Monica
Owner
Monica didn't know when she was younger that this was 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. After some internet research, Monica learned about School of Rock.
Monica and Gene quickly scheduled an appointment thinking this was all just too good to be true. They had no idea that School of Rock would not only change 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 fortunate to have met some incredible artists and 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, Regional Music Director, Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Dylan is a Long Island-based multi-instrumentalist and educator who has been working at School of Rock since 2015, shortly after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in music education from Five Towns College. Dylan is well-versed in many genres, having performance credits in various rock bands, jazz groups, chamber orchestras, theater orchestras, and more. He has performed at NAMM’s Winter Show in Anaheim CA & South by Southwest in Austin, TX, as well as several local venues including Revolution, 89 North, KJ Farrell’s, Fordham University’s Winterfest, and more.
In the studio, Dylan has played electric bass, upright bass, drum set, percussion, keys, ukulele, and laid down vocal tracks on many songs and albums across multiple genres. 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 Regional Music Director 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.
Jodie
General Manager
Jodie is a passionate creative with over six years of experience working closely with musicians. She has spent her career organizing live shows, designing promotional flyers, and supporting artists behind the scenes. Having grown up in and around vibrant music communities, Jodie brings a deep love and understanding of the creative process to everything she does.
As General Manager at School of Rock Huntington, she’s dedicated to empowering the next generation of musicians and helping them grow both on stage and off.
Alexis
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Show Director
Alexis is a singer, pianist, and music teacher. They love helping students build confidence, discover their sound, and have fun while learning. Music has been a part of their life for as long as they can remember, and Alexis is passionate about creating a space where students—whether they’re beginners or more advanced—feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to grow. Alexis is a vocal teacher and keyboard + piano teacher at School of Rock Huntington.
Brett
Drum Teacher
Brett is an experienced lifelong drummer with a strong background in musical performance. He spent most of his career as an investment banker and is also a family man and former business owner. Brett is finally at a place in his life where he can devote more time to his true passion of teaching and playing drums. He has extensive experience with various styles and techniques of drumming and possesses a creative and collaborative mindset in music education.
Brett enjoys working with students of all ages and levels of experience. He also plays in a successful band that writes, records, and produces original music which can be found on iTunes, Spotify, and other streaming services under GUMP Band. Brett is a passionate teacher and performer who is enthusiastic about sharing his joy of music with others. Brett is a drum teacher at School of Rock Huntington.
Christian
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Christian studied guitar for years from acclaimed Long Island guitarist Tom San Filippo of the band Half Step. Christian loves to educate when it comes to music and understanding how to express oneself through the guitar. Currently, Christian plays and performs in two independent rock groups and has appeared on stages from New York City to Philadelphia.
Christian is driven to instruct and educate his students to have a thorough understanding of the guitar and improve their technical skills. Christian is a guitar and bass guitar teacher at the School of Rock in Huntington.
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 started taking 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 the School of Rock in Huntington, Rockville Centre, Roslyn, and Syosset/Oyster Bay.
David
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
David is a multi-instrumentalist and educator based from Central Islip, NY. He grew up performing with his siblings in a band called MJT which he still performs around the country with. His family band has played venues from Radio City Music Hall to The Grand Ole Opry and has performed with artist such as Slash, Alter Bridge, Yellowman, and others.
David has been writing and recording music since his teenage years and has played saxophone, guitar, bass, and keys in these recording. He’s self taught in jazz, rock, soul, R&B, and many other genres and is passionate about sharing his knowledge in theory, performance, songwriting, ear training, and music history. David is a guitar and bass guitar teacher at School of Rock Huntington.
Will
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Will Bartumioli is a multi-instrumentalist musician, songwriter, bandleader from Huntington NY. He's in numerous bands playing all over the tri-state and beyond. He has studied with members of Gov't Mule, Blood Sweat & Tears, Allman Brothers Band, North Mississippi Allstars, Dead & Company, and many more working to master his craft. He is proof that even without a formal music education you can learn and grow as a musician with the best of them.
His teaching style is laid back with an emphasis on the four T's, Technique, Time, Tone and the Threat of Vomit. He's performed all over the country and continues to expand his range by playing with serious players near and far. Will is a guitar and bass guitar teacher at School of Rock Huntington.
Zach
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Zach is a guitar teacher and songwriter based out of Hicksville, NY. He started guitar at the age of thirteen and it quickly became a passion which eventually led to graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in music performance from Five Towns College. Zach is well versed in rock and the various subgenres of metal. His knowledge of music theory and the fretboard can help students overcome any challenges that come their way. Zach currently plays guitar for Collideoscope, a Long Island-based alternative/hard rock band. Zach is a guitar and bass guitar teacher at School of Rock Huntington.