Monica Rubin
Owner
The best way that I can introduce myself to you is to tell you my story. I cannot tell you that from a young age I knew that this was where I wanted to be, but in truth, my life has always lead me to this school. I grew up in a talented home, that is everyone had musical talent except me. My dad, a self taught musician, could play anything you put in front of him. I, on the other hand, was musically challenged. I would sing (and still do) at the top of my lungs not really caring that I was pitchy and off beat. My parents sent me for piano lessons even though I wanted to play the drums. After the second month, the instructor told me he would pay me to stop going if I promised not to tell anyone I had been his student. True story!
Our son Michael became interested in playing the guitar at a young age. My husband, Gene and I encouraged him 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, I turned to my dear trusty friend Google to help us solve the problem. I asked Google what we could do to "help our child find other kids to play music with." Google replied "School of Rock." I was in disbelief. Google had made a mistake! We all know that School of Rock was a movie, how would that help my child? What I didn't know was that the movie resulted from an actual school. THE SCHOOL OF ROCK! We quickly scheduled an appointment thinking this was all just too good to be true. I had no idea that Google had not only changed my son's life, but the life of my entire family! Throughout Michael's years at School of Rock I turned my photography to the concert world. I was not only fortunate to have met some incredible artists, but I am lucky to now call them my friends. They introduced me to the music business teaching me about recording, managing, touring, 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 at this time that Gene told me he knew what my calling was, he was right! We started our School of Rock knowing that it would change the lives of those who walked through our doors. Our school is a clubhouse for our students. They have a place to express themselves musically and are challenged by the incredible teachers that are here. Together, we are the School of Rock Rockville Centre, Huntington, Syosset/Oyster Bay, and Roslyn family.
Dylan Gross
Regional Manager, Music Director, Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keys 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 Terranova
General Manager, Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Bass Teacher, Keys Teacher
James Terranova began playing music before he learned to speak. James received his degree in Audio Engineering from I.A.R. James is now touring with his band, The Inoculated Canaries, as they prepare for the release of their newest EP, "Trying Times."
Dorianna Gross
Regional General Manager and Marketing Director
Dorianna Gross 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. She is excited to be a part of School of Rock as the Marketing Manager. 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 Barker-Trumble
Music Director, Singing Teacher, Show Director
Rosie Barker-Trumble 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, voice teacher to stars such as Bjork, Celine Dion, Brian from ACDC and more. She 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. She 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 the Studio Coordinator and Singing Teacher at School of Rock Huntington.
Danny Lamagna
Drum Teacher, Keyboard 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/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 Diognardi
Music Director, Guitar Teacher, Bass Teacher, Keys Teacher, Drum Teacher, Singing Teacher
Thomas Diognardi is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter from Bethpage, NY. He's spent the better part of his life performing and touring with various bands, and graduated from the Music Conservatory at SUNY Purchase with his Bachelors Degree in Studio Production. Being both a self-taught musician and well-versed in music theory allows Thomas 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/producer, creating tracks for artists on both the local and national level.
Amber Cresser
Studio Coordinator, Singing Teacher, Keyboard Teacher
Amber Cresser started singing at age 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 Quinn
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard 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 titles "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 instructor at School of Rock Huntington and Syosset/Oyster Bay.
Michael Rubin
Guitar Teacher
Michael Rubin 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, the one Christmas gift that 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.
By the age of 10 Michael was attending classes at School of Rock. “I felt at home there,” he recalls, “there were other kids just like me.” 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/directors at three (3) New York area School of Rocks in which he is 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 describes the Canaries: “We want to take those raw human emotions that we all feel in the darkness of our minds and write songs about them. We’re not here to be rich or famous, we’re here to be great. To us, greatness means making music that is real, and the best, but always being original. Greatness is sometimes having to stick up your middle finger to authority, convention and even the person in the mirror…. Side effects may include crying, laughing, a sudden sense of existential dread and/or hearing loss.”
Michael formed a second band, King Falcon. They released their debut single “Shake!, Shake! Shake!” early 2020. “We thought if you took characters from one tv show and made a spin-off that is what King Falcon would be.” It’s a bit more commercial and modern.
Both bands are actively writing, recording and performing.
Today, Michael is endorsed by ESP Guitars. Matt Masciandaro, president & CEO 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 Rubin 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.”
Chris Bedward
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Chris Bedward is a rock/fusion guitarist and composer based in New York. He is a regular at many major trade shows such as the NAMM show, NY Amp Show, The Stompbox Exhibit and more. He has worked as a product specialist with Electro-Harmonix, has been featured on the 96.7 The Buzz radio station and has played for hip-hop/reggae group RSNY, as well as toured with international reggae star Shaggy. In the summer of 2015, during a showcase with up-and-coming saxophonist David T.V. Barnes, Chris received industry-wide accolades from labels such as Def Jam Records, Atlantic Records and Universal Music Group. Having played venues like CBGBs, The Knitting Factory, Club Show, Sullivan Hall and Webster Hall, Chris is now seeking to expand his horizons, as well as teach those who struggle to grasp the guitar. Chris is also a private guitar instructor and session musician. He is a guitar teacher and bass guitar teacher at School of Rock.
Jarryd Razak
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher, Drum Teacher
Jarryd Razak is a guitarist/bassist and a 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 masters 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 Hong
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher, Drum Teacher, Singing Teacher
Joseph Hong 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 Musician's 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, state choirs, to touring musicians. Having been born in Queens and then moving to Long Island, his taste of 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.
Aidan Gordon
Keyboard Teacher
Passionate about music from a young age, Aidan Gordon was excited about joining the School of Rock team. A graduate of the Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA), Aidan continued his musical journey in college specializing in classical piano and drums. Aidan has studied performance and composition as well as music education, but enjoys tapping into his Rock n Roll roots by gigging and touring with his band and now as a School of Rock Huntington, Rockville Centre, Roslyn and Syosset/Oyster Bay keyboard instructor.
Anthony Rizzo
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Anthony Rizzo is a New York based guitar player, 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. His 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). He 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 Stewart
Guitar, Bass and Keyboard Teacher
Bradley Stewart is a guitar teacher, multi-instrumentalist producer and working musician, who has earned their Bachelors Degree in Music from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. While their 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/produce for singers, rappers, and other musicians. They have studied with Greg Wachala, attended master classes led by Grammy nominated Mel Henderson, and Eastman School of Music professor Bob Sneider and is studying with Professor of Guitar Rodney Jones, 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 Nieves
Drum Teacher, Keyboard Teacher
David is a 20-year musician specializing 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 Ciminera
Drum Teacher
Derek James has been teaching drums for over fifteen years and has been playing since the age of eight. He currently plays with several busy cover bands: Graffiti Rose, The Mango Brothers, Alter Ego, and a roots reggae band by the name of 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, barmitzvahs, 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 he 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, has written over fifty original songs, and has recorded an original CD entitled I Would. Derek’s formal training began at the age of eight when he studied privately for eight years 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 by the names of 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, 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
Gabby Commisso
Singing Teacher
Gabby Commisso is a classically trained vocalist with over 10 years of singing experience. Gabby is a skilled performer and loves to be on the stage. Gabby is currently studying music education at Molloy College, and has plans to teach choir. As a School of Rock Alum, she doesn’t shy away when it comes to performing. Gabby has traveled Europe in a vocal group, playing to audiences of all backgrounds. Her life is surrounded by music, whether it be listening to it, playing her multiple instruments, or singing. Gabby has gone through extensive vocal training and voice therapy, and is skilled in vocal health. Gabby is a singing teacher at School of Rock Huntington, Rockville Centre, Roslyn and Syosset/Oyster Bay.
Jimmy Gerovac
Guitar, Bass and Singing Teacher
Jimmy Gerovac is a singer/songwriter/guitarist out of Amityville, NY. Self-teaching himself guitar at age 15 and joining his first band a year later in Indiana started Jimmy on the path of music discovery. 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. He 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, just to name a few. 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 Tocabens
Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard 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 age six 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 Bachelors 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 It Came From Space, a Long Island-based post/math rock band. John is a bass, guitar, keyboard and drum instructor at School of Rock Huntington, Rockville Centre, Roslyn and Syosset/Oyster Bay.
Zach Balquin
Keyboard Teacher, Singing Teacher
Zach Balquin is a vocalist and pianist based in Long Island, NY. Having been introduced to performing at a young age, Zach has many years of experience under his belt. Zach attended SUNY Potsdam - Crane School of Music and worked as an accompanist during his time there. Having started as a classical pianist, he eventually started experimenting in the piano styles of Jazz, Gospel, Funk & Musical Theater. In addition to playing piano, he also has experience as a vocalist performer. He has performed as a vocalist in the styles of Gospel, Musical Theater, Classical, Opera, RnB, Motown & Pop. On top of his love for performing, he also writes and produces his own music. Zach is a vocal and piano teacher at School of Rock Huntington, Rockville Centre, Roslyn & Syosset/Oyster Bay.
Mitchell Angelo
Studio Coordinator
Mitchell Angelo is excited to join the School of Rock team. He studied Bass, Guitar and the Ukelele at SUNY Purchase while majoring in Poetry. A natural lyricist, Mitchell assists students with Songwriting. Mitchell studied Early Childhood Development and has worked as a TA for students K through 2nd grade. Mitchell is also a Prop Designer for several productions. When not at School of Rock, Mitch advocates for the safety of sea life by volunteering time to keep Long Island oceans clean. Fun Fact about Mitch: He is a huge fan of Talking Heads. Mitch is a Studio Coordinator at School of Rock Huntington, Rockville Centre, Roslyn and Syosset/Oyster Bay.