MASSAPEQUA PARK Instructors

Aaron Goldstein

Cello, Violin, Viola, Bass

Adelphi University

Aaron Goldstein is currently enrolled at Adelphi University; pursuing his degree in music education. He has been playing music for most of his life, studying with world renowned teachers. As an instructor himself, Aaron aims for his students to feel like the classroom is a safe place for them to express themselves. He puts all his effort into making sure students improve through the year in a nurturing and positive environment. Aaron uses his expertise to help his students improve their technical skills, musicality, and creative compositional abilities. He prides himself on having a robust and well-organized classroom for students to enhance their instrumental abilities and express themselves musically.

Al DiBisceglie

Guitar/ Bass/ Ukulele

New York University

Al received his degree from New York University, and since studying at NYU, has been teaching guitar, bass and ukulele for over 20 years. He tailors his lessons to suit each individual student’s learning needs, as well as their taste in music. Al is also a talented performer and plays in various bands across the NYC area. He aims to motivate his students by teaching them to play the songs they love, as well as encouraging them to create their own songs. Al inspires each of his students, and teaches them the skills they need to develop into great musicians.

Alex Martinez

Piano/ Voice/ Guitar

Long Island University, CW Post

Alison Pensa

Viola, Violin, Flute, Voice

Hofstra University

Alison Pensa is a recent graduate of Hofstra University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education. She began playing the violin at age 5, and since then she has become a skilled multi-instrumentalist and lover of all things music and theater. Alison has participated in countless music festivals over the years, including NYSSMA, SCMEA, LISFA, and NYSCAME All-County. Throughout high school, she was a member of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York, with whom she performed four times at Carnegie Hall.

Alison is currently attending Hofstra in pursuit of a Master of Arts degree in Music Education. As a teacher, Alison hopes to instill a lifelong love of music in her students by encouraging their growth and exploration of a variety of musical styles.

Ben Berkowitz

Woodwinds/ Percussion

Ithaca College

Ben has been playing percussion for 13 years and woodwind instruments for 7 years. He has experience teaching in public schools from Elementary to High school levels, and holds a New York State certification to teach K-12 music. Ben earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Ithaca College, where he has served as the percussion section leader of the concert band, wind symphony, and wind ensemble. He also has experience with steelpan, Afro-Cuban drumming, and percussion ensembles. In addition to performing and educating, Ben has been composing and arranging for 11 years. A highlight of his composition career has been premiering an original steel band composition with “Paganini of the Steelpan” Liam Teague. In teaching, Ben believes that everyone can learn an instrument and play it as well as they want given they are dedicated to playing either as a pastime or for a career. Every student with the motivation to learn, is teachable.

“Music is to the mind as air is to the body” -Plato

Chris Savarino

Drums

Berklee College of Music

Chris Savarino is a Long Island, NY native who has been playing drums for the past 20 years, working as a session/recording drummer for 10 years and teaching drums for 7.  His passion for drums began when he was very young, taking lessons at the age of 5 with Long Island drummer Dan Kleffmann and continuing his music education at Berklee College of Music in Boston.  

He has performed and worked with bands and projects of all different genres including extensive study of styles ranging from Rock, Metal and Progressive Rock/Metal to Funk, Fusion, Jazz, Blues, Latin, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and more. Some of the artists Chris has worked with include: Cindy Latin, Jobi Riccio, Jesse Timm, MMune (Zach Munowitz), Moving Paintings, Colin Sapp, Anupam Shobhakar, Jeannie Gagne, NKV (Nathan Koski-Vacirca) and more. 

After graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2020, Chris went on to create his own project called “Absurd Condition” as well as a Fusion side project called “[sav]”.  While creating and managing these two projects, teaching and doing session work Chris also wrote two polyrhythm focused books. Chris continues to push the boundaries of his own drumming and creativity.

“Drumming was the only thing I was any good at” – John Bonham

Christian Serrecchia

Voice/ Piano

Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam

Christian has been teaching voice and piano for about 3 years. As a performer, Christian has
showcased a diverse range of genres, including Opera, Classical, Musical Theatre, and
Contemporary Christian Music. Currently, Christian teaches K-12 General Music and Chorus at
Smithtown Christian School, where he inspires his students to explore various music styles as
they develop their musicianship. Christian’s teaching approach centers around establishing a
solid foundation of technique, encompassing proper posture and vocal health. He firmly believes
that every student can achieve success in their musical pursuits through enjoyable and immersive musical encounters.

“Music making is the most joyful activity possible, the most perfect expression of any emotion.”
~ Luciano Pavarotti

Courtney Conkling

Flute / Saxophone / Clarinet / Oboe / Trumpet / Horn / Trombone/ Piano

Hofstra University

Courtney Conkling is a flutist, pianist, woodwind & brass player from Long Island. She is a recent graduate of Hofstra University, where she studied under and worked with Brandon Patrick George, Jessica Aura Taskov, and Philip Stoecker. Her musical endeavors have taken her all across the United States, from Chicago to Nashville to New Hampshire and beyond, as well as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Some significant mentors include Jessica Wyman, Kenneth B Andrews at SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music, and Molly A Barth at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music. Her accomplishments include the Just Flutes Inc. scholarship to Robert Dick Contemporary Flute Week, presenting her undergraduate honors thesis about sacred music by women composers at the Chicago Flute Fair, performing with the Trinity Church Congregational Arts Allegro recital series at St. Paul’s Chapel in Manhattan, and the Hofstra University Dorothy B. Hoag Honors Recital. While her heart belongs to flute, she has professional experience performing and teaching on a wide variety of woodwind and brass instruments as well as piano.

Debbie Yanez

Voice/ Piano/ Flute

Adelphi University

Debbie began her musical journey at the age of five, and has since evolved into a multi-instrumentalist who specializes in voice, along with piano and flute. She is a recent graduate of Adelphi University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, where she not only refined her performance skills, but also developed her teaching technique. Debbie has performed in various ensembles at Adelphi including the Vocal Ensemble, Concert Band, and Orchestra, as well as in many shows including various musical theatre revues and operas like “The Little Prince” and “The Old Maid and the Thief.” Debbie is passionate about passing on her knowledge and love of music to her students, and focuses on a student-based approach to allow each pupil to reach their individual music goals in their own unique way. She believes that music is one of the greatest joys in life and strives to bring that joy to every lesson and performance.

Dr. Joseph Merkel

Voice/ Piano/ Woodwinds

Canterbury Christ Church University

Dr. Joseph Merkel has a BA, MA & DMA in Music Education and Performance. With over 25 years teaching experience, he has sent thousands of students to NYSSMA, most of whom have received outstanding or perfect scores. Many of his students have gone on to participate in All State, All Eastern, and All National Honor Bands.
He has also prepared students for auditions to the finest music schools in the world, including Juilliard, The Curtis Institute and Berklee. He is well versed in teaching and playing all styles; from classical to rock/pop, Broadway to jazz, and everything in-between. Dr. Merkel has taught students who have appeared on Broadway, performed at famous venues such as Birdland and the Bluenote, and have even won Grammys! When he is not teaching, Dr. Merkel is a world class musician and often performs in the pit orchestra for famous Broadway shows.

Elizabeth Byrne

Voice/ Violin/ Piano

Hofstra University

Elizabeth (Liz) Byrne is a current Senior at Hofstra University, pursuing a degree in Music Education. She is passionate about performing, teaching and arranging music. She has a history of violin and piano experience as well as her copious choir endeavors such as Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, select high school groups and select vocal groups at Hofstra University, including but not limited to Chamber Choir. She has accomplished performance experience, such as being awarded the Rosencrans Recital and Scholarship, as well as an abroad performance opportunity over this past summer. She is well versed in various musical genres, including pop, R&B, classical and opera. As an instructor, she aims to build her student’s confidence while giving them the space to explore the many avenues and genres that music has to offer.

Georgia Shehas

Woodwinds/ Brass/ Piano/ Voice

Hofstra University

Georgia Shehas is a young vibrant musician and educator. She is attending Hofstra University, pursuing a B.S. in Music Education. She is a talented multi-instrumentalist and performs in various ensembles including the Wind Symphony, Jazz Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Saxophone Quartet, Collegium Musicum, Indian Music Ensemble and others. Through the years Georgia has performed at renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Rose Theater, The Appel Room, The Jazz Gallery, The DiMenna Center, and the Stratford-Upon-Avon River Festival. She has also had the opportunity to study under and perform alongside amazing musicians such as Ted Nash, Tatum Greenblatt and the New York Pops. Through her passion for education, Georgia helped establish and serves as the founding president of the Jazz Education Network, as well as the Vice President for the New York State Band Directors Association at Hofstra University. She has also been the recipient of the Sabina Rapp Outstanding Freshman Award, the Peter Clark Endowed Scholarship, and the Levin Honors Recital Award. Looking ahead, she aspires to enrich her music performance ability while cultivating her passion for education and making an impact, whether in the concert hall or the classroom.

Jesse Tudda

Drums

Hofstra University

Jesse Tudda is a professional drummer with over two decades of performing experience and has been teaching for almost 15 years. He studied at Hofstra University, earning his B.S. degree in Music Merchandising and Performance. As a performer, Jesse has played with many different artists and has toured internationally with bands, playing an array of genres ranging from rock/metal to jazz/funk, to classical! Jesse currently plays with metal groups Necropia and Leave this Place, and is currently performing with the international power metal group, Riot 5!  Alongside performing, Jesse is a flexible and well rounded teacher who can share his knowledge to benefit the beginner, intermediate or advanced student in their percussion studies. In his private lessons, he has prepared students for their snare drum and drum-set NYSSMA adjudications (levels 1-6) as well as All-State auditions. Through the study of rudiments, written material, and over a decade’s worth of experience in various musical genres, Jesse is ready to bring each student he teaches to the next musical level!

Joe Salto

Drums

SUNY Oneonta

Joe is an enthusiastic drum teacher who believes that the essence of learning lies in the balance between self-fulfillment and personal progress. His philosophy is to educate his students about the most essential and practical skills on their instrument so that they can thrive in any musical setting and grow into the player they want to be.

Joe’s background in music is strong and diverse. His experiences range from playing percussion in classical ensembles, to musical theater, to playing drums for both original artists and cover bands. In 2017, he graduated from SUNY Oneonta with a bachelor’s degree in music industry. During this time, he studied privately under Blake Fleming, a renown drum educator and former member of the progressive metal band, The Mars Volta. Joe was a member of many of the college’s music ensembles, including the school’s funk band, led by Professor Jeremy Wall, an original member of the jazz fusion band, Spyro Gyra. Joe has dabbled in many genres during his years as a musician, and especially enjoys playing pop, rock, punk, metal, and funk music.

“You can play quite simple things and have a powerful effect on the music.” – Gavin Harrison

John Loffredo

Piano/ Guitar

Nassau Community College

John has been teaching guitar and piano for the past five years. Learning the piano himself at the age of 5, and guitar at the age of 8, John has more than 15 years experience playing music as he regularly performs throughout the NYC area. John is a qualified NYSSMA teacher and has achieved high level rewards for both himself and his students alike. His passion for music has been passed down to him by his great grandfather, and his goal is to continue to pass on the gift of music to his students. He is extremely patient and caring to each and everyone of his students. John tailors each of his lessons to his students goals, and always keeps it a top priority to make sure the lessons are fun. John believes that it is important to continue to inspire his students by teaching them how to play in their favorite genres and styles. With a wide variety of musical styles, John’s goal is to help you become the musician you want to be, while also helping students become well rounded musicians and versatile in multiple genres. Music is like building blocks, once you have the material you can build any masterpiece you want out of it.

“Where words fail, music speaks.” ― Hans Christian Andersen

John Potocnik

Drums/ Guitar/ Band

Five Towns College

Jonathan Archer

Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Piano, Guitar, Electric Bass, Band

CUNY York College

Jonathan Archer has a bachelor’s degree in music from CUNY York College. He is a multi-instrumental musician, music educator, and native New Yorker. He began playing the violin at the young age of 2 1/2 years old and has gone on to learn other instruments such as viola, cello, upright bass, piano, guitar, electric bass and Hammond organ. He has performed at noteworthy venues such as Alice Tully Hall & Avery Fischer Hall at Lincoln Center, The Highline Ballroom, and Stereo Garden. Jonathan is currently the organist at Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in Jamaica, Queens. He has also collaborated with DJ’s and has co-produced music for local up and coming NYC based artists. Jonathan has experience teaching elementary school general music in Brooklyn and Queens and has taught private lessons for 11 years. He firmly believes that music education has the ability to enhance children’s cognition and problem solving skills.

Julian Hernandez

Voice/ Piano

LIU Post

Julian has a big love for music and has been involved in all types of music groups throughout his life, from mariachi to jazz piano. Julian is a classically trained vocalist, singing in operas since the age of 15, and is also a prolific piano player. Julian is currently studying music education at Long Island University at C.W. Post. Aside from classical music, Julian is proficient in a wide range of vocal genres such as jazz, pop, gospel, mariachi/latin, and musical theatre. As a pianist, Julian has played for many jazz combos/ensembles at LIU Post, and even performs solo gigs from time to time. Julian likes to put his students first, helping them build a love for music while also teaching the correct techniques and skills.

“You have to believe that things will happen, you have to work and love what you’re doing.”

-Gustavo Dudamel

Karina Aristy

Violin/Viola/Cello

Long Island University, CW Post/ Five Towns College

Karina has been teaching string studies for over 13 years. Currently a public school orchestra director, Karina is heavily involved with NMEA and LISFA music associations, and has assisted and chaired All County Festivals. Karina has been playing the violin since she was nine years old. Throughout the years, she excelled within various performing groups such as Gemini Youth Orchestras, All County Orchestras, and the USDAN Orchestra. During her time at Post, she furthered her studies in violin, viola, cello and bass, and received her Bachelor’s in Music Education. She is currently furthering her education at Five Towns College through the Fellowship Performance Initiative for music educators in pursuit of her Masters Degree. As a NYS Certified Educator, Karina highly believes in the value of a well-rounded education and makes sure that all of her students can read, write and perform music to the best of their ability.

“Without music life would be a mistake.” – F.W. Nietzsche

Kelly Williams-Carter

Piano/ Voice/ Trumpet

Nassau Community College

Kelly is a seasoned musician with over 15 years of musical knowledge, starting at the ripe age of 4 years old. Throughout her career, she has developed a deep passion and diverse repertoire, ranging from classical to jazz. Kelly is currently pursuing her degree in music performance and education. Kelly has been involved in numerous musical events/activities such as All-State, All County, District Band, and NYSSMA. She strives to create a supportive and encouraging environment for her students. Kelly believes that every student learns at their own pace and she tailors her lessons to meet individual needs, helping them build confidence and skill. Her goal is to inspire a love for music while making the learning process enjoyable and accessible for all. As an educator, Kelly believes that learning instruments is becoming a lost art, and with her vast experience, she is determined keep the tradition alive. She is committed to passing on the joy and discipline of learning an instrument, while helping students discover their own musical talent in a world that is increasingly moving away from this timeless form of expression.

“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” -Victor Hugo

Ken Migliore

Bass/ Piano/ Violin/ Viola/ Cello

Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College

Kevin Velez-Luna

Guitar/ Bass/ Ukulele/ Piano

Hunter College

Kevin Velez-Luna has been playing music for over 10 years. He is currently pursuing his masters degree in music theory and performance from Hunter college. As a performer, he has played for numerous artists in masterclasses from around the world including Brazil, Japan, Canada, Paraguay, and Mexico. Along with performing, Kevin is also passionate about fixing and making instruments and he has spent numerous summers in Mexico apprenticing as a luthier. Kevin is fluent is an array of genres and styles and seeks to create an environment where his students can explore their musical voice in a creative and technically correct manner.

Kristin Ventricelli

Voice/ Piano

Marywood University

Kristin Ventricelli is a recent graduate from Marywood University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. She is primarily a vocalist, however Kristen also studied piano as well. Kristin has performed in several choirs including the Marywood University Chamber Singers as well as MYO’s Nassau Chamber Chorale. She has also performed in several musical theater productions and was The Queen of The Night in Mozart’s opera “The Magic Flute.” In college, Kristin was also the president of Marywood’s A Cappella group, The Nomadic Chromatics, for two years and also enjoys volunteering as a cantor at Maria Regina Roman Catholic Church. Kristin is incredibly passionate about teaching and loves to watch her students grow and learn how to use their voices to create beautiful music!

Marc Lambert

Drums/Guitar/Bass/Piano

The Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase College

Marc is a professional musician and instructor with a Bachelor’s Degree in Performance from The Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase College in New York, where he graduated at the top of his class. Proficient in both the guitar and drums, he has been studying both instruments for over 20 years. Marc began his musical studies with the percussion/drums in school ensembles, and moved on to pursue private lessons in the guitar. As a multi-instrumentalist, he also teaches beginner bass as well as beginner piano students. Marc teaches students from all over the world as a result of his band, Painted In Exile. He excels in teaching a wide variety of differing styles, from beginner to advanced students. He always concentrates first and foremost on the interests and needs of each individual student.

Michele Kishlansky

Piano

NYU / City College

Michele has been playing the piano for over 30 years and has been teaching music for about 20 years. She is the founding music teacher at a public elementary school in the financial district, Manhattan. Over the last decade there, she started a keyboard program and also teaches choir, band, and general music. Michele was a finalist for Yavapai County Teacher of the Year Award, and was also nominated for a Big Apple Award by the NYC department of education. Her school chorus was selected to perform at the Manhattan borough arts festival at the Apollo theatre. Michele prides herself on being able to work with students of all ages, levels and styles, including neurodivergent students who learn differently. She is able to modify her lessons to meet all learning styles, personalities, and special interests. Over her 20 years of teaching, she has prepared countless students for NYSSMA (levels 1-6), and also has accompanied students at their All State auditions.

Ryan Keyes

Guitar/ Bass/ Piano/ Band Director

SUNY Fredonia

Ryan has been playing the guitar and bass for nearly fifteen years and recently graduated from Fredonia’s School of Music with a concentration in classical guitar. As an avid performer, Ryan had many years of experience playing in the band TurnKey, which began in 2010. Switching his focus from rock to classical proved to him that many different styles can be explored within the field. Being able to combine the rock style he was familiar, with the new classical skills he was being taught, Ryan found that combining styles and genres can make the musical experience very exciting. He brings his knowledge and experience to every lesson and is able to provide his students with many different avenues to explore the instruments. His vast exposure to all different styles of music has given him the drive to teach students the mechanical works that underly their favorite music, and to help them express themselves through their own creative musical output.

Shannon Frank

Piano/Woodwinds/Brass

Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam

Shannon began her music career at the young age of six learning piano and at 12 years old, began learning clarinet. Shannon has been involved in many performing ensembles including concert and symphonic bands, jazz ensemble, marching bands and chamber groups. She is currently a senior at the Crane School of Music studying music education and will graduate in May of 2025. 

Shannon has always had a passion for music whether it was performing, listening or teaching. She wants her classroom setting to be a safe space for students to express their creativity. In her lessons, she focuses on musical technique as well as catering to each students’ needs and goals. Shannon strives for her lessons to be meaningful, educational and exciting! 

“Music enhances the education of our children by helping them to make connections and broadening the depth with which they think and feel. If we are to hope for a society of culturally literate people, music must be a vital part of our children’s education.”  – Yo-Yo Ma

Symphony Chang

Piano/ Flute

Nassau Community College

Symphony Chang started playing piano when she was just three years old, and this is where her love for music started. When she turned 13, she picked up the flute and the world of music expanded for her. She has performed in many choirs, vocal ensembles, acapella groups, bands and orchestras during her musical career, as well as participated in NYSSMA and All State. Her passion for teaching started when she was a senior in high school, coaching freshman to help them prepare for NYSSMA.  Elated to see their outstanding scores, it was then when Symphony realized that this is what she was meant to do. She has been teaching piano and flute students ever since, and has sent countless students to NYSSMA. “There is music in every child. It is my job to find it and nurture it.” -Frances Clark

Tara Lacognata

Voice/ Piano

Hofstra University

Tara has been teaching music for over 5 years and performing for over 10 years. As a performer, Tara has been part of various audition-based chamber choirs, a capella groups, jazz choirs, as well as performing solo gigs within her community. She has performed both at Carnegie Hall in New York City and has opened twice for the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular in Radio City Music Hall. As a voice teacher, she has extensive knowledge on the inner workings of the voice and is trained in classical voice technique. Tara takes pride in assessing students’ strengths and weaknesses regularly in order to provide appropriate and efficient methods to address students’ learning needs.  Tara inspires and develops musical success and self confidence through an open, dialogic teaching experience tailored to the individual students’ needs. Tara is also a proficient pianist and piano teacher. Tara is an extremely warm, patient, friendly, professional, and caring individual with a passion for music that comes from the heart. Tara believes that music should always be fun and interactive; therefore, her teaching is always student-centered. She strives to make her students into better pianists, singers, and overall musicians while also equipping her students with foundational life skills that can also be applied outside of music, such as practice techniques.

“Music, once admitted to the soul, becomes a sort of spirit, and never dies” -Edward Bulwer-Lytton

Veronica St John

Voice/ Piano

Long Island University, CW Post/ Longy School of Music

Veronica Nguyen is a classical singer, voice and piano teacher based on Long Island, NY. After completing her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at LIU Post, Veronica moved to Boston to continue her education at Longy School of Music, where she earned a Master of Music in Opera Performance. Veronica is an active performer and enjoys a varied career singing opera, choral and concert work. She is also an accomplished pianist and has been playing for almost 20 years. As a teacher, Veronica works with students of all ages and skill levels, focusing on building healthy technique and cultivating individual sound. While she specializes in classical singing, Veronica is well-versed in all genres and values providing her students with diverse repertoire. Veronica is dedicated to providing an educational experience that is not only fun and challenging, but one that can establish the roots for a life-long love of music.

“In this modern society, art may be the only force that invites expression from the inside out, where the pure light of the wisdom of the soul is realized.” – Jessye Norman

Victoria Rose

Violin, Viola, Cello

Nazareth College/ Long Island University CW Post

Victoria is a dedicated musician and music teacher who has been playing the violin since she was eight years old. She is a 2020 Nazareth College of Rochester graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. She is currently attending Long Island University, CW Post, in pursuit of a master’s degree in Early Childhood and Childhood Education. She has since added a special education certification to her course load. She participated in all levels of NYSSMA, All County, and the Long Island String Festival Association (LISFA) throughout her early music education. During college, she furthered her education in violin, viola and cello. She then broadened her musical horizons by taking piano and voice lessons. Victoria believes that all students are unique, and as a teacher, she aims to work towards their individual goals while also setting a good foundation in posture and technique to create well-rounded musicians. She has prepped many students to participate in NYSSMA, with outstanding score results. Many of these students have been chosen for All County and LISFA. Victoria also has students participate in company recitals and, most recently, has had students perform solos at Carnegie Hall in New York City.