WESTBURY 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

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.

Bella Petz

Voice/ Piano

Hofstra University

Bella Petz is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Music Education, with a minor in Musical Theatre from Hofstra University. She began singing at twelve years old, and is proficient on piano. Bella performed in the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra all throughout high school and has continued her performance career in college. She singe in Hofstra’s Select Chorale, as well as in community theatre groups. Bella has been working with kids since she was in high school, as she was a camp counselor for many years at the Cultural Arts Program of East Meadow. She has been teaching voice and piano students for about 2 years and as an instructor, Bella aims to teach strong technique while also giving her students the opportunity to explore different genres of music and above all, have fun!

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

Brandon Allen

Violin/ Viola/ Cello/ Bass (upright and electric)/ Guitar/ Piano/ Voice/ Saxophone/ Trumpet/ Krumhorn Family/ Viol de Gamba Family/ Lute

Long Island University, New York University

Brandon Allen has been teaching since the age of 16, and has been involved in music since the age of 8. His education stems from Long Island University, receiving a bachelors in music education along with receiving his masters in Music Technology from New York University. He was a member of the LIU Post Orchestra, LIU Post String Ensemble, Merriweather Consort, as well as the bass section leader for the Long Island Sound Vocal Jazz. Brandon was also a member of the LIU Post Chorus where he had the privilege of performing at Carnegie Hall in collaboration with the Cecilia Chorus under the direction of Dr. Mark Shapiro. In the summer of 2018, Brandon had the opportunity to perform at the Sydney Opera House in Australia as a percussionist in the Long Island Honor Band. A year later, he went on tour to Spain to perform with the Long Island Sound Vocal Jazz, where they performed in San Sebastian, Frias, etc. More recently in the summer of 2023, he went on tour with Belle Voci intergenerational women’s choir playing viola. He has also been a past member of Chamber Singers, the LIU’s Jazz Ensemble, the Chamber Music Festival and LIU Post’s Piano Showcase. Outside of LIU, Brandon has played in the Off-Broadway musicals, Songs for a New World, 13: The Musical on bass, Heathers on violin, and Spring Awakening on Guitar etc. He has also sung in the Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation, under the direction of Lisa Meyer. Recently, Brandon taught Chorus and General Music in the Middle Country district as a leave replacement and at Copiague Middle School. Currently, Brandon is teaching privately while being the president of Huntington Choral Society for the 2024-2025 season, under the direction of Dr. Jennifer Scott Miceli. Brandon is also a current member of the Long Beach Seaside Marching Band as a percussionist with over three 1st place trophies. He is also a music producer/studio engineer for various genres, including, but not limited to Classical, Jazz, Rock, Hip hop/R&B etc. Brandon has released an album in the fall of 2023 under his duo rock band, Students Eclipsed. Brandon believes in a concept classified as edutainment; education through entertainment. With this mindset, Brandon holds his classes in a demeanor that is both lively and energetic, while maintaining the balance of hard work to draw out the best in his students. With the various styles under his belt, Brandon aims to bring understanding to Hans Christian Andersen’s quote “Where words fail, Music speaks”  as he believes that individuals can communicate with each other through music, regardless of their primary spoken language.

“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything” – Plato

Chantel Rapacciuolo

Voice

FIT University

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

Christina Fileas

Voice/ Piano

Adelphi University

Christina Fileas is an Actor, Singer, Pianist, Dancer and proud Greek-American native of Queens, NY. She is trained in musical theatre, classical opera, Shakespeare, piano, and dance styles such as ballet, tap and musical theatre. Christina holds a Bachelor of Arts from Adelphi University with a double major in Music and Communications. After receiving her degree, she has gone on to continue her training at establishments such as Broadway Dance Center and The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. As a singer, Christina is proficient in different vocal genres ranging from musical theater to classical. Aside from teaching a strong classical foundation in voice and piano, she encourages her students to explore all genres of music. She believes that everyone is capable of learning music and loving music. Her goal is to inspire students to find their passion and to share her love of music and performing with them.

“Music is what feelings sound like.” – Unknown

Christopher Quintana

Voice/ Piano

Adelphi University

Christopher has taught music lessons for 5 years now, including music theory along with vocals and piano. In addition, he has been the musical director of the Middle School Show at West Hempstead Middle School for 4 years. Christopher is currently studying Music Education and has attended several conferences in Rochester and Buffalo regarding the teaching of music to children, and has even presented work from his own experience interning at an early learning center. As a performer, he has experience singing and playing piano in recitals, performing in several musicals, and is a member of a jazz band that he helped create. When it comes to his teaching style, he is incredibly friendly and makes sure the student enjoys their time, alongside learning valuable music and using it to express themselves. While keeping classes entertaining, Christopher will go in depth on proper technique and how to give the best performance for an audition or recital. He adapts greatly to his students and forms lessons keeping each one of their learning styles in mind. He understands well that music is an important part of life, and will gladly show his students how to use music to not only get over rough times, but to join with others and form life-long connections

​​“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” ― Confucius

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.

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.

Evan Seickel

Piano

SUNY Fredonia

A pianist, composer, and conductor, Evan has earned his Bachelor of Music in Composition from SUNY Fredonia.  His musical journey began in 1999 with studying piano, eventually going on to explore many musical avenues including pipe organ, composition, and conducting.  Evan is an active performer, singing weekly with the St. Rose of Lima choir, and leading high mass congregations on piano.  Through the LI theatre company, Eastline Productions, he has found the opportunity and privilege to compose and perform solo incidental music and direct the pit orchestra for musical productions.  Evan also has experience as one of USDAN’s lead piano teachers.  In his time at Usdan, he was challenged to compose and teach piano duets for young musicians, while simultaneously using a contemporary musical language that maintains the interest of the young players.  Evan also had the honor to compete as a finalist with Bach’s Concerto in D minor BWV 1052 in the 2014 Concerto Competition at SUNY Fredonia.  As an instructor, he encourages his students to explore the full sound potential of the piano, in-turn unlocking the musical potential of each student.

“Music touches us emotionally, where words alone can’t.” – Johnny Depp

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.

Gianna DeFilippis

Voice/ Piano

Hofstra University

Gwyneth Fernandes

Voice / Piano

Adelphi University

Gwyneth Fernandes is a voice and piano instructor at Center Stage and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance, with a concentration in Vocal Performance, at Adelphi University. She has been singing since the young age of 4 years old and, since beginning her musical career, has performed in multiple Broadway revues, opera performances and jazz/choral concerts. Gwyneth has had the privilege of working with renowned musicians such as Violetta Zabbi and Priscilla Owens. Gwyneth understands the importance of music in life and seeks to teach her students not only to enjoy music, but also to be confident in their music making and to use music as a means of self expression. In her lessons, she caters to each student’s unique learning style and interests while also instilling in them proper technique. Gwyneth believes that a well-rounded education is essential, and she ensures that her students can read, notate and perform music to the best of their ability.

“Music begins where the possibilities of language end.” – Jean Sibelius

Jarryd Razak

Guitar/ Bass/ Ukulele/ Band

Five Towns College, LIU Post

Jarryd is a guitarist, bassist, and producer/audio engineer from Long Island, New York who has a few years of teaching music under his belt. Growing up, Jarryd had a fond interest in music and the inner workings of the business world and pursued a degree at Five Towns College in business and audio recording. Eventually, he went on to get a Master’s in Business Administration from LIU Post. Jarryd has had the privilege of playing and touring with different bands as well as working with different clients as a producer. Currently he is working on his solo project as well as playing shows regularly with a few acts such Secret Gardens and Diognardi. Jarryd has been teaching guitar and bass for about 5 years and has experience teaching many different genres of music including Rock n Roll, R&B, Progressive and Jazz. He believes that music should be as fun as it is inspiring and that everyone has the potential to learn an instrument.

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!

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

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

Kevin Lubin

Piano, Voice, Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin

Adelphi University/ Longy School of Music

Kevin Lubin is a composer and instrumentalist from New York and now living in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He has a degree in harpsichord performance from Adelphi University, and is currently pursuing a degree in composition from the Longy School of Music. As a performer, he is open to playing whatever music is put in front of him, whether on piano, percussion, or kazoo. Additionally, Kevin composes for a variety of instrumentation and has premiered multiple operas, both silly and serious. As a teacher, Kevin gives private lessons on piano, voice, ukulele, guitar, and accordion to students of all ages and levels. Kevin approaches teaching with enthusiasm and passion. He believes that it is the instructor’s responsibility to teach students to love music and appreciate it in all its forms, while understanding the variety in musical styles and repertoire. His teaching principles are reflected in his book, “Just Keep Playing,” that is available on the online Lulu bookstore and contains repertoire for beginner to intermediate piano students. On a typical day, Kevin can be found brewing multiple cups of coffee, singing in Yiddish, and scheduling more rehearsals than he has time for.

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.

Oscar Martinez

Viola/ Violin/ Cello/ Bass

SUNY Fredonia

A music educator and active performer from Brentwood NY, Oscar received his Bachelor’s Degree in Viola Performance from SUNY Fredonia. Proficient in all string instruments, he currently works with the Harmony Program at the Ella Baker school in Manhattan teaching 3rd-5th grade strings. Furthermore, he works at USDAN Summer Camp for the Arts, and is the program editor for LISFA. Oscar also teaches private lessons throughout Long Island. Within his teaching, he strives to make sure all of his students learn responsibility and always reach their goals, such as partaking in All-State. In regards to performance experience, he is an active chamber musician who plays throughout Long Island and NYC. He is currently a member of the Long Island Symphony Orchestra, and is the Principal Violist of the North Shore Symphony Orchestra.

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.

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 Barker

Piano/ Flute

Stony Brook University

Veronica began her musical journey as a child piano protege and has been teaching piano, organ, and flute for over 25 years since. She is well versed in teaching students that range from children to adults. Veronica can teach all genres of music, from popular to classical to hymns, and everything in between. She majored in keyboard and composition at Stony Brook University and is also an avid performer. She also recently published two piano lesson books for beginner piano students called “Colorful Melodies for Piano.” Veronica brings her vast experience to each lesson in order to ensure the success of all her students.

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.