Music is my life!

Music has been my life for decades. My career has taken me through nearly every corner of the music business—as a professional performer, music producer, television writer and producer, composer for radio and television, arranger, publisher, agent, manager, and music educator.

Most importantly, I bring that lifetime of real-world musical experience to every student I teach.

As a performer:

My life as a performer began with musical theater and chorus in high school. As a singer with the New York City All-City High School Chorus, I had the opportunity to perform at Lincoln Center, Gracie Mansion for two different New York City mayors, Federal Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and other notable venues.

I began studying piano at age 16 and soon expanded into performing professionally. From 1978 to 1988, I played keyboards in ten different Long Island bands while also performing at parties and special events. During those years, I began composing at the piano and writing original music—launching another important part of my lifelong career in music.

 

As a teacher:

Teaching music has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. I spent 16 years as a public-school music educator and chorus director, in addition to decades of experience teaching piano and voice privately.

My approach is simple: I take music that may seem difficult or intimidating and break it down into small, manageable phrases that students can understand, remember, and play. Whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate player, or an advanced student, I adapt each lesson to your experience, musical interests, and goals.

For example, I can take a piece such as Beethoven’s “Für Elise” and teach it a few notes and phrases at a time, one hand at a time. You see and hear exactly what I’m doing, then learn to reproduce it yourself. Reading music can certainly be part of your lessons, but you don’t have to already know how to read music to get started.

My goal isn’t simply to teach you notes. It’s to help you understand the music, enjoy playing it, and make progress you can actually hear from lesson to lesson.

NEW YORK STATE CERTIFICATIONS

Music Education K–12 (Teacher)
Professional Certificate — 2009

School District Leader (Principal/Superintendent)
Professional Certificate — 2013

School Building Leader (Assistant Principal)
Initial Certificate — 2013

EDUCATION

Certified Advanced Graduate Studies — Educational Administration (2013)
College of Saint Rose, Albany, NY
Center for Integrated Teacher Education, Oceanside, NY

Master of Arts in Music Education (2009)
Five Towns College of Music, Dix Hills, NY

Bachelor of Arts in Music Education (2006)
Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College (CUNY), Flushing, NY

 

PUBLIC MUSIC TEACHER EXPERIENCE

Lincoln Elementary School — Riviera Beach, Florida
Music Teacher | 2021–2022

High School for Youth and Community Development at Erasmus — Brooklyn, NY
Music Teacher & Chorus Director | 2007–2021

Islip High School — Islip, NY
Music Teacher | 2006–2007

 

PRIVATE MUSIC TEACHER EXPERIENCE

 

Private Piano & Voice Instructor

Long Island, NY & Boynton Beach, Florida

2005–Present

 

PUBLISHING, COMPOSING & ARRANGING EXPERIENCE

Throughout my professional career, I have composed, arranged, published, and performed original music for television networks, music publishers, and other commercial clients. Selected credits include:

Shining Time Station — PBS
Music for the premiere 20-episode season of the acclaimed children’s television series featuring Thomas the Tank Engine and Ringo Starr of The Beatles, as well as a one-hour Christmas special starring Lloyd Bridges. The series was broadcast for ten years in seven English-speaking countries worldwide.

Fox Sports / SportsChannel — NY, FL & OH
Music for on-air promotions and sports highlight packages.

Music Connection Series — Silver Burdett
The Answer Lies in You and in Me