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 Rockville Centre. 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 Rockville Centre knowing that it would change the lives of those who walked through the doors. School of Rock Rockville Centre 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, 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, and 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 the School of Rock locations in 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 in Rockville Centre, NY as the Regional General Manager and 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.
Iva
Assistant General Manager
Iva is the Assistant General Manager at School of Rock Rockville Centre, where she helps keep things running smoothly so students and staff can focus on what really matters—making music.
With a background in all fields of customer service and a deep appreciation for the energy that comes from creative spaces, Iva thrives in environments where people are excited about what they do. She enjoys working closely with families, instructors, and students to make sure everyone feels supported, seen, and ready to grow. For Iva, there’s nothing better than being part of a place where passion and music are at the center of everything.
John
Music Director, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Show Director
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 he was 6 years old 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 bachelor's 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 the Long Island-based post/math rock band, It Came From Space. John is a bass, guitar, keyboard, and drum instructor at School of Rock Huntington, Rockville Centre, Roslyn, and Syosset/Oyster Bay.
Amber
Manager, Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Amber started singing at the age of 10 and has not looked back since. As a graduate of the School of Rock Rockville Centre and a multi-year House Band member, Amber is determined to provide students with the life-changing School of Rock experience that she had.
Amber has performed at venues including The Bitter End in New York City, Revolution in Amityville, the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, and the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland. She is pursuing a degree in vocal performance at Five Towns College. Amber is a manager, a vocal teacher, and a keyboard + piano teacher at the School of Rock Rockville Centre.
Anthony D.
Drum Teacher
Hailing from Long Island, Anthony is a drummer and multi-instrumentalist focusing on songwriting. He started his musical journey at age 9 by learning saxophone, drums, and piano simultaneously. Anthony would then gain experience with bass, guitar, and vocals.
For over a decade, Anthony has been performing in various ensembles and bands in New York and greater Boston where he was a member of the third-ever cohort of Harvard-Berklee dual-degree students. As an undergraduate, Anthony studied drum performance and songwriting while also rehearsing for various musicals, concerts, and cover bands. Though trained primarily in rock and jazz, his stylistic capabilities and experience range from Latin to disco and funk.
Anthony graduated with a bachelor's degree in physics from Harvard University and a master's degree in songwriting and production from Berklee NYC. He is a drum instructor at the School of Rock in Rockville Centre.
Anthony
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Anthony is a New York-based guitar player, and 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.
Anthony's 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).
Anthony 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.
Christian
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Show Director
Christian is a Herricks Alumni Guitar Teacher living close by School of Rock Roslyn. 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 and Philadelphia. Christian is driven to instruct and educate his students to have a thorough understanding of the guitar as well as improving on their technical skill. Christian is a guitar teacher, bass guitar teacher, and show director at School of Rock Rockville Centre.
Dan
Drum Teacher
Dan is a drummer from Long Island, New York. As a School of Rock alum, Dan has spent much of his life playing and performing music, whether through various shows in the Performance program or as a member of the House Band.
Dan currently attends LIU Brooklyn for music technology and production and performs in various bands along Long Island. Dan is a drum teacher at School of Rock Rockville Centre.
Danny
Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Years ago when Danny 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 Danny on their education and artist rosters and each company retains him to hold clinics and masterclasses.
Danny studied Music at Nassau Community College, Drummers Collective, and continues his education with the well-known instructors Joe Morello, Jojo Mayer, and Frank Bellucci. Danny has played with several national acts touring globally. His focus is drum set, snare drum, and mallets along with the preparation of his students for NYSSMA.
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 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.
Diego
Drum Teacher
Diego has been playing drums for the last 14 years. He began playing drums at age eight in his home town of Elmont, New York, and developed an immense love for all kinds of music. Diego just graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology and spent a lot his time playing drums in several different bands, from indie pop to hardcore! He is no stranger to performing in front of all different kinds of audiences, having played music festivals, venues in NYC and New Jersey, and recording in various studio settings. Diego also taught drums at another School of Rock location during his time in college and has tons of experience working with all different kinds students, being the youngest teacher at his school.
Diego is also a self-taught pianist and loves to learn new instruments in his free time - he is currently learning guitar. After discovering his passion for music, he decided to teach at School of Rock to inspire others to love it as much as he does. He cares for every one of his students, and prioritizes having fun, since learning to love the drums changed his life and is what he believes is crucial in becoming a talented musician! Diego is a drum teacher at School of Rock Rockville Centre.
Dylan
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Dylan is a multi-instrumentalist and singer from New York, NY. He is a former School of Rock student who learned guitar and bass and performed in his school's House Band. He performed at venues such as the Met, Bryant Park, and the Bitter End.
Dylan wrote and recorded music for four EPs through the School of Rock Songwriting program, along with writing and producing a full-length solo LP on Garageband. In college, he arranged and performed pieces for his a cappella group, After Dark, and simultaneously taught newer members how to create a cappella arrangements. During this time, he also trained in jazz theory and keyboard skills, ultimately receiving his Minor in Music.
With combined professional experience in education and music, Dylan is passionate about creating music and inspiring musical creativity in others. He now teaches guitar, piano, bass, and vocals at the School of Rock in Rockville Centre.
Hayley
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Hayley is a multi-instrumentalist and a School of Rock Rockville Centre alumni, where they were in Performance Program and a multi-year House Band member. They started lessons in 2014 until 2021, learning guitar, bass, drums, composition, and music theory. Afterwards, Hayley went on to study Music Technology and Business at the University of Vermont in Burlington.
While studying music production and composition, they also played with numerous groups around Burlington Vermont. This includes the University of Vermont’s Jazz Combo, Jazz Guitar Ensemble, as well as several local rock bands around the Burlington area. Hayley has also worked with Burlington local musicians, doing a combination of tracking, mixing, and mastering for a number of releases.
Now, Hayley is excited to share their knowledge with students, giving guitar and bass guitar lessons at School of Rock Rockville Centre.
Jack "Shades"
Drum Teacher
Jack, aka "Shades", is a School of Rock alum. He began his journey at School of Rock at 11 years old studying percussion, drums, piano, and music theory under School of Rock department head Dan Lamagna. He went on to receive a scholarship to the NYU Sandbox Percussion Program focusing on ensemble percussion and is now finishing his studies at the University of New Haven studying Music Industry and Education.
Jack has been invited to perform in several orchestra pits including the Groove Haven Performance Group. He was in the School of Rock House Band for several years and he continued his journey as a songwriter, recording artist, and Pro-Tools production specialist once he graduated. Jack has toured the country performing and is excited to come back to his music alma mater, the School of Rock in Huntington, Rockville Centre, Roslyn, and Syosset/Oyster Bay as a drum instructor.
Jesse
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Show Director
Jesse is a multi-instrumentalist hailing from Long Island. He is a classically trained pianist and is currently studying solo jazz and classical piano. Jesse has studied classical and jazz music theory for over a decade and is a certified audio engineer/session musician working with some of the top recording studios New York has to offer.
Jesse has played for many groups ranging from bebop, modal jazz, and orchestras, to art rock, psychedelic and electronic. He currently records and performs with a jazz fusion band called Little Umbrellas, and also writes and records a plethora of his own compositions. Jesse is a keyboard + piano teacher at School of Rock Rockville Centre.
Jill
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Jill is a multi-instrumentalist from Long Island. She is primarily a vocalist and has been participating in choirs, musical theater, and acapella performances throughout her life. She was classically trained in voice and keyboard + piano at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, New York. She has worked for School of Rock for over two years as a voice and piano instructor. Jill is in the process of receiving her Masters degree in music therapy from New York University. She is training to work with children with various physical and neurodivergent conditions. Jill is truly excited to help more students reach their full potential as musicians and performers! Jill is a vocal and keyboard + piano teacher at School of Rock Rockville Centre.
Jimmy
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Jimmy is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist out of Amityville, NY. Jimmy is self-taught on the guitar since the age of 15 and started on the path of music discovery when he joined his first band a year later in Indiana. 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. Jimmy 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. 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.
Karol
Drum Teacher
Karol Zabka is a drummer from Slovakia. His first steps towards the music were studying the piano form the age of seven, and at 15, he started to play the drums. After the high school in 2009, Karol auditioned for the Jaroslav Jezek Music Conservatory in Prague and was accepted. It was the first time he received an education oriented in Jazz music. He was fortunate to study under the direction of well-known Czech Jazz musicians Martin Sulc, David Doruzka and Jaromir Honzak. While studying Jazz, Karol was also exposed to a variety of styles of music. Karol graduated from the Conservatory with a diploma in Music in 2012, and remained in Prague where he collaborated with artists in the Czech music scene.
In 2014, Karol decided to grow his musical knowledge and applied to study at Berklee College of Music where he was honored to receive a scholarship award. At Berklee, Karol studied as a Music Performance Major. His main focus was to perfect his jazz language. He was studying with top musicians like Ralph Peterson, Neal Smith and Darren Barrett, who were helping him improve his musicianship. In 2017, he had an opportunity to record with Ralph Peterson’s Gen Next Big Band on the Live Album I Remember Bu, which was released in October 2018 and includes special guest Donald Harrison. Karol graduated Berklee in December 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Music Performance.
During his studies in Boston, Karol unceasingly sought for a performance experience not only within the college campus. He has worked with many talented musicians while constantly developing his musical knowledge, strengthening his dedication and fulfilling his passion for music. Karol is now a drum teacher at School of Rock Huntington, School of Rock Queens, School of Rock Rockville Centre, School of Rock Roslyn, and School of Rock Syosset/Oyster Bay.
Matt
Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Matt is a guitarist and vocalist who plays around Long Island and the New York City area with two bands. A former School of Rock student, Matt spent years in the Performance Program in various shows both playing guitar and singing. He has been playing guitar for over eight years and is extremely excited to begin teaching students just beginning their musical journey. Matt is a guitar and vocal teacher at School of Rock Rockville Centre.
Michael
Guitar Teacher
Michael 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 and that one Christmas gift 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.
Michael was attending classes at School of Rock by the age of 10. He felt at home there with other kids just like him. 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 and directors at three (3) New York area School of Rock locations in which he is also 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 formed a second band, King Falcon. They released their debut single “Shake!, Shake! Shake!” in early 2020. Both bands are actively writing, recording, and performing.
Today, Michael is endorsed by ESP Guitars. Matt Masciandaro, President and CEO of ESP Guitars 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 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.”
Rory
Studio Coordinator
Rory is a vocalist and guitarist who studied at School of Rock Rockville Centre for five years, and is now back! She has a love for all genres of music, including musical theatre and jazz, but will always come back to rock!
Rory was a member of the School of Rock Rockville Centre House Band for four years, and traveled across the country with Tripwire. She currently studies Music at Rutgers University where she continues to perform while navigating the New Brunswick live music scene.
Sarah
Vocal Teacher, Little Wing Director
Sarah is a Long Island-based vocalist, music educator, and lifelong performer. She sang with the East Meadow School District Chorus and Select Ensemble from elementary school through high school and was a member of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra's Nassau Concert Choir from 2013 to 2016. Sarah has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Tilles Center, and Citi Field and participated in Disney Performing Arts.
With years of experience as a music tutor, Sarah has provided personalized vocal coaching and developed tailored lesson plans to help students improve their technique and confidence. Dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians, Sarah combines her performance expertise with a passion for teaching. Sarah is a vocal teacher and Little Wing director at School of Rock Rockville Centre.
Steve
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Steve has been a rock music lover since he was in 3rd grade. Fast forward to the present, and Steve has not only played in multiple established local rock bands but also has 20+ years of experience teaching music to kids.
Steve's passion for music and teaching is seen the moment he meets a student for the first time. All of Steve's students leave their lessons with a big smile on their face, which is important for kids when learning something new. Steve is a guitar teacher, bass guitar teacher, drum teacher, and show director at the School of Rock in Rockville Centre.
Tyler
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Tyler is a life-long music lover with a passion for performance and education. From strumming his dad's guitar as a kid, to picking up the bass guitar to join his first band in high school, music has always been a central part of his life. With early influences rooted in blues, jazz, folk, and country, Tyler expanded his repertoire by pursuing Classical Guitar Performance and Composition under Bill Zito at Nassau Community College. Tyler has performed all over the Tri-State area with projects such as: Dr. Medicine (Drums), Post-Game Press (guitar), Big Girl (bass), and currently with Dizzy & The Drapes (guitar & drums) and is proud to be part of the School of Rock community. Tyler is a guitar and bass teacher at School of Rock Rockville Centre.
Winter
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Winter loves multiple different genres of music, some of her favorite genres are alternative genres. She is an alumni of School of Rock Rockville Centre's performance program, who went on to continue studying and develop a background is classical music. She constantly uses her classical training to achieve her sound throughout multiple genres of music. She is also a songwriter and has the educational background of composing music. Winter graduated from college with a bachelor's in music, concentrating in vocal studies and commercial composition. As a vocalist and songwriter, Winter desires to step outside of the box when making music to be able to create her own unique sound. Winter is a vocal and keyboard + piano teacher at School of Rock Rockville Centre.