MASSAPEQUA PARK Instructors

Adriana Guarascio

Piano/ Violin/ Viola/ Cello

Hofstra University

Adriana Guarascio is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in music performance with a concentration on viola at Hofstra University. She has been playing piano for 15 years, viola for 11 years, and is proficient on violin and cello. Adriana achieved level 6 All-State NYSSMA while in high school, and had the opportunity of going to Rochester in both her junior and senior year. Adriana was also active in All-County and LISFA all through her school years. She currently plays with the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra and has the pleasure of playing fun show tunes to the public in summertime concerts. She has been teaching piano and strings students for almost 5 years and as an instructor, Adriana hopes to teach her students how to love their instruments and how they can find their own ways to express themselves through music.

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

Alyssa DeGuzman

Piano / Voice

New York University / Adelphi University

Alyssa is a talented multi-instrumentalist with a Bachelor’s degree in Music and Computer Management from Adelphi University, and has recently received her Master’s degree in Music Technology from NYU. Her love for music began in the first grade with the start of her piano lessons. Just a few short years later, her passion grew as she began singing and performing on stage. Alyssa was involved in NYSSMA, All-County, and All-State all through out her years from elementary school to high school. While being classically trained in both piano and voice, she also enjoys singing other genres like pop, musical theater, and jazz. She has been involved in many ensembles at school, such as, a select Vocal Ensemble, Opera Workshop, and the Jazz Ensemble. She has also performed as a soloist for several years at Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall alongside fellow musicians who share a passion for performing as well. She participated in the Music Talent Competition of the Morgan Park Summer Festival, and won first place! She also sang the National Anthem at the Nassau Coliseum for an Islanders hockey game, and for Event Power’s various triathlons held at Eisenhower Park, Nickerson Beach State Park, and the Nassau County Aquatics Center. As an instructor, she has been teaching piano and vocal students for many years, helping each student achieve their own personal musical goals. She has also assisted the Select Children’s Choir of the Manhasset School of Music. Alyssa hopes to inspire and help students cultivate their talents, while instilling a passion for them to be motivated to pursue their goals.

Alyssa Mener

Voice / Piano

Molloy College

Anthony Villani

Guitar/ Bass

Nassau Community College

Anthony has been playing the guitar and bass for over 10 years. As a performer, he has worked with many original projects in varying genres, including rock and metal. Anthony is highly involved in the local music scene, and during his lessons he is able to provide every student with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in music. Anthony is currently studying at Nassau Community College with a concentration and Major in Classical Guitar. No matter what genre of music his students are interested in, he is determined to cater every lesson to each student respectively, and to always make sure that the lessons are fun.

Blake Carey

Brass/ Piano

NYU

Blake Carey first became a musician at age 10 when he started to learn the trombone. Since then, his skillset has expanded to several other brass instruments, piano, and composing/arranging music.  Over the years, Blake has performed live countless times at venues including the Blue Note in Greenwich Village, the Borgata in Atlantic City, and at the Newport Jazz Festival. He frequently plays in wedding bands as well as with local bands in the Long Island and New York City area. In addition to playing live, Blake has performed on records for various artists. As a teacher, he places a high priority on customizing his lessons to fit his students’ needs as he understands that every musician is different. Most importantly, he places an even higher priority on making his lessons entertaining as he believes the point of playing music is to have fun.

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

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.

Ginamarie Lopez

Voice/ Piano

Nassau Community College

Ginamarie has been singing and playing piano for over ten years, and has been teaching vocal and piano students for three years. As a performer herself for many years, Ginamarie has learned the ins and outs of the music industry. She is the lead singer of one of Long Island’s top cover bands, Nicolls Road, and has gigged all over Long Island as well as many shows outside of New York. She passes all of her knowledge and real world experience to her students so that they can learn about the music industry along with technical skills. She went to school for Studio Recording Technology at Nassau Community College, which has helped her release her first ever single. She has also been writing songs for many years and loves to create, refine and continue to pursue her strong passion for music.

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 Misciagno

Cello/ Bass/ Violin/ Viola

SUNY Potsdam

John is a public school orchestra instructor with a passion for teaching. He has been teaching lessons for over fifteen years, and playing for over twenty years. John is qualified to prepare his students for the NYSSMA festival, and has found great success with his students. In his lessons, John teaches a combination of level-appropriate, fun-to-play music and custom playing exercises to teach specific techniques. In this way, students are able to remain motivated as they develop their musical skills quickly. John believes that students learn best when they understand the “why” of their practice and can see their own progress for themselves. When students understand the “why” of what they do, they will soon become their own teachers and reach their full potential.  

“Some people think music education is a privilege, but I think it’s essential to being human.” –  Jewel

John Potocnik

Drums/ Guitar/ Band

Five Towns College

Joseph Vetack

Brass / Saxophone

Queens College, Aaron Copland School of Music

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

Karina has been playing the violin since she was nine years old. Throughout the years, she excelled within various performing groups and was given the title of Concert Mistress from grade 7th grade through grade 12. From a young age, she participated in the Gemini Youth Orchestra, the All County Orchestra, and the Usdan Orchestra. During her time at Post, she furthered her studies in violin, viola and cello, and received her Bachelor’s in Music Education. Karina has been teaching students of all ages for over ten years. She is currently furthering her education at Five Towns College, 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 Murphy

Voice

University of Miami, Westminster Choir College

Ken Migliore

Bass/ Piano/ Violin/ Viola/ Cello

Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College

Kirsten Schmidt

Flute/ Piccolo/ Clarinet/ Saxophone/ Oboe/ Trumpet/ French Horn

Ithaca College/ Long Island University

Lauren Dimilta

Violin/ Viola/ Cello/ Piano

SUNY Fredonia

Lauren Dimilta is a multi-instrumentalist and teacher from Long Island, NY. She is pursuing degrees in music education and performance from The State University at Fredonia, where she was concertmaster of their College Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra (2022). Over the years, Lauren has worked with Concertmaster of the Buffalo Philharmonic, Nikki Chooi, and is especially grateful for her studies with Jessica Tong. Lauren has performed in renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall and premiered as soloist with the Adelphi Symphony Orchestra in November of 2019 when she was 19 years old.

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.

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.

Tina Miller

Voice/ Piano

Molloy College

Tina is a vocal, piano and guitar instructor, playing music since she was just six years old. Upon graduating Molloy College with a Bachelors in Music Therapy, Tina has been teaching for more than two years. As a music instructor, her mission is to adaptively serve the teaching needs of all ages and abilities. Tina is also a full-time recording artist and touring musician, playing in her solo project’s band “teenatown,” as well as her former band “Blue Lush”. She has written, recorded, and produced several singles and albums, including a recent single titled “you & i.” She has taught a diverse portfolio of musical styles such as classical voice, contemporary pop, and musical theatre. A strong philosophy of her’s is that repetition is key when getting to know a musical piece. Whether you’re sight-reading a song for the first time or trying to memorize notes – the combination of mental and physical practice builds muscle memory, thus sharpening skills. While Tina keeps a structured approach, she believes students should work in short, strong bursts and follow-up small breaks. This gives incentive for the student to work at a consistent pace. Tina believes that the work of her students should be celebrated. As a producer, she has experience creating tangible recordings of pieces performed by her students. She believes that their hard work should be celebrated and commemorated, and what better way to do this than record it? Ultimately, Tina is patient, kind, and dedicated to her craft – but most importantly – her students.

“A painter paints pictures on a canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence.” – Leopold Stokowski

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

Nazareth College

Victoria is a dedicated musician and music teacher and has been playing the violin since she was 8 years old. Victoria is a 2020 graduate from Nazareth College of Rochester, with a Bachelors of Arts in Music Education. Throughout her early music education, she participated in all levels of NYSSMA, as well as All County and the Long Island String Festival Association (LISFA). During her college years, she furthered her education in violin and viola, and also broadened her musical horizons by taking piano and voice lessons. She believes that all students are unique and, as a teacher, she aims to cater to their individual needs in a safe, nurturing environment. She creates a lesson space that is warm and inspiring, so students can flourish and reach their full potential.