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.

Dominic

Dominic graduated from William Floyd HS in 2006. From there he went on to pursue a music education degree from the college of Saint Rose in Albany NY. During his time in Albany Dominic studied saxophone, flute, and clarinet. Primarily focused on pursuing a career in performance, Dominic played gigs throughout the Albany area including rock groups, jazz combos, wedding bands, and pit orchestras. Now back on Long Island, Dominic is continuing his education and music by performing recitals and giving music lessons. Currently he is finishing his degree at Stony Brook University and gigs on Long Island and in NYC with various groups.

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

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.

Matt McCluskey

Matt is a lifelong drummer who has engaged in many different musical pursuits. He currently performs with his original Rock Band Group which has had many songs featured in television commercials and TV as well as a Marching Band that performs on Long Island and throughout New York State. Matt studied at Hofstra University with a concentration in Reading, Drum Set Technique, and Theory. Matt’s drumming influences vary greatly from Jazz’s Buddy Rich, Rock’s John Bonham and Fusion’s Dave Weckl.

Brian Paladino

Brian Paladino is currently pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia. Brian has studied with great guitarist including Michael Belajonas of The Guitar Foundation of America, Evan Drummond of the Eastman School of Music, and James Piorkowski of the world-renowned Buffalo Guitar Quartet. Brian has performed in numerous groups including the SCCC Guitar Ensemble, Fredonia Guitar Ensemble, Chamber Guitar, as well as performed numerous solo recitals through numerous venues around New York State.

Vincent Ladalia

Vincent Ladalia is a graduate of the Juilliard Pre-College, Mannes College of Music (BS) and The Aaron Copeland School of Music at Queens College (MA). He has performed at many venues including, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Symphony Space, & The Bank Street Theater.

Vincent performs all genres of music from Classical to Jazz. While attending Mannes, Vincent studied with Vincent Penzarella, who retired from the New York Philharmonic.

Vincent also performs at weddings and other special events with his company, Encore Fanfares, as a herald trumpet performer. He also performs for parties and cocktail hours playing easy listening jazz standards.

Vincent brings an enthusiasm and expertise in his field and he looks forward to new musical endeavors.

Nick Balzano

Nick Balzano is has been singing and playing drums in the William Floyd Community for close to 15 years. He was involved in many groups at William Floyd High School such as the Wind Ensemble, Concert Choir, Jazz Ensemble and the ever- so-popular male a’capella group The Soundsations. Nick is currently taking a break from studying Music Education at George Mason University with concentrations in voice and percussion. At GMU he was a part of many different performing groups. He was most recognized for singing lead vocals with Doc Nix & the Green Machine. Now that he is back home in Mastic/Shirley area he is working with two bands Still Current (Vocals/Keys/Guitar) and Mojo Filter (Drums).