Westbury ⋆ Center Stage Music Center

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

Alex has been teaching piano, voice and guitar for the past 5 years. As a performer, he has played across Long Island starring in musicals and plays. Alex has also had the honor of performing in exclusive venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Tilles Center and the 50th Anniversary Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland. Alex is also a proficient accompanist, often working with colleagues and students for jazz shows and cabarets. Alex has prepared his students for all levels of NYSSMA. Although he specializes in Musical Theatre and Jazz, Alex accommodates all of his student’s interests in pop, rock, and opera, while also exposing them to new influences. Alex has taught students of all ages, applying his knowledge and experiences to each lesson. Alex is very passionate about helping people achieve their goals, and has a high sense of pride when he can help his students achieve those goals. Above all, he wants his students to feel confident in what they do and for them to learn how to interpret the music they are passionate about.

This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than

ever before. – Leonard Bernstein

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.

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 immersed in music since the age of eight, and began teaching at sixteen. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Long Island University and a Master’s degree in Music Technology from New York University.

During his time at LIU, Brandon was an active member of the LIU Post Orchestra, String Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Singers, Piano Showcase, and Merriweather Consort, and served as bass section leader for the Long Island Sound Vocal Jazz. His performance highlights include appearing at Carnegie Hall with the LIU Post Chorus and the Cecilia Chorus under Dr. Mark Shapiro, touring Australia as a percussionist with the Long Island Honor Band at the Sydney Opera House, performing in Spain with the Long Island Sound Vocal Jazz, and touring with Belle Voci intergenerational women’s choir on viola.

Outside of LIU, He has performed in several Off-Broadway musicals, including Songs for a New World and 13: The Musical (bass), Heathers (violin), and Spring Awakening (guitar). He has also sung with the Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation Choir and shared the stage with Barry Manilow at Radio City Music Hall.

In education, Brandon began teaching in the Middle Country School District as a Chorus and General Music teacher before serving as a substitute music educator in Copiague Middle School across multiple disciplines. In 2024, he served as President of the Huntington Choral Society under the direction of Dr. Jennifer Scott Miceli. Currently, he is an Adjunct Professor at Long Island University in the Music Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Production (MTEP) Department.

Brandon is also an active percussionist with the Long Beach Seaside Marching Band, earning multiple first-place awards, and a music producer/engineer across genres ranging from classical and jazz to rock, hip-hop, and R&B. In 2023, he released an album with his duo rock band, Students Eclipsed.

Guided by the philosophy of “edutainment”—education through entertainment—Brandon creates an energetic, engaging, and inspiring learning environment. He believes deeply in Hans Christian Andersen’s words: “Where words fail, music speaks.” Through his teaching and performances, Brandon strives to show that music is a universal language, capable of connecting people across cultures and backgrounds.

“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

Chantel Rapacciuolo brings 15 years of experience in the music industry as a recording artist,

session singer, songwriter, and vocal/stage presence coach. She has trained under a variety of

vocal coaches, mastering diverse styles such as classical, R&B, and pop, while specializing in

R&B, pop, and rock. Along with offering vocal and stage presence coaching, Chantel is an avid performer and sings often in various prestigious venues with her cover band. Music has always been her passion, and she finds deep fulfillment in inspiring and building confidence in each of her students.

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

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.

Georgia Shehas

Woodwinds/ Brass/ Piano/ Voice/ Marimba

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

Gianna is a Singer, Songwriter, Arranger, and Performer from Long Island, NY. She
began taking piano lessons from the age of six and voice lessons at eleven. In high school, she
performed in her school’s Concert Choir, Treble Choir, select Chamber Choir, and was chosen to
conduct and direct the Women’s Choir her senior year. These groups have performed at
renowned music venues such as Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall. Since then, she has
received her Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Hofstra University. Throughout her
college career, she had taken private voice lessons and piano classes while participating in the
university’s select Chorale and select Chamber Choir. Not only is she classically trained, but
Gianna has a strong passion for all genres of music. She had been the leader of an a cappella
group at Hofstra for three years. This group performs music of all genres, arranged and
composed by Gianna herself. Aside from songwriting and performing, her main goal is to share
the gift of music with students of all ages and provide them with a positive experience tailored to
their individual needs. Every student is unique and so is their own musical journey.

“Behind every child who believes in themselves is a music teacher who believed in them first.”
— Unknown

Gwyneth Fernandes

Voice / Piano

Adelphi University

Gwyneth’s career in music began when she was 4 years old. She started out as a singer, competing and placing in various singing competitions across her hometown of Mumbai, India. Her love for music grew and she began learning the piano at age 7. Gwyneth holds a B.S. in Music Performance, with concentrations in Vocal Performance and Music Therapy from Adelphi University. She has had the privilege of studying with renowned musicians and performers like Violetta Zabbi, Dr.Darla Diltz and Priscilla Owens. She is currently pursuing a M.S. in Music Therapy at Molloy University. As a music therapist, she subscribes to a humanistic and person-centered perspective. Since the start of her master’s, she has also taken up the guitar. Through Molloy, she has the honor of working closely with accomplished music therapists including Elizabeth Schwartz and Dr. John Mondanaro.

As a performer, Gwyneth has performed in multiple Broadway revues, opera productions, and jazz and choral concerts. Recently, she performed with Red River Lyric Opera in their productions of Sweeney Todd (Sondheim) and Rinaldo (Handel) in Wichita Falls, Texas. She also has experience performing at weddings and gigging at local restaurants/bars.

As an instructor, Gwyneth has 4+ years of experience teaching voice and piano to students of all ages. She understands the importance of music in life and seeks to teach her students to not only enjoy music, but to be confident in their music making and to use music as a means of self expression. She caters her lessons to each individual’s unique learning style, capability, and interests while simultaneously instilling in them proper technique. Gwyneth believes that a well-rounded education is essential, and ensures that her students can read, notate, understand, and perform music to the best of their ability.

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

Heather Sims

Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone, Trumpet, Piano, Voice

Hofstra University

Heather Sims is a recent graduate of Hofstra University with her degree in Music Education. She began playing the clarinet in 4th grade and the bass clarinet in 7th grade. She also has been teaching music at a summer camp for the past few years. As a performer, she has played in many different ensembles, including Hofstra’s Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Clarinet Ensemble. She specializes in woodwinds, and teaches a wide range of other instruments including trumpet, piano, and voice.

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 Potocnik

Drums/ Guitar/ Band

Five Towns College

John has been teaching drums for over five years and has been playing for a decade. As a performer, he currently plays with several original bands and artist: Crash The Calm , Boxer, Phil Firetog, and Salina Solomon. Also a proficient guitarist, John has a bachelors degree in performance for classical guitar with a concentration in audio recording technology from Five Towns College. John is a qualified NYSSMA instructor and strives for exceptional success with all levels of snare drum, drum set, and guitar. John believes in a balance between progress and entertainment, having his lessons consist of: reading, listening, writing, and improvisation. He is extremely patient, friendly, and relates well to children and adults alike. He aims to not only expand student’s horizons and technique, but to also connect them with other musicians so that they may further submerge themselves in the world of music and its joy.

“Choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life” – Confucius

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 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.

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.

Sammy Karp

Voice/Piano/Guitar/Ukulele/Drum Set/Band

Syracuse University

Sammy Karp is a dedicated singer-songwriter, guitar, voice and piano instructor based on Long
Island, NY. With a bachelor’s degree in Sound Recording from Syracuse University, Sammy
brings a rich and versatile musical background to both his performances and his teaching. During
his time at Syracuse, Sammy developed a strong foundation in jazz guitar and classical vocal
performance. His studies were complemented by active participation in a diverse range of
musical ensembles, including the Jazz Funk Ensemble, University Singers—Syracuse’s premier
choral group—and the school rock band, Citrus Punch. These collaborative experiences allowed
Sammy to explore and integrate a wide variety of genres, further refining his skills across
multiple instruments and styles.

As an educator, Sammy is passionate about inspiring students of all ages and skill levels.
He believes in creating a supportive and engaging learning environment by tailoring lessons to each
student’s goals and musical interests. By setting both short-term and long-term goals, Sammy
ensures that his students remain motivated, confident, and continually progressing in their
musical journey. Whether performing, recording, or teaching, Sammy’s mission is to make
music an accessible, rewarding, and lifelong passion for everyone he works with.

Sarah Bersamin

Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass

Hofstra University

Sarah Bersamin began her music training at age 8, playing violin and viola for various orchestras, including Gemini Youth Orchestra. She participated in numerous festivals including NYSSMA. She graduated from Hofstra University with a scholarship for music education, where she studied with Dr. Alexander Sharpe. Sarah holds a B.S., an M.A. in Music Education and a NYS teaching license for K-12 in General Education and Students with Disabilities 1-6. Utilizing her talent in violin, viola, violoncello and contrabasso, Sarah is a seasoned string specialist with years of experience as a soloist, section leader and concertmaster in various performing ensembles around the New York area including symphonic, opera, theater, church worship, and solo performance. Her students regularly participate in NYSSMA, LISFA, NMEA, SCMEA, Gemini, MYO, COS, All State and various summer music camps.

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 Hack

Guitar, Voice, Songwriting

Berklee College of Music

Tara Hack, a Long Island native, has been performing from a young age. Taking music lessons in high school, she began busking in Penn Station as part of the ‘Musicians Under New York’ music program (MUNY), which features musical performances in transportation hubs across NYC. Her auditioning for this program was a suggestion from her father, who worked as a conductor on the Long Island Rail Road. A suggestion that changed the course of her professional life as a performing musician. Busking has created tremendous opportunities for Tara; her performances at Penn Station (NYC) and Atlantic Terminal (Brooklyn) led to Tara recording at Abbey Road Studios.

Tara recorded a 5 song EP, including a cover of The Beatles tune “Come Together,” on the 50th anniversary of their Abbey Road Album release. While Tara was performing in England she captured the attention of Ron Altbach (King Harvest), Phil Pickett (co-writer of Karma Chameleon and member of Sailor), and Benny D (producer for Boy George, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams), who wanted to work with her. She spent most of 2022 living in England, writing and recording music with them.

Her song “I Wish It Could Be Christmas,” played on repeated rotation on Sirius XM’s The Jolly Channel. Her song “Utopia” was featured on Pat Monahan’s (lead singer from Train) show called Train Tracks. Additionally, her songs, “Run To,” “She Wants to Be Loved,” and “Let Go” were also added to rotation on various Sirius XM channels including The Pulse, Velvet and The Loft. Tara also has a song featuring American musician, Ryan Cabrera called “Overthinking.” Which was released during the pandemic.

As an instructor, Tara likes to create lessons that are personal to each student’s needs, and wants her students to be interested in the material they are learning. She’ll ask each student who their influences are and gear her lessons towards learning the fundamentals through artists they enjoy.

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, Music Storytime Teacher

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.