I have a Bachelor of the Arts in Music with a minor in Psychology from Rutgers University and I've been a music lover all my life.
I started studying saxophone at 9, choral singing at 12, then the guitar at 15, but my interest in music began when I was given my first record player. Most of my free time was spent listening to whatever recordings I could get my hands on. I "borrowed" albums from my older sibling's rooms and spent evenings listening to the radio.
The effects of music and those who taught it to me were profound in my development and shaped the person that I am today. I have had too many influential teachers throughout my studies to even begin to list, and I have learned something from each of them. That includes everything from essential lessons on the proper way to hold an instrument to the abstract understanding of silence's role in music. Still, some of the most useful lessons were the most practical such as why I should have an additional hobby or what I can and can't write off on my taxes.
Each and every musical influence in my life has had a positive impact in some way. In addition to the enjoyment it brought me, music gave me a sense of discipline, focus, and patience that I strongly believe I would not otherwise have. I've always been interested in passing those lessons on to others as I believe many of them are as valuable to a professional performer as they are to a hobbyist.
Over the years I have explored most of the avenues that music has to offer. I have worked as a music copyist, performed as a choral singer, appeared on stage as both an actor and musician in musical theater productions, labored behind the scenes as a sound or recording engineer, and lead rock bands making records and performing at classic venues such as The Stone Pony and CBGB's. Throughout such a variety of creative endeavors, my focus has always been on education and teaching.
Outside of teaching, I have a number of interests and I still enjoy listening to countless composers of music from Beethoven to The Beatles. My favorite styles include symphonic music and rock from the 50s through today, with a soft spot for 20th Century art music and noise rock. I enjoy playing classical, rock, and folk music, and I enjoy teaching anything that inspires someone to play.
Over the years I have explored most of the avenues that music has to offer. I have worked as a music copyist, performed as a choral singer, appeared on stage as both an actor and musician in musical theater productions, labored behind the scenes as a sound or recording engineer, and lead rock bands making records and performing at classic venues such as The Stone Pony and CBGB's. Throughout such a variety of creative endeavors, my focus has always been on education and teaching.
Outside of teaching, I have a number of interests and I still enjoy listening to countless composers of music from Beethoven to The Beatles. My favorite styles include symphonic music and rock from the 50s through today, with a soft spot for 20th Century art music and noise rock. I enjoy playing classical, rock, and folk music, and I enjoy teaching anything that inspires someone to play.