a practical, inspiring approach to teaching guitar. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, his lessons focus on helping students develop confidence, creativity, and a genuine love for music.

Dan is currently welcoming new guitar students of all ages and skill levels to join his studio. Please contact him at daniel4syth@gmail.com for more information.

Organ

Stephanie Ortolano is our organ instructor. Stephanie has been a church organist since her early teens and studied with Bruce Smith, Stephen Best, and Annette Richards. She is currently the organist at Freeville United Methodist Church and served as organist and Music Director at First Unitarian Society of Ithaca for 14 years. Please contact her at sortolano@gmail.com to set up a time to tour the organ at the Dryden Center for Community and find out about lessons.