Meet Our Teachers

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Advanced Piano, Intermediate Guitar/Ukulele, Early Childhood & Music Theory - LI

     Raised in Thailand, Jadakorn "Jay" Thawornpradit began his classical training in piano at the age of 5, by age 9 his love for piano flourished as he began to perform in recitals. He is musically certified by Trinity Guildhall through Trinity College in London with a level 6 certification in Piano performance. Jay graduated Five Towns College on Long Island in 2013 with a Bachelor degree of Music Education. He has worked as a student teacher, taught general music, conducted choirs and various ensembles in May Moore Primary, JFK intermediate, and Robert Frost Middle School. Jay has studied piano under Vincent Loccisano of New York University, one of Kenny Werner's students and protoge'. He has also studied Master courses in Jazz arts under Greg Bobulinski, who has tremendous experiences working with world class groups of musicians, such as Clark Terry's Big Band and Red Garland's Quintet. Jay has performed in many settings such as big bands, choirs, jazz groups, weddings, accompaniments, and solo performances.
     Jay is highly experienced in preparing students for NYSSMA, as well as teaching Guitar, Ukulele, Bass and Music Theory.  He promotes and encourages students' individualism through his music teaching.  His methods aim to invite students to know and love their instruments while learning how to play their instruments with efficiency.  He has worked with students of all ages and aspires to preserve the art of jazz while exploring new musical frontiers.

Advanced Violin & Saxophone - LI

     Andrew Krahm graduated from LIU Post, with a Bachelors of Music in Music Education with a concentration in Violin studies, and a secondary focus on classical and jazz saxophone playing. He returned to his alma mater for his graduate studies with a Masters of Performance in Conducting, which was conferred in Spring of 2019. During his tenure at LIU, Krahm served as the Academic Assistant of the Orchestra and String areas under the supervision of Professor Maureen Hynes. 

     Krahm has already toured with LIU Ensembles abroad on three separate tours. The most recent one took him to Australia where he was a soloist at venues like the Sydney Opera House. This coming summer, he is preparing for yet another performance tour to Spain where he will perform in multiple ensembles at the San Sebastian Jazz Festival. As a soloist, Krahm has already performed repertoire for a junior, senior recital and master’s recital. The final featured him performing on several instruments in various chamber ensemble settings. Krahm has become an avid educator and has developed an extensive private studio around Long Island. He recently completed several positions as a public-school band and orchestra director within the Freeport and Planview Old-Bethpage school systems respectively.

     During his time at LIU, Andrew has been coached by The Shanghai String Quartet, Sybarite-5 Wynton Marsalis and other members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, members of Kronos String Quartet, and many other artists of note. Krahm has studied in the violin studio of Dr. Dale Stuckenbruck, saxophone studios of Dr. Tim Ruedeman, T.K Blue and Jeff Lederer. He also studies the art of conducting from Dr. James McRoy and his supervisor Professor Maureen Hynes.    

      In his spare time, Krahm is an active member of the Rockville Centre Fire Department and is currently the Second Lieutenant of his hose company; Defender Hose Company Number One. He has been an active instructor in Chinese Gojo for several years as a second-degree black belt and has been a student of the style for almost two decades.  

Advanced Piano & Early Childhood - Virtual Lessons

Dian Torres is an advanced piano and voice teacher to students of all ages and musical backgrounds. She began her career in music education in 2012 during her junior year in Fivetowns College while perusing her bachelors degree in music education, which she obtained in 2013.  Through teaching privately and her experience during student teaching, she has built a philosophy that everyone has the ability to learn and that music can be used as a tool to learn about ones self, as well as others.Dian offers a unique perspective into the learning process for late beginners as she herself was a late beginner, only starting to play the piano at age 14. This has allowed her to work with students of ages ranging from 4 to 84. 

Dian has been playing piano and singing  for 14 years. She is predominantly trained as a classical pianist and vocalist but also enjoys playing and singing in both styles of pop and musical theater. Through out her journey she has performed multiple piano and vocal recitals and has worked with various vocal groups such as select choirs and barbershops.She has also conducted vocal groups during her student teaching time in West Islip school district and often accompanies vocalists. Dian is a life long learner and continues to seek professional growth and hopes to instill a passion for learning in all of  her students.

Advanced Saxophone, Intermediate Clarinet, Flute & Beginner Piano

Theory, Ear Training & Jazz Ensemble - NYC & Virtual

      Nicola Caminiti is an Italian saxophonist, pianist and woodwind doubler based in New York City. He started studying piano at the age of five but soon he moved to his first musical love, the saxophone. Since then he has earned a Masterʼs Degree in Classical Saxophone from the Conservatorio “Arcangelo Corelli” in Messina, his city of birth, and a Bachelorʼs Degree in Jazz Saxophone Performance from the Manhattan School of Music in New York attended thanks to the prestigious International Advisory Board Scholarship.
​      He also had the opportunity to play in world renowned jazz festivals and clubs including Umbria Jazz Festival and Vicenza Jazz Festival in Italy, Langnau Jazz Festival in Switzerland, Birdland, Dizzyʼs Club Coca-Cola, Jazz Gallery, Bar Next Door, Rockwood Music Hall, Harlem Stage and many more. He has also shared the stage and recorded with artists such as Billy Childs, Stefon Harris, Ingrid Jensen, Joe Lovano, Pedrito Martinez, Arturo OʼFarrill, Johnny OʼNeal, Logan Richardson, Bobby Sanabria and his grammy nominated Multiverse Big Band, Evan Sherman and others.
     In addition to specializing in saxophone, he kept nurturing his passion for the piano and, since he moved to New York he started studying and playing Flute, Alto Flute and Clarinet as well.
     He also gained experience teaching privately and coaching jazz ensembles at the Open Jazz School in Palermo, Italy. Moreover, he held the saxophone chair at the Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School for the Academic Year 2018-2019 teaching a group of six students between 4th and 7th grade covering subjects such as instrument technique and repertoire to music theory, basic improvisation and composition.

Advanced Saxophone, Intermediate Woodwinds, Beginner Piano & Early Childhood - LI

      Karla Aristy is a graduate of the Aaron Copland School of Music in CUNY Queens College, having received her Masters of Music in Classical Saxophone Performance. She graduated Cum Laude from New York University, with a Bachelors of Music in Music Education. Karla has studied classical saxophone with Dr. Paul Cohen, and Dr. Timothy Ruedeman. Having played the saxophone for the past 20 years, Karla has received opportunities to perform in opera companies like the New Amsterdam Opera Company (2019), youth orchestras in Long Island, orchestras in Long Island such as SUNY Stony Brook Symphonic Orchestra, and the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (MYO).

      During her time in ACSM, Karla has performed in the QC Saxophone Ensemble, the QC Wind Ensemble, and both QC Saxophone Quartets. During her four years in NYU, Karla has found several chamber ensemble opportunities, including the NYU Saxophone Quartet, and was a member of the NYU Concert Band  and NYU Music Ed Jazz Ensemble. In Spring 2011, Karla studied abroad in Florence, Italy, where she had the privilege of studying under Alda Dalle Lucche and working with the Fiesole conservatory students; providing many wonderful musical and cultural experiences.

      Currently she performs as freelance, along with continuing her time with the QC Saxophone Ensemble.  Presently, Karla is working in the Westbury UFSD as a music teacher in the Westbury Middle School. She was the Founding Music Teacher in Hamilton Grange Middle School (MS 209) and  Music Teacher in The Mott Hall School (IS 223); creating music programs from scratch in both schools. Karla began playing the saxophone at the age of 8. She plays beginner level of the flute , clarinet, and piano, and has taken lessons for voice. Along with her passion for her saxophone and music, Karla has a strong desire to help students of all ages to find their own passion through music. Throughout her schooling, Karla has understood the extreme value and importance of music education in a child’s educational, social, and personal life and would love to be a part of that experience.

Advanced Guitar & Intermediate Piano - NYC & Virtual

      Matt’s first instrument was the alto saxophone, but his passion for music was ignited when he began to play the guitar at age 12. Initially inspired by rock music, Matt, under the guidance of his first private instructor, soon gravitated toward playing jazz. Years later, this brought him to Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Composition in 2013. At Berklee, Matt had the opportunity to study with some of the world’s most innovative and sought after jazz guitarists, including David Gilmore and David Fiuczynski. He also honed his skills as a composer and arranger, writing for big bands as well as smaller groups and solo performances. 
     In 2019, Matt graduated from Hunter College with a Master of Arts degree in Music Education. He currently teaches band and general music at Performing Arts & Technology High School in Brooklyn. Since 2010, Matt has taught private lessons in guitar, piano, bass guitar, woodwinds, drums, and music theory/composition.
     As a performer and composer, Matt leads the NYC-based jazz/funk fusion band Minetta and plays guitar in organ-driven soul outfit Big Spender Trio. Both groups have released albums in 2020 and perform regularly in the NYC area.

Advanced Violin, Viola & Cello - LI

      Karina has been playing the violin since she was nine years old. She has studied under the direction of Anton Polezhayev, and Dale Stuckenbruck, a protégé of Jascha Heifetz. Throughout the years she excelled within various performing groups and was given the title of Concert Mistress from grade 7 through grade 12. Throughout the years, she was a member of the Gemini Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Usdan Orchestra IV. During her time at Post, she furthered her studies in violin, viola and cello and received her Bachelor’s in Music Education. Karina has been teaching students of all ages for over seven years. She highly believes in the value of a well-rounded education and makes sure that all of her students can read, write and perform music to the best of their ability.

“Without music life would be a mistake.” – F.W. Nietzsche​

Advanced Percussion, Intermediate Guitar/Ukulele & Beginner Piano - NYC

      Mike Deering is a New York based percussionist, with over ten years of experience of performing and teaching. Originally from Long Island, he received a musical education that has inspired him to pursue diverse interests from new and world music to classical, rock and jazz. As a musician and educator, Mike’s goal is to engage people with music to make every experience positive and impactful.
     Mike is a graduate of Montclair State University with a Bachelor’s of Music Degree in Music Education. Currently, Mike is continuing his studies at the Aaron Copland School of Music pursuing his Master’s of Music in Percussion Performance. At Queens College, Mike has had the opportunity to study with world-renowned Michael Lipsey, Javier Diaz and Matt Ward.
     As a versatile performer, he has played with various ensembles including The Unsemble, Queens College Percussion Ensemble, the ACSM Orchestra, Gamelan Yowana Sari, and the Harry Partch Ensemble. As an educator, Mike has taught privately for over five years with students of all ages and experience levels. He places an emphasis on sound technique and exposure to the many possibilities that percussion offers. This gives his students the ability to find their interests and have the skills to follow them. Mike has also worked with various ensembles including Ridgewood Marching Band, Rahway Percussion Ensemble, and Mantra Youth Percussion whose work has been described by the New York times as “ear-opening.”
     When Mike is not performing, practicing, or attending concerts around the city, you can find him watching soccer, exploring new sounds, or spending time with his friends and family.

Advanced Trumpet, Guitar & Theory, Intermediate Trombone & Bass, Beginner Piano - LI

      As an avid trumpet, trombone, guitar, bass and theory teacher, Brian Marcus will exceed your musical expectations in any setting. Brian recently graduated from Long Island University – Post Campus with a bachelor’s degree in music education. Brian has played and studied the trumpet for 13 years and has had the privilege of performing in ensembles such as LIU’s Orchestra (Principle trumpet), Brass Ensemble (2nd trumpet), Jazz Ensemble (2nd trumpet), Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony (co-principle trumpet). He has also performed with the LIU Wind Symphony on their recent tour to Australia in 2018, performing in the Sydney Opera house and other Sydney venues. Brian has also performed with the North Shore Symphony Orchestra, the GP Orchestra (Gigs & The Professor) and has held trumpet positions in several pit orchestras of local theaters across Long Island. 

      Throughout his time at LIU, Brian has had the pleasure of working alongside and attending masterclasses from many great artists such as Allison Miller, Bobby Sanabria, The New York Voices, Vocalosity, members from the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, members from Wynton Marsalis’ Jazz at Lincoln Center Big Band, PROJECT Trio, and many more. He studied Trumpet with Brad Siroky (a protégé of Chris Gekker) and conducting with James McRoy. At the conclusion of his studies, Brian understood the importance of music in our schools as it gives students a chance to express themselves in ways that are easier than others. 

      Alongside playing the trumpet, Brian enjoys playing the guitar in his two metal projects “TheWarWithin” and “Soul Searcher”, whereas both bands have content on multiple music streaming platforms. Both bands have acquired a large fanbase on Long Island and in the tristate area over the last 6 years and have had the opportunity to play alongside many nationally recognized acts in several local Long Island venues. Brian is the songwriter for TWW and plays rhythm guitar for Soul Searcher. Brian is also a booker for Cobalt Company, a Long Island-based booking and promotion agency that hosts local showcases in venues such as Amityville Music Hall, Revolution Bar, The Velvet Lounge, and more. 

      Brian believes that he is more of a coach over a teacher and that all students should have a personal motivator in their everyday activities. Without motivation and passion for music, there is no real experience.

Advanced Flute, Beginner Clarinet & Piano - LI, Queens & Virtual

      Adriana Zastawny has been playing the flute since she was nine years old. Throughout her music education she has attended the Manhattan School of Music Pre-College with a focus on instrumental performance study. She was selected for the NYSSMA all-county, all-state, as well as all-eastern bands and orchestras. Adriana graduated from New York University where she obtained her bachelor in flute performance as well as a master in music education. She has been a part of on and off broadway musicals, various chamber music ensembles as well as orchestras throughout her performing career during the last couple of years.
Even though performance has always been a big factor in Adriana’s life, music education is her passion. She has been teaching in the NYC DOE for the last six years. Her teaching experience includes general music using the Orff-Schulwerk and Kodaly methods in elementary level grades as well as piano instruction utilizing Music and the Brain. Her most recent position is at the Russell Sage Junior High School providing instrumental instruction as a band director. Adriana has also been a private instructor throughout the last ten years. Her students have ranged from elementary to high school grade levels and many have performed in allcounty and all-state festivals. She teaches beginner to advance flute, beginner piano, and beginner to intermediate clarinet. As a performed and an educator herself, Adriana understands the need to provide comprehensive instruction to the students with the focus on their individuals needs. Her lessons not only place value on the students’ ability to read, write, and perform music, but also the capability of connecting to the history and culture of the created music.

Advanced Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Beginner Piano & Recorder - LI

      Jessie Englander is a professional woodwind player and teacher. She specializes in clarinet, saxophone and flute, as well as beginner piano and recorder. She has played in multiple broadway productions at local and regional theaters and frequently auditions for professional orchestra’s. She has also played for church services and weddings. She has a degree in performance from the Hartt School of Music with a concentration in clarinet and has been a teacher for 5 years. Jessie started playing when she was 9 years old and is well versed in NYSSMA, SCHMEA and All State as well as college audition prep.

Advanced Percussion, Composition, Improvisation & Music Theory - NYC

      Caitlin Cawley is a percussionist, improviser, composer and educator based in Brooklyn, NY. She plays and teaches music because she believes that music affirms the interconnectedness and dignity of all people, and is a powerful tool for building empathy in a world that sorely needs it. She uses her experience as both a classically-trained percussionist and as an experimental performer to share her dedication and curiosity with her students.

      Caitlin works as a freelance percussionist with groups like Talujon and Heartbeat Opera, and has appeared on the MATA Festival and the Resonant Bodies Festival at Roulette Intermedium. She teaches and facilitates workshops with Bash The Trash Environmental Arts, Midori and Friends, and is on faculty at The Spence School. She graduated from Boston University with her Bachelors in Music in 2016, and from the Manhattan School of Music with a Masters in Contemporary Performance in 2018.