Welcome to Music School Inc!
Jared Feldman
Artist in Residence-Drums and Percussion
Jared is a native of New York. He attended SUNY Stony Brook for Liberal Arts, specializing in music, sociology, and journalism. After finishing school, he decided to take his passion & percussion and make it his career. He is a professional, private drum instructor; a proven educator of music with 15 years of teaching experience and the founder of Mad Drums Institute of Percussion and Music School Inc.
He has toured and recorded with original rock bands and has accompanied every type of group from Metal to Folk to Wedding. He is a published songwriter and active member of ASCAP; he has created promotional music for the likes of Maury Povich, Montel Williams & America’s Most Wanted, as well as countless songs for his original bands. Jared developed and taught the Drum Corps curriculum for the Lake Grove School State Grant program for four years.
During that time, he also developed a successful studio, the Mad Drums Institute of Percussion, teaching private drum lessons. After six years of substantial growth and successful operation offering private drum instruction, Mad Drums has now evolved and merged to form the new Music School Inc., and continues to provide increasingly higher quality lessons to eager music students.
Jared teaches his students the development and techniques of music in all levels and styles to all age groups. He has over time been able to develop a proven and personalized method that fuses theory and performance with each student’s specific needs and wants. He is a dedicated musician who in the pursuits of founding the School has only strengthened his commitment to teaching at the highest level a percussion student could hope for.
· Founder and C.E.O of Music School Inc.
· Extensive and time-tested teaching method
· Provides student ability assessment and
individualized curriculum
· Successful and seasoned performer who
teaches all methods of percussion
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Christopher Gotzen-Berg
Artist in Residence- Guitar, Music Theory, Composition, Pedagogy, Beginning Piano
Classical/Flamenco Guitarist, Educator, Pedagogue, and Composer Christopher Gotzen-Berg has been performing and teaching in New York State for over 16 years. He holds B.M. and M.M. Degrees in Guitar Performance from The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam under the direction of Dr. Douglas Rubio, and was awarded the Performers Certificate for Guitar. He has performed throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. He has received awards for his original compositions and WEPA Records debut recording from ASCAP.
Christopher has taught throughout New York State at Mars Music of Albany, Blue Sky Studios, The Crane School of Music, and has conducted master classes at Schenectady County Community College and Adirondack County Community College. His students have been accepted to guitar programs at Schenectady County Community College, The Crane School of Music, Florida State University, Ithaca College, and University of Southern California.
● Experienced with all ages, levels, and special needs students.
● Specializes in Classical, Flamenco, guitar composition, and pedagogy.
● Performed in Master Classes with Matthew Ardizzone, Sharon Isbin,
Dennis Koster, David Tannenbaum, and Jason Vieaux.
● Appeared on National Public Radio as a guest artist with Alex Torres y su orchestra.
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Jayson Howard
Artist in Residence-Percussion, Piano, Trombone, Trumpet, Baritone Horn.
Jayson has recently received his B.S. in Music Education from Hofstra University under Pablo Rieppi of the New York Philharmonic. He has been working with us for a year and a half. He is proficient in all areas of percussion, including tympani, marimba (four or two mallets), xylophone, vibraphone, snare drum, drum set and much more. He is also a seasoned trombone and piano player, studying for 9 and 8 years, respectively.
In Junior High and High School, he performed in traditional band and marching band. He was chosen to perform in the All-Nassau County piano recital in 1989. He has also played all over New York City and Long Island with two original bands.
At Hofstra, he is a member of the University Percussion Ensemble for four years and has been featured as a soloist. This ensemble travels to various Long Island high schools to perform in clinics and teach workshops. He has also played with the Hofstra University New Music Ensemble for one year, and has guest performed at several other Hofstra recitals in addition to his own work. At Hofstra he was also chosen to perform in the select University Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble during his four years there, with whom in addition to regular recitals, played clinics with famous wind conductors from around the country. He is also proficient in music computer programs such as Finale, where he arranged several orchestral and wind band pieces. He also is proficient at notating percussion parts from various types of music.
Jayson is a camp counselor Group Leader who has also observed and student taught at several Nassau County School districts, where he has practiced and developed several different learning techniques. He has also volunteered at one of these schools to teach underprivileged children the art of percussion. He teaches via the NYSSMA manual and observes all nine music education national standards. He values his level of instruction, attention to pedagogic technique and theory, but most of all, wants his students to have a great time playing the drums.
· Has hundreds of hours of student teaching
· Has an extensive and diverse background in student performance
· Can teach any percussion instrument, and almost any style
· Received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education
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Vincent P. Loccisano
Artist in Residence- Piano, Music Theory, Composititon
Originally from Long Island NY, Vincent Loccisano has had a lifetime of musical experience. He began playing piano at the tender age of five, and began composing shortly after that. Encouraged at first by his jazz mentor and teacher Ranny Reeve, Vincent began to write compositions for solo piano, slowly branching out into arranging for bigbands. As an undergraduate at NYU he studied piano with Michael Cochrane, Johannes Wallman. Vincent then moved to Buffalo NY where he studied classical piano under Dr. Jacob Greenberg, and jazz piano under Don Rebic. It was at the University of Buffalo where Vincent really became exposed to new music, such as modern classical, progressive rock, and avantgarde jazz influences. He studied composition and arranging under Jon Nelson of Meridian Arts Ensemble, and also studied the trade of leading a band. Under proffesor Nelsons guidance Vincent began writing for jazz trios, jazz septets, jazz nonets, and a ten piece electro-acoustic ensembles with mixtures of rock, jazz, and classical music. During his time at buffalo he was privlaged enough to perform with Bobby Previte, and Elliot Sharp when they had a residencies at UB. He was also awarded the 2004 Buffalo Music award for the Best Original Alternative Rock Band “Sweatin like Nixon” .
After Leaving Buffalo Vincent was accepted to the Masters Program at NYU. This was a truly life altering experience. While at NYU Vincent had the opportunity to work one on one with some of the greatest jazz artists of our time. While at NYU Vincent was able to study piano with Kenny Werner, Jean-Michel Pilc, and Vijay Iyer. He studied jazz improvisation in small group settings with George Garzone, Tony Moreno, Billy Drewes, Don Friedman, and Wayne Krantz, and studied compostion and arranging with Rich Shemaria and Vijay Iyer. He was also able to perform with Grammy winner Brian Lynch, and world renown saxophonists Chris Potter and Joe Lovano. Vincent was then fortunate enough to be appointed to the NYU faculty for a year and helped form the musical minds of undergradutes students. Vincent has since graduated from NYU and continues his explorations in his playing, teching, and composing, always striving for something new and exiting.
We are excited to have a teacher on staff, who, not only is genuine about his craft, but has the true desire to share his love for music.
• Masters Degree from NYU in Jazz Performance
• Bachelors Degree in Piano Performance From SUNY Buffalo
• Performed with Grammy winner Brian Lynch
• NYU Faculty 2007-2008
• Performed with Saxophone stars Chris Potter, and Joe Lovano
• 2004 Buffalo Music Award Winner “Best Original Alternative Rock Band”
• Over 20 Years of Piano Playing Experience
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Kenny Schwartz
Artist in Residence- Drums and Percussion
Kenny Schwartz has gone from a prodigious talent to a professional
musician. In just seven years, Kenny has accomplished more than most
drummers his age.
Currently attending the prestigious New School for Jazz and
Contemporary Music in New York City, he has a near fluent grasp of
music theory and an intuitive understanding of all musical styles and
genres. In addition to the drums, he has studied piano and voice. He
is also a working hand percussionist, trained in both the African and
Latin traditions. He has had the privilege to study under some of the
most respected and accomplished drummers in the country; Nasheet Waits,
Alvin Atkinson Jr, Joe Chambers, Vanderlei Pereira, Abdou Mboup, and
Bernard “Pretty” Purdie. But, it was in fact Music School Inc. CEO
Jared Feldman that taught him first, opening up the doors to the rest
of his life.
Kenny is a serious player with a passion for teaching the art of music
and drums, with a unique pedagogy that reflects his enthusiasm and
devotion. In his private lessons, Kenny's approach is one of
encouragement, positivity, and patience, and he puts an emphasis on
making the lessons fun and enjoyable for everyone.
Kenny has also participated in the NYSSMA and SCMEA festivals and is
experienced in preparing students for such events. Since the day he got
his first drum set, Kenny has been making music with anyone he can.
Starting with his high school Jazz band, Kenny has played with many
original rock bands, Jazz combos, big bands, musical theater pits,
Brazilians percussion groups, and much more. His versitility has
brought him from backyard parties to Puerto Rico. So if there is
anything you want to know about the drums, Kenny is the man to ask!
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Joe Cerbone
Artist in Residence- Guitar
Joe has been playing guitar for just under 5 years, and was the first student to earn the excellence in Music/Guitar award in his high school. After playing for only a short period of time, Joe set out to assist his instructor in teaching the guitar class in high school, and eventually exceeding his instructor's knowledge and took over the lessons plans for the class.
Joe has done Classical/Jazz nyssma, and had helped many students prepare and succeed in this festival. he knows all the newest guitar techniques, and has understanding of where the future of electric guitar is heading. Joe has also played in various bands.
- Lead Guitarist for "Facing The Sun"
- Music Theorist
- Knowledgeable guitar repair person
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Jennifer Altenburg
Artist in Residence-Violin, Rockin' Tots
Jennifer Altenburg is a violinist from Melville, NY. After graduating Hauppauge High School with a varsity letter in music, Jen studied at Canisius College, and Suffolk County Community College where she was concertmaster. She has been performing for over 20 years, and currently plays in the Northport Community Orchestra, as well as performing at weddings. Most notably, Jen has previously played in the South Shore Philharmonic, as a ringer with the East End Youth Orchestra in East Hampton, and for Suffolk County Community College.
Jen has been teaching privately for the past eight years. Jen worked for JT Music teaching violin, and viola for 3 years, before owning her own company for the past 5 years. Jen has taught children of all ages from pre-K through adults. She taught orchestra at Holy Family Regional School for two years as.well as teaching pre-school music. Jen prepares students for NYSMMA levels 1-6, auditions for Gemini Youth Orchestra, college auditions and has an impeccable track record.
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Nicole Nevermann
Artist in Residence-Voice/Piano
Nicole is a Wisconsin native who moved to New York in 2005 after studying music education, applied music and women's studies at both New York University and the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. Besides teaching for MSI, Nicole teaches elementary music at St. Lucy's School in the Bronx during the calender year, where she also acts as choir director and director of productions. Additionally, she is on the faculty at the ETC School, an intensive theatre training summer program in Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania, where she teaching voice for the actor and has directed productions such as "Godspell" and "Working", working with ensembles in the high school age range.
While Nicole has studied piano and voice primarily throughout her life, she also plays a mean jazz trombone and is confident that, given enough time, she will finally be able to get sound to come out of a flute. In addition to her classical training, Nicole is equally interested in performance and has an extensive theatre resume. Favorite roles include Rosie in "Cabaret", Eddie in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show", and Maddie in "Tony and Tina's Wedding", performed in Times Square in 2006. She is also avid in dance and Pilates and hopes to become a certified instructor within the next year. Though she loves the thrill of being on stage, Nicole has found directing and teaching to be her true loves and is committed to continuing to inspire and work with young people on their own musical passions. Nicole currently resides in Huntington where she enjoys sushi, weekly open mic nights, writing the occasional song, and indulging in sporadic karaoke catastrophes.
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Michael Bellusci
Artist in Residence-Drums/Bass/Guitar
It may be a cliché, but Michael Bellusci knows the exact moment he decided to become a musician. It was Sunday, February 9th, 1964. He was watching the Beatles perform on Ed Sullivan for the first time. The excitement that the Beatles generated, in his house alone, was cause for him to decide, at a very early age, that that was what he wanted to do for a living.
Michael seriously began his musical career by learning to play the guitar in 1968 using the “Mel Bay Way to Play Vol. 1”. Michael completed the entire book in one day; all of 4 chords. The Beatles song book followed shortly after that.
In 1970, Michael tricked his father into getting him drum lessons. He began his studies with legendary drummer Tommy Hatch, who was staff drummer at Radio City Music Hall. Michael has also studied with Sam Ulano, Rod Morgenstein, Justin Dicioccio, Frank Marino, and others.
Michael became a working musician at a young age and never looked back. He has worked with cover bands, tribute bands, club date bands, orchestras and musical theater productions. In 1990, Michael began performing with members of The Broadway Cast of Beatlemania as Ringo.
Michael began teaching drums in 1980 and now is teaching guitar, bass and drums with Music School, Inc.
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Jon Degen
Artist in Residence-Guitar/Drums/Bass/Saxophone/Clarinet
Jon is currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at SUNY Stony Brook University to study his first passion, music. A graduate of Seaford High School, Jon was a part of the Symphonic Band, marching band, jazz band, and a founding member of Tri-M music honor society, playing clarinet and tenor sax. At Stony Brook, he plays guitar and tenor sax in various jazz combos and small groups, as well as tenor saxophone in Stony Brook's famed big band "Blowage" under direction of professional jazz trombonist Ray Anderson. Jon has played saxophone, clarinet, guitar, drums, and bass guitar, in multiple rock, jazz, funk, and reggae groups performing in the tri-state area. He has been on staff for Seaford High School band camp every summer for 3 years as the woodwind instructor/supervisor. He plans on continuing his study of music into graduate school, eventually becoming a music educator himself.
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Laura Patterson
Artist in Residence- Flute
Laura Patterson has been described as “...an exceptionally gifted young artist. She has a beautiful sound, an impressive and refined technique, and an unusally broad range of musical interests.” (Larry Livingston, former Dean USC Thornton School of Music) Laura is a native of New York, where she first began her studies with the members of the DaCapo Chamber Players, primarily flutist Patricia Spencer and composer/pianist Joan Tower. Laura has performed modern works in venues such as Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Cami Hall, and Disney Hall in Los Angeles. She has shared the stage with Yo-Yo Ma and Pepe Romero. In 2003 Laura moved to Los Angeles to study with Jim Walker at the University of Southern California, where she recieved a Bachelor of Music Degree. Laura remained in LA, where she was an active teacher and free lance musician for the last two years. Laura performed as a member of the City of Angels Trio, which frequently gave concerts and workshops for children through the sponsorship of the DaCamera Society. In March of 2008 Laura had the opportunity to go on tour to Lima, Peru to perform with Lenny Picket (SNL Band) as part of the Lima International Jazz Festival Orchestra. After returning from Peru, Laura traveled to Rotterdam, Holland where she performed at the International Community Arts Festival with the Teatro de Realidad, a Los Angeles based theater company. Laura has just recently returned to New York where she is currently teaching and performing with different chamber groups and Off Broadway theater productions.
- BM, Flute Performance, University of Southern California
- Performances with Yo-Yo Ma, Pepe Romero, Lenny Picket
- Principal Flute, Lima Jazz Festival Orchestra
- Toured Holland and California with the Teatro de Realidad
- Currently performing for Off- Broadway productions
- Seven years teaching experience
- Several students have been competition winners
- Several students performed in a masterclass with James Galway
- Assistant Manager, New York Youth Symphony Chamber Music Program
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Paul Little
Artist in Residence-Violin
Paul Little is a multi-talented musician and educator who can be seen performing and teaching all throughout Long Island. Paul attended SUNY Potsdam, where he received his Bachelor of Music degree in music education from the Crane School of Music. He later attended Five Towns College, earning a Masters degree in music technology. A NYS-certified teacher, Paul has experience teaching all ages and styles of music.
Paul is also a veteran performer, holding seats in the Northport Community Orchestra, the West Islip Symphony Orchestra, and the Nassau Pops. He has also performed in pit orchestras for over 10 productions, was a founding member of the Latin jazz group El Norte Tropicale, and performed in the Crane Symphony Orchestra for the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Goodwill Games in Lake Placid, NY. He's performed alongside such artists as Mark Wood, Edwin McCain, and Bruce Hornsby. In his free time, Paul enjoys writing and arranging music, practicing his DJ skills, and enjoying quality time satisfying his video game fix by playing Rock Band.
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