Monica
Owner
Monica didn't know when she was younger that this is where she wanted to be but her life has led her to School of Rock Huntington. Monica grew up in a talented home where everyone had a musical talent except for her. Her dad, a self-taught musician, could play anything you put in front of him. Monica, on the other hand, was musically challenged. She would sing at the top of her lungs not really caring that she was pitchy and off-beat (and still does). Her parents sent her to piano lessons even though she really wanted to play the drums. After the second month of lessons, the instructor told Monica that he would pay her to stop going if she promised not to tell anyone she had been his student (true story!).
Monica's son, Michael, became interested in playing the guitar at a young age. She and her husband, Gene, encouraged Michael to play but quickly realized that taking lessons just wasn't enough. Coming home and practicing on his own wasn't fun. Like most of you, Monica turned to my dear trusty friend, Google, to help solve the problem. She asked Google, "what can we do to help our child find other kids to play music with?" Google replied, "School of Rock." Monica was in disbelief. Google had made a mistake! We all know that School of Rock was a movie, how would that help her child? What she didn't know was that the movie resulted from an actual school!
Monica and Gene quickly scheduled an appointment thinking this was all just too good to be true. They had no idea that Google had not only changed her son's life but the lives of her entire family! Throughout Michael's years at School of Rock, Monica turned her photography to the concert world. She was not only fortunate to have met some incredible artists but is lucky to now call them her friends. They introduced her to the music business, teaching her about recording, managing, touring, and the list goes on. It was around this time that Michael's band, The Inoculated Canaries, started to develop into more than a garage band. It was also at this time that Gene told Monica he knew what her calling was, and he was right!
Monica and Gene started School of Rock Huntington knowing that it would change the lives of those who walked through the doors. School of Rock Huntington is a clubhouse for our students. They have a place to express themselves musically and are challenged by the incredible teachers that are here.
Dylan
Regional Manager, Music Director, Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Dylan's training is Classical and Jazz but his heart is all Rock n' Roll. Coming to School of Rock as a multi-instrumentalist, he took the school by storm and quickly became the Assistant General Manager. With a Music Education degree from Five Towns College and now a Master's Degree in Music Education from Hofstra University, Dylan has had the incredible opportunities to perform in chamber orchestra, jazz orchestra, and theatre orchestra on multiple instruments including the upright and electric bass. Of course when not a part of the orchestra he toured with local rock bands playing drums, keys, and the bass! A lesson with Dylan means a lesson in theory, ear training, performance, and exposure to multiple genres of music. He is the Regional Manager and Music Director at School of Rock Huntington.
James
General Manager, Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
James began playing music before he learned to speak, starting with the drums and branching off to learn guitar, bass, keys, and vocals. James received his degree in Audio Engineering from I.A.R. James is continuing his musical journey touring with his band, King Falcon. James is the Regional General Manager and Chief Information Officer at School of Rock Huntington, Queens, Rockville Centre, Roslyn, and Syosset/Oyster Bay.
Dorianna
Regional General Manager, Marketing Director
Dorianna has extensive experience working with children, including being an Assistant Director at a sleep-away camp for underprivileged children and adults with special needs. She has also worked at several local day camps, as well as after-school programs. Dorianna is excited to be a part of School of Rock as the Marketing Director. She has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Mount Saint Mary College and a master's degree in Social Work from Adelphi University.
Rosie
Music Director, Singing Teacher, Show Director
Rosie is a classically trained vocalist from Long Island. She was in numerous off-Broadway shows as a teenager and has always loved musical theater. In New York City, she studied voice under Dr. William Riley, a voice teacher to stars such as Bjork, Celine Dion, Brian Johnson from AC/DC, and more. Rosie is currently studying with the Matt Farnsworth Vocal Studio and has recorded with award-winning producer Russ DeSalvo. You can find her on Spotify, iTunes, and anywhere music is digitally sold. Rosie graduated from the Musical Theater program at AMDA (American Musical and Dramatic Academy) and studied Meisner Technique for acting at James Franco’s Studio4 formerly located in New York City. Her main goal is to teach the younger generation of educated singers how to handle their instrument with unshakeable confidence and charisma. Rosie is a singing teacher at School of Rock Huntington, as well as the Music Director and Show Director.
Dan
Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Years ago when Dan decided to start sharing his musical knowledge with children he quickly realized how rewarding it would be. Now, looking back, he sees the accomplished musicians he has helped develop. Companies such as Sabian, Vater, and Drum Workshop have Dan on their education and artist rosters and retain his services to hold clinics and masterclasses for all three companies.
Dan studied music at Nassau Community College, Drummers Collective, and continues his education with the well known-instructors Joe Morello, Jojo Mayer, and Frank Bellucci. Dan has played with several national acts touring globally. Dan's focus is drum set, snare drum, and mallets along with preparation of his students for NYSSMA.
Tom
Music Director, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Drum Teacher, Singing Teacher
Tom is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter from Bethpage, NY. He has spent the better part of his life performing and touring with various bands and graduated from the Music Conservatory at SUNY Purchase with his bachelor's degree in Studio Production. Being both a self-taught musician and well-versed in music theory allows Tom to approach lessons and teaching with a laid-back, yet critical and corrective mindset. He currently works out of his home studio as a songwriter and producer, creating tracks for artists on both the local and national level.
Amber
Studio Coordinator, Singing Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Amber started singing at the age of 10 and has not looked back since. As a graduate of School of Rock Rockville Centre and a multi-year member of the School of Rock House Band, Amber is determined to provide the life-changing experience that she had to students. She has performed at venues such as The Bitter End in New York City, Revolution in Amityville, the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland, and more. She currently attends Five Towns College, pursuing a degree in Vocal Performance. She is a vocal instructor and Studio Coordinator at School of Rock Huntington.
Kevin
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Drum Teacher
Born and raised in New York, Kevin began his musical studies on guitar when he was 18 years old. While attending the State University of New York at New Paltz, Kevin began to take an interest in jazz. He pursued a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies studying with Mark Dziuba, Vinnie Martucci, John Menegon, and Jeff "Siege" Siegel. After graduating, he started his career as a sound engineer at the ShapeShifter Lab in Brooklyn, NY, where he studied with bass virtuoso Matthew Garrison.
Kevin has performed with many musicians such as Aaron Parks, David Savitsky, Rachel Therrien, Dean Sharp, Sean Wayland, Mark Ferber, Andrew Atkinson, Ira Coleman, Jeremy Powell, and many more. Continuing his journey, he has played at ShapeShifter Lab, Bowery Electric, Shrine, Highline Ballroom, Muchmore's, Silvana, Williamsburg Music Center, The Falcon, Tomi Jazz, Pianos, Mohegan Sun, Garment District Art Festival, and a myriad of bars and restaurants.
In 2018, Kevin released his first record titled "Paramedic" featuring some of his original compositions. The jazz publication All About Jazz quotes "'Paramedic' introduces an emerging guitarist with something to say. His compositions are thoughtful, and his playing is focused. Joined by a stellar cast, the ensemble cranks out a succinct program of memorable performances." Kevin plans on finishing and releasing his second record Fading Light summer of 2021.
Kevin is a guitar teacher at School of Rock Huntington and Syosset/Oyster Bay.
Michael
Guitar Teacher
Michael was born in Whitestone, New York. His parents introduced him to music while in utero, listening to Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Zappa—the classics. It was his grandfather who handed him his first guitar and that one Christmas gift forever changed his life. Guitar Hero was fun to play but when he actually held a guitar he knew the game wouldn’t be enough. From that moment on his passion for the instrument began his journey into songwriting.
Michael was attending classes at School of Rock by the age of 10. He felt at home there with other kids just like him. It was School of Rock that introduced Michael to performing. The school had such a profound impact on him that he is now one of the top instructors and directors at three (3) New York area School of Rock locations in which he is also the co-owner. He is presently using his teaching skills to create an instructional video series in partnership with ESP Guitars, one of his musical instrument endorsers.
At the age of 13, Michael formed his band, The Inoculated Canaries. He was in his science class when the instructor mentioned inoculating canaries during the bird flu. The band’s first EP, The Blue Laws, was soon followed by their single “Don’t Be Late” and an acoustic version of the song “Jericho.” Their second EP, Trying Times, was also followed by singles “Count Me Out,” “Who Are You?,” “The Lawyer’s Wife,” “Sneakers,” “Donna,” and “Hypocrite.”
Michael formed a second band, King Falcon. They released their debut single “Shake!, Shake! Shake!” in early 2020. Both bands are actively writing, recording, and performing.
Today, Michael is endorsed by ESP Guitars. Matt Masciandaro, President and CEO of ESP Guitars comments: “ESP works with many of rock’s leading guitarists, and Michael’s amazing technique, stylistic range, tone, and phrasing make him a welcome addition to our team.” Tony Rauser, Director of Artist Relations, adds: “We are happy to welcome Michael of King Falcon to the ESP artist family! Michael’s unique and melodic playing style is showcased perfectly in his first ESP video lesson series.”
Jarryd
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Drum Teacher
Jarryd is a guitarist, bassist, and producer from Long Island, New York. 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. He currently is working on his solo project, Centrifuge, and producing for other clients as well. Jarryd is a guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, and drum teacher at School of Rock Huntington, Rockville Centre, and Syosset/Oyster Bay.
Joseph
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Drum Teacher, Singing Teacher
Joseph is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter born in Flushing, NY. While first learning music playing at church, Joe eventually went on to study and graduate from the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, CA with an associate's degree in guitar performance. Having over a decade's worth of experience in teaching, Joe's philosophy has always been about helping build the next generation of musicians.
Joe has also been performing since the age of 10 with all different sorts of groups ranging from local bands and state choirs, to touring musicians. Having been born in Queens and then moving to Long Island, his taste in music widely ranges from Hip-Hop to Metal, etc. Joe is a guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, drums, and vocal teacher at School of Rock Rockville Center, Huntington, and Syosset/Oyster Bay.
Anthony
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Anthony is a New York-based guitar player, and TV, film, and multimedia composer with over 35 years of playing, composing, and recording experience combined. He composed all of the original music for the documentary "Dennis and Lois" (Casspix Productions). He is the former composer for the IFC show, Maron, which he also composed the main titles for.
Anthony's past contributions to TV and film include: "My Dead Boyfriend" (Cohen Media Group), Beware The Gonzo (Corner Store Entertainment), Side By Side (documentary - Produced by Keanu Reeves), and the acclaimed FX series Lights Out, where he is credited as co-writer of the main titles and composer of the "previously on." In addition, he composed and currently performs all of the music for the children's play, "Hatched," as well as "Olive and Pearl"(Treehouse Shakers).
Anthony has performed in many bands, including Garden Variety, Vic Thrill, Little Embers, The Nefarious Pow, and Local Zeros. He teaches guitar and bass at School of Rock Huntington, Rockville Centre, Roslyn, and Syosset/Oyster Bay.
Bradley
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Bradley is a guitar teacher, multi-instrumentalist producer, and working musician. They earned their bachelor's degree in Music from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. While Bradley's undergraduate academic focuses were Tonal and Atonal theory, and Jazz guitar, their experience as a working guitarist and educator has built their theoretical and technical facility with music such as Jazz, Hip Hop, R&B, Neo-Soul, Gospel, Blues, Rock, Indie, and Funk.
Bradley has performed guitar and electric bass across the Finger Lakes region, Rochester and NYC; playing with different bands, vocalists, jazz combos, and big bands. In 2018 they performed with a sextet at the Rochester Jazz Festival. When Bradley is not teaching or performing they record and produce for singers, rappers, and other musicians. They have studied with Greg Wachala and attended master classes led by Grammy-nominee Mel Henderson and Eastman School of Music professor Bob Sneider. Bradley is also studying with Professor of Guitar Rodney Jones, a faculty member of the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music.
Bradley approaches teaching centering the student’s interest, learning style, and musical purpose; creating a relaxed, supportive, and yet disciplined learning environment. Bradley is a guitar, bass, and keyboard instructor at School of Rock Huntington, Rockville Centre, Roslyn, and Syosset/Oyster Bay.
Dave
Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Dave has two decades of experience as a musician and specializes in drums, percussion, woodwinds, and piano. He got his start at the age of 10 when a chance meeting with a music teacher prompted him to start clarinet. He attended Laguardia High School of Music and Art and Mannes School of Music, performing with the Laguardia orchestra, the Mannes concert orchestra, and the ISO orchestra. After graduating high school, David attended Queens College where he performed with the senior orchestra for three years. He's taken lessons with some of the most famous clarinetists in New York City including Bonnie Sholl, David Glazer, David Weber, and Stanley Drucker.
After years of clarinet lessons, David felt he needed a change. Percussion was always a love of his so after transferring to Lehman College in the Bronx, he decided to take drum lessons. After four years of percussion lessons with Howard Hirsch, he began performing in various marching band groups and symphonic bands around New York City, trading the woodwind section for the percussion section. Currently, David gives private music instruction in all of his instruments, performs with various rock bands and cover band groups around the city, and writes original compositions in his spare time. David is a drum and keyboard teacher at School of Rock Huntington, Rockville Centre, Roslyn, and Syosset/Oyster Bay.
Derek
Drum Teacher
Derek has been teaching drums for over 15 years and has been playing since the age of 8. He currently plays with several busy cover bands: Graffiti Rose, The Mango Brothers, Alter Ego, and a roots reggae band, Hailey Unlikely. In addition to his busy performing schedule, Derek is also well versed in Afro-Caribbean music, having studied extensively at The Drummer’s Collective in Manhattan, which has yielded countless DJ-based percussion gigs including weddings, bar mitzvahs, corporate events, parties, Zumba classes, and Yoga classes. He is currently playing percussion with Rob Nolfe, and performing at the Riverfish in Port Washington.
In addition to performing Derek has also recorded a full-length EP with Great Caesar’s Ghost, Josh Joffen, and The Pineapples. Derek is also a proficient guitarist and pianist, having written over fifty original songs, and has recorded an original CD entitled, "I Would." Derek’s formal training began at the age of 8 when he studied privately with Robert Blumenthal, a highly acclaimed jazz drummer and musical director for The Harlem Youth Center. He went on to study at the prestigious Drummer’s Collective in Manhattan for three years, focusing on Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian drum set, conga, bongo, timbale, bells, shekere, guiro, and maraca, with two highly acclaimed drummers from Puerto Rico and Brazil, Bobby Sanabria and Daduka Fonsaka. He continued his studies on Long Island with Richie Rodriguez, focusing on sight reading and hand drumming. Derek is proficient in all genres of drumming. He is very creative and has incorporated many unique techniques and tricks into his playing. He is also very proficient with double bass, ostinatos, polyrhythms, hemiolas, and odd time signatures. Derek is a qualified NYSSMA instructor and has achieved great success with all levels of snare drum and drum set.
Derek tries to cater to his student’s tastes and focuses mainly on the styles, drummers, and genres that inspire them, while simultaneously exposing them to a strong foundation of rudiments and reading. He is extremely patient and friendly and relates well to children and adults alike. Derek believes that music should be fun at all costs, and tries to fashion his classes with that in mind, at the same time exposing his students to many different styles, to not only expand their horizons and make them better drummers, but to also show them how music is all somehow magically connected, creating a beautiful universal language; a language in which no words are necessary. Derek is a drum instructor at School of Rock Huntington, Rockville Centre, Roslyn, and Syosset/Oyster Bay.
Jimmy
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Singing Teacher
Jimmy is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist out of Amityville, NY. Jimmy is self-taught on the guitar since the age of 15 and started on the path of music discovery when he joined his first band a year later in Indiana. After five years of touring and recording as a guitarist he began to find his voice as a singer, moving to New York and fronting popular bands in both NYC and Long Island. Jimmy has studied under and received lessons from renowned vocal instructor Bret Manning who works with Hayley Williams of Paramore and Robert J. Lunte who has worked with Chris Cornell and Steven Tyler. Currently, Jimmy is the singer and guitarist for the rock band, Craving Strange, who have released two albums, toured the country, and licensed music to movies and television. Jimmy is a singing teacher and a guitar teacher at School of Rock Huntington, Rockville Centre, Roslyn, and Syosset/Oyster Bay.
John
Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
John is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Oceanside, NY. With a background deeply rooted in punk and progressive rock, his philosophy is focused on developing the musical acuity and passion of his students. A drum student since he was 6 years old and a self-taught guitarist, John has spent his life studying both the method of music theory as well as the art of songwriting. He received his bachelor's degree in music from the City College of NY. By focusing on aural development and comprehension, his curriculum is designed to prepare students for the unique challenges that accompany group performance. John currently plays guitar in the Long Island-based post/math rock band, It Came From Space. John is a bass, guitar, keyboard, and drum instructor at School of Rock Huntington, Rockville Centre, Roslyn, and Syosset/Oyster Bay.