Monica
Owner, Regional General Manager
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 Roslyn. 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 Roslyn knowing that it would change the lives of those who walked through the doors. School of Rock Roslyn 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 Director of Operations
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 Director of Operations at School of Rock Roslyn.
Dorianna
Regional Administration Manager
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 Roslyn as the Regional Administration 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.
Samara
General Manager
Samara is a classically trained musician on oboe and piano. She holds a bachelor's degree in arts management and music business from SUNY Potsdam.
Samara has experience teaching piano to children and currently serves as the general manager at the School of Rock in Roslyn. Her goal is to create a happy, fun, and comfortable environment for students.
Anthony
Assistant Music Director, Drum Teacher, Show Director
Hailing from Long Island, Anthony is a drummer and multi-instrumentalist focusing on songwriting. He started his musical journey at age nine 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 to 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. Anthony is the Assistant Music Director at School of Rock Roslyn.
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 Roslyn.
Charlie
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Show Director
Charlie is a musician from Queens, New York known for his stage presence and ability to blend technical playing with unorthodox sounds to catch the listener's ear. Growing up being exposed to music in the car, Charlie developed an ear for music with a range from Punk to Metal, to Pop and much more molding him to the musician he is today. He strives to blend classic sounds and innovative ideas.
Charlie is a School of Rock Roslyn Alumni, where he met and formed his band SAMSARA. having graduated from the program going onto graduate from Berklee College of Music and writing his own music as well as developing both an online and local following respectively. He has experience playing guitar on stages from food truck festivals to the Paramount in Huntington, and has played guitar for musicians ranging from indie, to pop, to all things rock. He won first place in Tom Morello's Guitar Revolution Shred Competition, and is a regarded audio engineer recording and mixing not just his own music but for others as well. Operating with an emphasis on building community from offering screen printing merchandise to bands for cheap, to playing with bands such as Autumn Rhythm, The Mercurys, The Earthlings, and more. Charlie is a guitar and bass guitar teacher at School of Rock Roslyn.
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 in New York City and Philadelphia.
Christian is driven to instruct and educate his students to have a thorough understanding of the guitar along with improving their technical skills. Christian is a guitar teacher and bass guitar teacher at School of Rock Roslyn.
Danny
Drum 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 retain his services to hold clinics and masterclasses for all three companies.
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 preparation of his students for NYSSMA.
Danny is a drum teacher at School of Rock Huntington, Queens, Rockville Centre, Roslyn and Syosset/Oyster Bay.
Diego
Drum Teacher, Show Director
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 Roslyn.
Louis
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Louis brings heavy riffs and catchy melodies to everything from NY rap tracks to explosive rock and metal favorites. With over 18 years of experience of song writing and performing, Louis has carved out a unique space in the music world proving that great musicianship transcends any single sound.
Louis is currently a guitarist for acts such as Divine Wrath and the Vibrations as well as Urbvn Architects NYC. Louis also has an upcoming solo project that is a mix of both genres. Whether laying down heavy riffs or crafting the perfect hip-hop backdrop, they're bringing a fresh and modern approach to guitar. Louis is a guitar and bass guitar teacher at School of Rock Roslyn.
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.”
Sarah
Vocal Teacher
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, she 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 at School of Rock Roslyn.
Taylor
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Taylor is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Miami, Florida that focuses on bass guitar and guitar. He has spent most of his life performing and studying alongside a wide range of bands and artists, later earning dual bachelor’s degrees in Music Performance and Songwriting/Composition from Berklee College of Music.
Well-versed across diverse musical styles, Taylor has built an extensive performance background spanning rock bands, jazz ensembles, and theatre orchestras. While his experience is broad, his deepest inspiration comes from the music of the 1960s, an era whose innovation, craftsmanship, and timeless artistry continue to shape his creative voice. Taylor is a bass guitar teacher, guitar teacher, and keyboard + piano teacher at School of Rock Roslyn.