Justin S.
General Manager, Show Director, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Cello Teacher, Double Bass Teacher, Grad School Director
Justin began his double bass studies at eight years old with John Dewitt and David Rubenstein. He is a co-principal double bassist of the Juilliard Orchestra, a guest principal bassist for the Miami Symphony Orchestra, and a substitute bassist for New York City's "big three" orchestras: the Metropolitan Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and the New York City Ballet Orchestra. Justin has performed across the world as a soloist, orchestral musician, chamber musician, electric bassist, session musician, jazz musician, and has also worked on Broadway.
Justin, a five-time School of Rock AllStar, began his journey at age eight, attending the Melville, Port Washington, Roslyn, and Port Jefferson School of Rocks. By age nine, he was an active member of each school's House Band. As a School of Rock AllStar, he participated in numerous tours across America, starting at age ten.
At sixteen, Justin began studying with double bassist Steve Fayette, which ignited his pursuit of a career as an orchestral double bassist. Within a few years, he was accepted into the Juilliard Pre-College division, where he studied with Rion Wentworth (current section bass at the New York Philharmonic) and Eugene Levinson (former principal of the New York Philharmonic, principal of the Leningrad Philharmonic, and principal bassist of the Minnesota Orchestra). Justin continued his studies with Mr. Levinson at Juilliard, earning both his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees.
Passionate about both solo and orchestral repertoire for the double bass, Justin has been
heard as a recitalist in the Bottesini Competition in Crema, Italy, and was the winner in the senior soloist division of the 2017 Camerata Artists International competition, later giving a recital in New York’s Merkin Hall. As co-principal bassist of the Juilliard Orchestra Justin has played under the batons of conductors Thomas Adés, Alan Gilbert, Fabio Luisi, Susanna Mälkki, Jon Manasse, Jeffrey Milarsky, David Robertson, and Evan Rogister.
Justin's festival participation includes the Miami Music Festival and the Summit Music Festival. He also served as a chamber music coach in the adult division of the Arts Ahimsa Chamber Music Festival. Additionally, Justin has been a part of the Ipalpiti Orchestra, known as a "musical Peace Corps" for recruiting musicians globally. This orchestra performs a series of concerts throughout California, culminating in a concert for peace between nations at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Justin has a distinguished background, having been a finalist with the Nashville, Kansas City, and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestras. During his time in the Juilliard College Division, he served as a Teaching Assistant for Eugene Levinson's Studio, the Ear Training Department, and the Music Theory Department. In spring 2022, Justin collaborated with Luis Gómez-Imbert to deliver a double bass masterclass at the University of Miami. After earning his Master's Degree, Justin began working at School of Rock Port Jefferson and is now the General Manager at School of Rock Riverhead.
Derek C.
Music Director, House Band Director, Show Director, Grad School Director, Bass Guitar Teacher
Before earning a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oneonta, Derek's musical journey began as a bass guitar student at School of Rock. It was his experience there that motivated him to teach the next generation of rock stars. Having been a member of the Performance Program and House Band, Derek always managed to bring an infectious energy that made it impossible to ignore an often overlooked instrument. He has intimate knowledge of the School of Rock Method and how it can bring out the best in his students.
Derek encourages every student to break out of their shells, go out of their comfort zones, and unleash their inner rock star. But above all else, he hopes his students at School of Rock Riverhead remember that music is fun.
Harry S.
Drum Teacher
Harry is a drummer who loves to perform live and inspire all of his students with his passion for music. He started playing drums as a School of Rock student at the age of 7 and continues to follow his musical passion professionally. He toured across the country for four consecutive years with the School of Rock AllStars.
Harry graduated from New York University in the spring of 2021 with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. One of his highlights at NYU was winning a quintet competition and traveling to Costa Rica to represent them. He was a co-masterclass instructor in Costa Rica and shared his musical ideas with many inspiring musicians of all ages.
Harry has experience recording music in a few different professional recording studios. He has experience being the drummer in musical theatre shows like Elf and Saturday Night Fever. He also performs in the tri-state area at private events that play Motown, rock, jazz standards, top 40, and many other genres.
Harry wants to share his love of music with as many people as he can, and he loves to inspire his students. Music is a language and he aspires to help his students find their own voice.
Dylan I.
Show Director, Vocal Teacher, Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Dylan is a passionate musician and dedicated music educator with a rich background in performance and instruction. A former School of Rock graduate, Dylan has honed his craft under the guidance of esteemed educators from Yale and Juilliard, gaining a deep understanding of both classical and contemporary music.
With years of experience as both a performer and teacher, Dylan specializes in vocals and drums while also offering instruction in beginner piano and guitar. His approach to teaching is rooted in fostering creativity, technical skill, and confidence in his students, helping them develop their unique musical voices. Whether coaching aspiring vocalists or guiding beginners through their first chords, Dylan is committed to making music education an engaging and inspiring experience.
Julianna M.
Marketing Coordinator, Vocal Teacher, Rookies Teacher
Julianna is a vocal teacher with an early childhood education degree. In addition to vocal lessons, she directs shows, runs our annual holiday choir, and leads many of our Rookies and Little Wing classes!
As the school's marketing coordinator, Julianna is often behind the scenes capturing moments at shows and events and snapping photos. She plays a key role in keeping everyone connected with what’s going on at School of Rock!
A proud School of Rock alum, Julianna knows our programs inside and out—she was even twice selected for the School of Rock AllStars program as a student! Her musical journey includes everything from performing in a funk and blues-inspired jam band to belting out "Painkiller" by Judas Priest. Julianna will likely be the one welcoming you into the school—but if she’s not, you can always spot her on the mural in our lobby!
Matt M.
Guitar Teacher
Matt is a guitar teacher at School of Rock Riverhead as well as the Music Director, House Band Director, and Show Director at School of Rock Port Jefferson. Throughout his time working at School of Rock, Matt has taught every level of class ranging from the Rookies program to directing the School of Rock AllStars program. Matt received his bachelor's degree from Stony Brook University.
Matt is a School of Rock alum and uses his past experiences in the program as well as his musical knowledge to motivate and educate all of his students. Matt has formed multiple rock and metal bands and is an active songwriter. His original bands have gotten to share stages with national acts including members of Guns N' Roses and Skid Row.
Matt encourages his students to not only work hard but to enjoy their musical journey in the hopes of also expanding their interests and goals.
Lily G.
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Assistant Show Director
Lily is an international recording artist from Ukraine. She has known many different cultures, sings in many different languages (English, Spanish, Italian, French, Ukrainian, Polish, Greek, etc.), and her comprehensive music education (State Pedagogical University, Department of Music) includes Voice, Piano, Harp, Choir conducting, and music theory.
Lily's students range in age from very young to adults, and she has taught music at many levels and in unique circumstances from private lessons to full classroom instruction.
Lily has written, recorded, and performed her own music in the United States, Europe, and the UAE. She has performed with the Ukrainian Orchestra at the largest concert hall in Lviv, Ukraine, the 911 Band performing top 40 music throughout Ukraine and the Arab Emirates, the New Millennium Jazz Band in New York, and many solo engagements in Europe and the United States.
Her combined, extensive knowledge of the voice and how it works, along with her warm approach to teaching make for a wonderful experience for all of her students.
Dave B.
Drum Teacher
Dave has had a passion for music and playing drums since age 11, having started off playing drums on games like Rock Band before eventually getting real drums. Dave’s musical experience ranges from not only being a School of Rock alum but also playing in concert/pep band throughout high school and then obtaining a bachelor's degree in music education from Five Towns College.
During his time at Five Towns College, Dave played in several ensembles, freelanced for local musicals, and even performed at local venues and released music with his musical projects. Not only does Dave have a long experience with the drums but he also has a background in recording after attending Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in high school for audio production. Dave is well known for his eccentric and rudimental playing within the metal/hardcore realm of music but his playing and influences run even deeper with genres like pop, hip-hop, punk, jazz, electronic, and funk to name a few.
Dave’s goal is to not only teach his students to play their hearts out on the drums, but to also teach them how to become self-sufficient musicians and expand their horizons and love for music so that they can be the best version of themselves behind the kit!
Taryn S.
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Show Director, Rookies Teacher, Little Wing Teacher
Taryn is a dedicated music teacher with a lifelong love for music that began at the age of six. Her love for music comes from her early involvement with musical theater, and her desire to be a vocalist. Taryn refined her skills under talented professors from the University of Oregon, deepening her knowledge of music to better inspire and educate students of all ages and backgrounds. She is committed to making music an educational experience for everyone regardless of age or experience. Her teaching experience spans a wide age range, from toddlers as young as two, to adults in their nineties, demonstrating her ability to connect with music lovers at any stage of life.
With years of experience in vocals, keyboard + piano, bass guitar, and a strong foundation in music theory, Taryn takes a personalized approach to every lesson at School of Rock Riverhead. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand upon your skills, she’s here to help you grow, and become the musician you aspire to be!
Jamie T.
Vocal Teacher, Rookies Teacher, Assistant Show Director
Jamie’s journey with School of Rock started as a student, where she participated in numerous performances, was a member of House Band, and earned a spot as a School of Rock AllStar. With her extensive experience in the program, Jamie is intimately familiar with what it takes to inspire and challenge students!
Outside of School of Rock Riverhead, Jamie has an impressive background in music, having participated in NYSSMA All-State and the ACDA National Choir. Her passion for education is matched by her expertise; she holds a Bachelor’s Degree and is working towards her Master’s in Education, and has worked with diverse learners across all age groups. In addition to her love for teaching, Jamie is deeply passionate about Musical Theater, which she integrates into her approach to music education, ensuring students not only grow as musicians but as performers.
AJ P.
Drum Teacher
AJ has been playing the drums since he was four years old, starting to learn songs by playing them on the Rock Band video game. AJ received his bachelor's degree from SUNY Oneonta and has played in multiple school ensembles covering music acts like Frank Zappa and Metallica. AJ has also played in multiple bands ranging in genres like thrash metal, noise rock, and pop, all across New York state.
As a School of Rock alum, AJ uses his experience within the program to help other students find a passion for playing percussion at School of Rock Riverhead.