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.





Henry Diaz

I offer training on electric bass, acoustic guitar (nylon or steel) and electric guitar; beginner and intermediate levels. Styles include finger, flat-pick and slap/pop for bass, finger picking, strumming and flat picking for guitars.

Experience:
At fifty five, I have better than thirty years of musical experience to my credit. I've played bass since Junior High and have been playing acoustic guitar since 1990. I played Progressive and Classic Rock in the 70's with Sterling and Harlequin, Pop, Dance, R&B,Swing and Latin with The Jimmy Osborne Wedding Band, Blues and Rock with The Jeff Denny Band, Classic Rock, Punk and Alternative with Raku' as well as The Three Blind Mice and Acoustic guitar with four different acoustic projects – The Three Amigo's, Mara (the New Duo), Kristhen and Caitlyn Amanda.

GOALS:
As a musical instructor my goal is to guide the student in their own direction and teach instrumental technique that will enable each student to develop skill and confidence in their playing ability. I develop a unique lesson plan to suit each students talents, and abilities and encourage them to learn some of their favorite songs. Ear training, music theory and improvisational techniques are incorporated into all levels of playing. The most important goal of all is having fun playing music.




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 in the 60's with rock bands as a kid. He attended college and majored in classical guitar and music education. Rob also spent 16 years teaching music in Buffalo, NY.

"During my time as a teacher I played in wedding and club bands. Now I'm back and doing my own thing... writing, practicing and performing. My playing style is a culmination of all the musical influences I've experienced over the past 32 years. It is a pleasure to bring those influences together in the intimate setting of an acoustic guitar duo."

Rob currently resides in Long Island, NY








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.”



Dave DeRolf


Dave DeRolf was Born in Buffalo NY and raised in Levitown. Has been playing guitar for 35 years and is a professional Guitarist as he makes his living gracing the NY pages of music and teaching. Dave now resides in Shirley NY and is the Guitar Tech for the Hammer of the Gods and Sound-man for MSSC, A Graduate of ARTI and 5 towns College is now accepting students at the Music Station