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ABOUT

ME

Hello!

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I earned my Master of Music Education degree at Adams State University and Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and Voice Performance at Wilkes University.  For the past twenty-five years, I have taught instrumental, choral, and general music at the elementary and secondary levels in public schools and summer music programs throughout northern New Jersey. I am currently an elementary music specialist and marching band director in the Union City (NJ) Public Schools.

AS A PRIVATE LESSON INSTRUCTOR

 

I've been a teacher and mentor to hundreds of students over the course of my career. My warm, caring, and positive approach is suitable for all ages and ability levels. My friendly personality and quick adaptability allow students with special needs to reach their limitless potential.

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I have earned a reputation as one of the foremost audition coaches in the state of New Jersey. Hundreds of my private students have auditioned for and been accepted to County, Area, District, Region, All-State, and All-Eastern ensembles. I also have extensive experience preparing musicians for college auditions; my students have attended the following institutions: The College of New Jersey, John J. Cali School of Music (Montclair State University), Mason Gross School of the Arts (Rutgers University), The Hartt School of Music, Ithaca College, University of Michigan, Northwestern University, Kinhaven Music School, The Tanglewood Institute, Aspen Music Festival, New England Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, Eastman School of Music, The Juilliard School, and the United States Navy Band.

AS A PERFORMER/CONDUCTOR
 

I have over three decades of experience as an instrumental performer, singer, and conductor:

  • Pro Arte Chorale - tenor section leader and soloist; performances at Carnegie Hall, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and The Cathedral of St. John the Divine

  • Bergenfield Community Band - Founder and Music Director

  • Teaneck Summer Community Band - guest conductor, French horn section leader and soloist, and trumpet player

  • Ramsey Wind Symphony - Music Director; performances at Madison Square Garden and WTA Tennis Tour events

  • New Jersey Wind Symphony (formerly Ridgewood Concert Band) - French horn

  • Numerous churches of all denominations as cantor, tenor section leader, tenor soloist, and trumpet soloist

AS A CLINICIAN AND LECTURER
 

I am a frequent presenter on a wide variety of topics:

  • Clinics on Band Recruitment and Retention, Vocal Survival, Band and Choral Literature, Successful Concert Programming, and Percussion Ensemble for the Non-Percussionist

  • Keynote speeches on advocacy in the arts

  • Sessions with prospective music educators at colleges and universities on all components related to the job searching process, first-year teaching pitfalls, networking, and maintaining a positive mindset amidst adversity

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