About Ipswich River Music Academy

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Tom and Cinthya Groleau were searching for the perfect property to raise their growing family when they discovered a unique home on the Ipswich River in North Reading. This location is not only close to the public school system and local amenities but also presents an ideal opportunity to create the Ipswich River Music Academy, where they can offer engaging music classes and contribute to the vibrant business community of North Reading and beyond. Tom, a lifelong professional musician, found teaching to be a natural extension of his passion for music. This shared love for music quickly bonded Cinthya and Tom, a passion they have nurtured throughout their lives. Cinthya has enjoyed singing since childhood, making music a vital aspect of her life. She holds multiple degrees, including a Juris Doctor in Law, and is currently employed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Tom Groleau, one of the co-owners of the Ipswich River Music Academy, also serves as a dedicated teacher there. With a lifelong career as a drummer, guitarist, singer, and bass player, Tom has a rich musical background. He started his journey in drumming at a young age, studying under Eddie Barbato (Neville Brothers, Cyndi Lauper). After applying to Berklee College of Music, his path shifted when he won a spot on the HORDE Tour, performing with his band, The Mudhens, alongside renowned artists like Neil Young, Beck, and Ben Folds Five. Following this, he opened for legends such as Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, and Jimmy Buffett. During this period, Tom also played music with NFL star Doug Flutie, taking on the roles of lead singer and bass player while supporting acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Bo Diddley. His performances have graced platforms like the Howard Stern Show, multiple Super Bowls, and numerous NFL broadcasts. As a talented songwriter, Tom has seen his music featured on US and Canadian radio, as well as on popular TV shows including Party of Five and various ABC soap operas. At the Ipswich River Music Academy, he shares his vast experience through engaging music classes.

(guitar, bass, drums) Julian has been a professional musician since 2002 and is proficient in drums, acoustic/electric guitar, electric bass, and voice. His diverse skills enable him to incorporate various perspectives into the music classes he offers at Ipswich River Music Academy. Julian holds a dual degree in music arranging/production and engineering from Berklee College of Music, which is invaluable when it comes to analyzing and dissecting songs for learning purposes. While he possesses knowledge in areas of music that some may find complicated, his philosophy on music learning is straightforward: as long as you love to play, love music, and enjoy sharing it with others, you don’t have to be a pro, and it’s never too late to start. Learning involves making mistakes and repeating practices, so don't hesitate to dive in. During his lessons, Julian will not impose strict methods or force you to learn anything irrelevant to your musical goals. Instead, he aims to discover what inspires you to engage with music. All ages and skill levels are welcome at Ipswich River Music Academy.

Joe has been a professional musician for over two decades. He started playing guitar at the age of 10, beginning his journey with Led Zeppelin and coming of age during the grunge years. Joe later embraced the acoustic guitar during the Dave Matthews era, which transitioned into the 2000s singer-songwriter movement led by artists like John Mayer. His dedication to accurately replicating a vast collection of songs helped him gain notice in the Boston music scene, allowing him to book enough work to earn a living as a professional musician, singing and playing guitar nightly for decades. Joe has performed at numerous original music venues as a singer/songwriter, opened for well-known local bands, and played in the most popular music venues in the Northeast with his cover band. He has also delivered nationally recognized tributes to Jeff Buckley and sold out shows with a Radiohead tribute. Additionally, he's performed at nearly 1,000 weddings and private events across a huge variety of musical styles. Joe furthered his education by collaborating with Berklee and Conservatory-educated teachers, and he is passionate about fostering new talent through the Ipswich River Music Academy's music classes. He encourages aspiring musicians to get on stage and pursue their dreams of becoming gigging musicians. 'Music is about constant learning. You’re never done, and that’s a good thing. You just have to start. You’ll get somewhere, and when you do, pay it forward.'