Meet Our Teachers
Shana Pistilli
My name is Shana Pistilli, M.M.Ed., and I am the founder and CEO of Rubato School of Music. I hold a Master of Music Education degree with a concentration in Autism and Inclusive Education from Berklee College of Music. As a music educator, I believe that every student, regardless of physical, intellectual, or communication differences, deserves the opportunity to discover and explore their potential as a musician.
Throughout my career, I have seen how music can create confidence, connection, and belonging. To me, the goal of music education is not only to develop an appreciation for the music of others, but also to help students discover and shape their own musical identity. Through Rubato School of Music, I strive to create inclusive, accessible learning environments where students feel supported, empowered, and celebrated for who they are. I truly believe that every individual can be impacted in a meaningful way through music and the arts.
Rose Olesen
Rose Olesen is an instrumental and composition instructor, performer, and composer based in Philadelphia.
A graduate of The University of the Arts with a degree in Music Composition, Rose has since been involved in a variety of musical projects, from pop rock to jazz fusion, both as a performer and a composer. She has written, arranged, and orchestrated music for a wide range of ensembles, collaborating on many recordings, including her own work and projects for others.
With over a decade of teaching experience, Rose has taught guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, mandolin, piano, organ, percussion, drum set, composition, songwriting, music theory, improvisation, and recording/mixing. She continues to release her own music, produce for local artists, and teach private lessons. She also performs regularly with Featherbird, a funk band that has held a residency at Chris’s Jazz Café since 2022. In her spare time, Rose enjoys exploring music history, Western classical music, and philosophy, which continues to enrich both her creative and teaching endeavors.
Rose's approach to teaching is shaped by her interest in how people learn and develop musically. Drawing from her philosophical studies, she pays close attention to where each student is in their learning process, carefully crafting lessons that guide them from their current understanding toward a fuller mastery of their instrument or musical concept. By focusing on the student’s own interests and goals, Rose helps them build confidence while gradually weaving in lessons on technique, musicality, and composition.
