Instructors


Steve Klein

Steve Klein is one the busiest drummers in NY. With over 100 gigs a year and 1200 lessons a year, he still finds time to study and practice.Currently is has the support of Vic Firth sticks and Evans drum heads and can found on the-Vic Firth educational team./ Hes been playing for over 35 yrs and has done thousands of live gigs along with touring and studio work His motto is"Its all about giving back" You can see his love for the drums through his passion for it.





Jules Radino

Jules Radino is the drummer for the legendary rock band Blue Oyster Cult.
Prior to BOC he toured nationally and internationally with blues guitarist Popa Chubby.
In between BOC, Jules can be seen playing a wide variety of gigs. He keeps an active schedule performing and recording with diverse NYC artists.
As a clinician, he has performed many clinics nationwide and has a teaching practice at Jeff Denny's Music Station on Long Island.

His talents are recognized with endorsements from Taye drums, Paiste cymbals, Vic Firth drumsticks, Attack drumheads, Hansenfutz practice pedals and The Brite Stuff cymbal polish

"I've been fortunate to meet and play with some amazing people and musicians. I toured with blues guitarist Popa Chubby. Along with BOC, you can hear me with some great singer/songwriters like Derek James, Dave Doobinin, Briana Winter and Black Bunny to name a few.




Ryan Formato

Ryan was born in Brooklyn, NY and moved to Mastic, NY at the age of 5. He picked up the guitar at the age of fourteen and seriously began interested after hearing Steve Vai. Ryan has been playing guitar religiously for 10 years and graduated from SUNY Stony Brook. Steve Vai is Ryan's major influence along with Jeff Denny as Jeff Denny has taught him a lot about the guitar from fierce licks to the theory behind chords and music in general. Ryan has competed in the Guitarmageddon competition in 2002 making it all the way to the Regional finals and more recently had competed again in 2004 and won the East Coast Regional Finals in Florida and would later go to Dallas, Texas to play in the National Finals. Ryan made it to the top 6 in the country out of 3,500 contestants and played to a crowd of 15,000 people sharing the stage with many of music's finest players. Ryan Formato has established himself at a young age and is working towards becoming a major player in the guitar industry. His songs are inspired by his family, life, as well as his wife Patricia. One of his songs is dedicated to her and he invites you to listen to the beautiful melodies dedicated to her.

Ryan has dedicated much of his life to the instrument practicing hours daily to achieve a high technical ability and a great sense of melody. He will continue to write music to enrich his life as well as the lives of others.




Manny Larios

Manny Larios is an active freelance Violin player on Long Island. A graduate of the William Floyd school district, He is currently transferring to Stony Brook University to study music performance. Manny has played with various groups including The Sound symphony, The SCCC Orchestra, Dowling College Symphony and a soloist with the BAFFA Symphony. He has also toured with LIYO in Canada, Scandinavia, England and South America. Mr. Larios enjoys teaching private 1/2 hour lessons at the Music Station as well as playing with diverse chamber ensembles. Call Lori to schedule a free lesson with Mr. Larios.




Anthony LaScala

I don’t know if practice makes perfect, but it makes a good guitarist.

Accomplishments
1985- Present: (electric guitar).
1991- Present: (classical guitar).
1993-1995: Played in North wind.
1994: Played the first live version of Steve Reich’s Electric counter point.
1996: Earned a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts Stony brook University.
1999: Earned a Certificate in Education Dowling Collage.
2000-Present: Teaching at Brentwood UFSD
2002: Earned a Masters Degree in Education Dowling Collage.
2010: Guitar Instructor at Jeff Denny’s Music Station.

Influences
All of my guitar teachers, Beatles, Rush, Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden, Randy Rhoads, Eddie Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, AC/DC, Leo Brower, Augustus Barrios, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, John McLaughlin, Bach, Benjamin Britten, Bela Bartok.

Equipment
Gibson Les Paul Standard 1967
Cordoba nylon string Spanish
Paul Reed Smith Santana edition
Estaban nylon string
Roland GP-8 effects processor
Alesis nanocompressor
Spider II line6 Amplifier





Rob Wisotzky

Rob is a lifelong guitarist who has engaged in many different musical pursuits. Musically, he began like many with rock bands as a child. In college he studied music with a major in Classical Guitar. Rob received a BA in music performance and a Masters in Music Education.

He is a NY State certified music teacher with over 30 years teaching experience in public education, teaching string instruments including guitar as well as choral music. With all that experience, Rob is equally able to teach students of all ages. He is known for his patience and expertise with young children and prefers to provide a strong musical program including music reading. That said, he prides himself on tailoring his instruction to the individual needs of all his students. Those that do not desire to use method books are taught basic chords, blues patterns, popular songs and basic soloing. Those using method books still receive supplemental material if desired.

The many styles he teaches and plays include acoustic, electric, blues, rock, folk, jazz, country, fingerstyle and classical. Rob was named Music Teacher of the year in his public school district.

Rob performs with two local acoustic/electric guitar duos. They are Long Island Acoustics www.liacoustics.com and Firefly. They perform at many venues all over the New York area including locally.




Jeff Denny

Specialties:
Rock, Blues, Country, Fingerstyle, Classical, Composing, Arranging, Performing, Music theory, Ear training, Producing, Recording songwriting. Also teaches piano, drums, bass, and voice.

Teaching Philosophy/Methodology
I believe it is a privilege to share my encyclopedic knowledge of songs and guitar styles to any student who trusts me with their education. I recognize each student learns differently and will be inspired by different styles of music. I can teach them the proper theory and techniques while guiding them on a path that will bring out the best in their talents. We will work on a course of study together, created to suit the students abilities and above all..have lots of fun! What sets me apart from other instructors is that I encourage the students to “practice” correctly and guide them through the techniques they must use at home. They will not be left unprepared. Results will come faster with proper practice!

Teaching Experience
Jeff is the owner of THE MUSIC STATION in Shirley, New York. He has been teaching for 20 years and has taught countless musicians on Long Island. From humble beginnings, his business has blossomed and serves his community well. He also offers his expertise at local colleges and libraries where he can connect with larger groups of students throughout the South Shore. Denny has taught many students who have gone on to become accomplished musicians and teachers themselves. Ryan Formato, one of DennyÕs students, competed in the Guitarmageddon competition and in 2004, won the East Coast Regional Finals and would later go to Dallas, Texas to play in the National Finals. Ryan made it to the top 6 in the country out of 3,500 contestants and played to a crowd of 15,000 people sharing the stage with many of music's finest players.

Performance and Recording Experience
Endorsed by Gibson/Steinberger Guitars. Jeff Has played with Rick Derringer, Bernard Purdy, Jeff Ganz and notes artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eddie Van Halen and Eric Johnson as his inspirations. Jeff is the founder of The Jeff Denny Band, which has been a staple throughout the New York music scene. They have headlined at The Riverhead Blues Festival, Suffolk County Fairs, The Vail-Leavitt Theater, Brookhaven Cultural Center Blues and Rock Festivals. Jeff is also a songwriter and has written and performed many original songs that have received fabulous reviews.

Accolades
“I have found Jeff to be one of the top instructors on Long Island. He teaches my son with great enthusiasm, spirit, care, and knowledge. He inspires his students to practice with a sense of purpose and with that, comes great success. I would recommend Jeff as a teacher and mentor.”



 

Bob Amendola 

Bob was born and raised in the Bronx and moved to Long Island in 1963 where he attended Locust Valley High School.  He has always had a strong interest in music but didn’t begin to pursue it until the age of 46.  This is when he took his first lesson with Jeff Denny who encouraged him to continue playing to this day. Bob has gone on to assist Jeff teaching in the local library’s Dowling College, as well as various Continuing Adult Education Classes around Long Island. Bob is now a welcome addition to the Music Station as well.

Bob’s guitar influence are Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and most especially Jeff Denny.








Meghan Cork

Meghan Cork is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Music Therapy from Molloy College, where she studies hands on with populations varying from medical, geriatric, children with special needs, and psychiatric, using music for healing and psychotherapeutic purposes. She obtained a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from New York University, where she studied voice with classical singer, Rosa Vento, as well as other coaches. She has performed in a number of different venues, including The York Theatre, Lincoln Center, The Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, the Provincetown Playhouse, New World Stages, and The Gateway Playhouse. Meghan’s teaching approach combines technique with intention for focus on a singing technique inspired by natural breath. She is very flexible and open with regard to repertoire, as she encourages each student’s unique style of music and musicality.



 

Tru Doty is a multi keyboardist and songwriter from New York, who has enjoyed
composing, orchestrating and producing songs and music for publishing companies
for nearly two decades as well as performing live on stage with some of the greatest
musicians and bands.

He began performing live, in his first rock band, at eleven years old. He rapidly developed
a love for a wide range of styles, including rock, funk, blues, jazz and gospel.
From 1984
to 2006 Tru developed his funky gospel blues style on the Hammond B3 in a church setting, where he served as the Music Minister for several churches.

Tru has recorded and performed with artists such as G. E. Smith, Roger Earl, Kenny Aaronson,
Steve Holly, Mark Alexander, Marty Kersich, Chuck Burgi, Kasim Sulton, Phil Grande, Bobby
Rondinelli, Danny Miranda, Junior Mack, and Mark Greenberg, to name a few.



Ryan Colichio

Ryan Colichio currently lives in East Patchogue, New York. Ryan will be graduating from Hofstra University in May 2011 with a B.S. in Music Education. He puts a strong emphasis on performing so that “we can truly experience music.” In 2010 Ryan was awarded the William Lawrence Performance Scholarship of excellence in musical performance. Ryan was an active member of the New York Youth Symphony from 2004-2007 and held the position of Percussion Manager from 2005-2007. Performances included venues such as Carnegie Hall and Queens College. Other noteworthy accomplishments include the Maryland University Percussion Workshop and the NYU Broadway Percussion Seminar. Ryan has had the pleasure of performing with Long Island ensembles such as the Long Island Symphonic Choral Association, the Dowling College Orchestra, the Island Symphony, and the Bay Area of Fine Arts Symphony Orchestra. He is one of the founding members of the alternative rock band The Given Motion whose unique sound and devoted following enabled them to be featured 3 times on WRCN and other radio stations including WBAB and The Real Radio Show-Times Square. The Given Motion is currently finishing up their second Record entitled “Human Dictionary” at The Music Palace with platinum engineer Mic Angelo whose clientele include Seal, Peter Gabriel, Mariah Carey, Salt’n Pepa, Busta Rhymes, and many more. Ryan offers lessons on Drum Set, Concert, Mallet, and Hand Percussion.