Buddy Griffith is currently completing bachelor's degrees in music education and music performance at SUNY Fredonia, where he studies double bass with Harry Jacobson. Buddy has a diverse background in music, including Rock, Choral, Jazz, Vocal Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Salsa, Orchestral, Opera, Chamber music, Concert band and Bluegrass, all on various instruments. He performs frequently in these contrasting styles. As a conductor, he has studied with Paula Holcomb and was a participant of the 2011 Conductors Institute at the University of South Carolina. As of this summer, Buddy plans to continue his bass studies with Phil Helm.

Isaac Jaffe was born and raised in Somers, New York, and became involved in music at an early age while playing the electric bass in local rock bands with friends.  At 13 years old, his interests migrated towards the upright bass and the music of Charles Mingus and Miles Davis.  Studying jazz with local legend Bill Conway quickly prepared Isaac for playing in Westchester coffee shops, jazz clubs, and restaurants by the age of 15.  In spring 2009, Isaac completed his degree in jazz performance from New York University, and released his quintet’s first recording, Of Pandas and People.  Isaac teaches beginning to intermediate pianists of all ages.  With his extensive background in jazz studies and composition, Isaac is also able to provide his students with improvisational techniques and a comprehensive understanding of both classical and jazz theory.

Patrick Lavery developed an interest in music early, with his first instruments being harmonica and voice from the age of 6, in talent shows and school functions.  Pat began playing guitar at the age of 10, and bass at 13, performing in local bands around northwestern Connecticut.  After high school, Pat moved to Austin to perform for several years in various bands before moving back to Connecticut, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music from Western Connecticut State University.  While there, he studied bass with Dr. Lyn Christie, and classical voice with Lois Grebosky.  Pat’s extensive work in recording, production, and composition led to the scoring of documentaries for PBS along with his partner, Chris Ingram.  Collaboration with Smooth Jazz guitarist Brian Tarquin led to writing projects for MTV networks, and television library music that turns up on everything from cable sports shows to soap operas to prime time network shows.  Pat is the founder of Sparky Music Labs, recording and producing projects for notable artists such as Phil Forbes, Renard Boissiere, Cheneniah, Lisa Furman, jazz pianist Will Fownes, songwriter Christopher Robin, and Tom Tom Club singer Mystic Bowie.  Pat also performed with Mystic Bowie for 5 years, working with Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth, and award winning engineer Doug McKean.  As an instructor, Pat has taught guitar, bass, harmonica and voice for over 20 years in Ridgefield and Danbury to students from ages 7 to 70 in many styles.  Currently, Pat is busy teaching, writing music for a new album, leading his own band, and performing regularly with The Bob McLaughlin Group, The Sonny Carroll Orchestra, The Blues Buddha Band, The Christopher Robin Band, Spontaneous Combustion, and with the Manny Pavone Group. 

David Radovich received a BS and MS in Music Education from Western Connecticut State University.  He began his career as a public school music teacher and band director in CT and MA.  After moving to Carmel, Dave opened Radovich & Dean Music in 1973 with his father-in-law, Rudy Dean, a pianist.  As a professional clarinet, saxophone and flute player, Dave performs with The Danbury Symphony, The Chappaqua Orchestra, The Hudson Valley Philharmonic, and is Principal Clarinet with The Yonkers Philharmonic Orchestra.   As a saxophonist, Dave plays with a number of club date orchestras, big bands, and wedding bands.  Dave can also be heard every spring in countless musical theater productions in Putnam, Dutchess, Westchester, and Fairfield counties, playing any combination of woodwinds from piccolo down to bass clarinet and baritone sax.
  

Buddy Griffith is currently completing bachelor's degrees in music education and music performance at SUNY Fredonia, where he studies double bass with Harry Jacobson. Buddy has a diverse background in music, including Rock, Choral, Jazz, Vocal Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Salsa, Orchestral, Opera, Chamber music, Concert band and Bluegrass, all on various instruments. He performs frequently in these contrasting styles. As a conductor, he has studied with Paula Holcomb and was a participant of the 2011 Conductors Institute at the University of South Carolina. As of this summer, Buddy plans to continue his bass studies with Phil Helm.

Patrick Lavery  developed an interest in music early, with his first instruments being harmonica and voice from the age of 6, in talent shows and school functions.  Pat began playing guitar at the age of 10, and bass at 13, performing in local bands around northwestern Connecticut.  After high school, Pat moved to Austin to perform for several years in various bands before moving back to Connecticut, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music from Western Connecticut State University.  While there, he studied bass with Dr. Lyn Christie, and classical voice with Lois Grebosky.  Pat’s extensive work in recording, production, and composition led to the scoring of documentaries for PBS along with his partner, Chris Ingram.  Collaboration with Smooth Jazz guitarist Brian Tarquin led to writing projects for MTV networks, and television library music that turns up on everything from cable sports shows to soap operas to prime time network shows.  Pat is the founder of Sparky Music Labs, recording and producing projects for notable artists such as Phil Forbes, Renard Boissiere, Cheneniah, Lisa Furman, jazz pianist Will Fownes, songwriter Christopher Robin, and Tom Tom Club singer Mystic Bowie.  Pat also performed with Mystic Bowie for 5 years, working with Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth, and award winning engineer Doug McKean.  As an instructor, Pat has taught guitar, bass, harmonica and voice for over 20 years in Ridgefield and Danbury to students from ages 7 to 70 in many styles.  Currently, Pat is busy teaching, writing music for a new album, leading his own band, and performing regularly with The Bob McLaughlin Group, The Sonny Carroll Orchestra, The Blues Buddha Band, The Christopher Robin Band, Spontaneous Combustion, and with the Manny Pavone Group. 
    
Peter Tascio has been teaching at our studios for 17 years.  Peter started playing guitar at the age of 9, and his training has included classical guitar, all styles of acoustic guitar, as well as music theory and composition.  He performs regularly in churches throughout Putnam County, ranging in a multitude of styles, with his favorites being blues, and 1960’s rock.  Peter maintains a relaxed, yet detailed learning atmosphere in which students can express their creativity and enjoy learning how to play guitar in their favorite styles.  Over the years, Peter has taught guitarists of all ages, skill levels, catering to each student’s individual musical goals.
 

Tiffany Radovich received a Bachelor's degree in music as a double major in Oboe Performance and Music Education from The Boston Conservatory, studying oboe and English horn with Dr. Stuart Dunkel.  Other instructors include Arthur Chankin, and Phillis Lanini at the Manhattan School of Music Pre-College Division.  A busy performer, Tiffany has performed at venues such as St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, Hradacny Square at Prague Castle, Madison Square Garden, Alice Tully Hally, and Avery Fischer Hall at Lincoln Center in New York.  Locally, Tiffany has performed with the Yonkers Philharmonic Orchestra, the Danbury Symphy, and is currently Principal Oboe with the Hudson Valley Wind Ensemble.  Tiffany has also played oboe and English horn for over 30 music theater productions in New York, Connecticut, and Massachussetts.     

Cindy Radovich received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education from Western Connecticut State University, as a classical piano major.  Her piano instructors have included Norman Chapman, Lawrence Honan and Rosalie Sutherland of the Julliard Extension Program.  She began her teaching career in CT and MA, as a choral director before moving to Putnam County.  Cindy then taught Instrumental Music for 30 years in the Brewster Central School District, at all grades and has also worked as rehearsal pianist, and/or music director for close to 100 theater productions in NY and CT.  Cindy has been teaching piano students of all ages and levels for over 40 years and places strong emphasis on classical conservatory training including proper technique and musicality.  Many of Cindy’s students participate in the NYSSMA Festival each year, and a number of her students have gone to attend college as music performance and/or education majors.           

John Aschenbrenner is an Emmy Award winning composer and pianist who has appeared on Broadway both as a conductor and pianist (Tommy Tune in MY ONE AND ONLY, Linda Ronstadt in LA BOHEME.) As a composer his music has been recorded by the American Symphony Orchestra, and appears in many fims, including CHINA SYNDROME. John has been a local piano teacher for many years and is the author of the PIANO BY NUMBER series for preschool kids.  John holds degrees in music, composition and piano from the University of California, Berkeley, Trinity College of Music, London and the University of Southern California. John's teachers include Denise Lassimone (Paris) and Tobias Matthay (London.)

Isaac Jaffe was born and raised in Somers, New York, and became involved in music at an early age while playing the electric bass in local rock bands with friends.  At 13 years old, his interests migrated towards the upright bass and the music of Charles Mingus and Miles Davis.  Studying jazz with local legend Bill Conway quickly prepared Isaac for playing in Westchester coffee shops, jazz clubs, and restaurants by the age of 15.  In spring 2009, Isaac completed his degree in jazz performance from New York University, and released his quintet’s first recording, Of Pandas and People.  Isaac teaches beginning to intermediate pianists of all ages.  With his extensive background in jazz studies and composition, Isaac is also able to provide his students with improvisational techniques and a comprehensive understanding of both classical and jazz theory.   

Nicolette Marino is a New York State certified music educator and NYSSMA piano adjudicator. She holds a B.M. in Music Business and Piano Pedagogy from The Crane School of Music, as well as a M.S. in Music & Music Education from Western Connecticut State University. Her professional teaching experiences  include those within the public school, private school, and private studio settings. She teaches early childhood classes, adult music enrichment and instruction, general music classes, and private instrumental lessons. Nicolette has directed several instrumental & vocal ensembles and music theater productions.  An enthusiastic and  motivated educator, Nicolette is eager to inspire students through music. She believes that the combined support of the Arts by educators, parents, and community members guarantees the finest education.  Music experiences provide opportunities in becoming well rounded and prepared for success in our world. Nicolette is fully trained in classical piano and violin, as well as jazz piano.

Chris Piro is a pianist from Pelham, New York.  He graduated with honors from SUNY-Fredonia with a B.M. in Music Education.  As well as being a NYS certified music educator, Christopher is an active performer and collaborator, frequently sought after as an accompanist for vocal and instrumental recitals, juries, and master classes.   He also served as the accompanist for the SUNY-Fredonia University Choir.  Piano studies at Fredonia were taken under the direction of Fr. Sean Duggan; further studies were completed at the Brevard Music Festival in Brevard, North Carolina.  He currently holds the position of Music Director at the Riverdale-Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture in New York City.  In addition to being a classical pianist, Christopher is also an active vocalist and vocal arranger.  He was the President of Fredonia’s only co-ed a cappella group, Premium Blend.  His original vocal arrangements of pop songs for this group were often noted for their creativity.  Christopher has also performed at Carnegie Hall as a member of Essential Voices USA.  Combining his passions for both classical and popular music, Christopher enjoys teaching students from beginner-to-advanced levels.  He believes that through hard work and dedication, all students will be able to achieve their musical potential.

John Aschenbrenner is an Emmy Award winning composer and pianist who has appeared on Broadway both as a conductor and pianist (Tommy Tune in MY ONE AND ONLY, Linda Ronstadt in LA BOHEME.) As a composer his music has been recorded by the American Symphony Orchestra, and appears in many fims, including CHINA SYNDROME. John has been a local piano teacher for many years and is the author of the PIANO BY NUMBER series for preschool kids.  John holds degrees in music, composition and piano from the University of California, Berkeley, Trinity College of Music, London and the University of Southern California. John's teachers include Denise Lassimone (Paris) and Tobias Matthay (London.)

Isaac Jaffe was born and raised in Somers, New York, and became involved in music at an early age while playing the electric bass in local rock bands with friends.  At 13 years old, his interests migrated towards the upright bass and the music of Charles Mingus and Miles Davis.  Studying jazz with local legend Bill Conway quickly prepared Isaac for playing in Westchester coffee shops, jazz clubs, and restaurants by the age of 15.  In spring 2009, Isaac completed his degree in jazz performance from New York University, and released his quintet’s first recording, Of Pandas and People.  Isaac teaches beginning to intermediate pianists of all ages.  With his extensive background in jazz studies and composition, Isaac is also able to provide his students with improvisational techniques and a comprehensive understanding of both classical and jazz theory.

Nicolette Marino is a New York State certified music educator and NYSSMA piano adjudicator. She holds a B.M. in Music Business and Piano Pedagogy from The Crane School of Music, as well as a M.S. in Music & Music Education from Western Connecticut State University. Her professional teaching experiences  include those within the public school, private school, and private studio settings. She teaches early childhood classes, adult music enrichment and instruction, general music classes, and private instrumental lessons. Nicolette has directed several instrumental & vocal ensembles and music theater productions.  An enthusiastic and  motivated educator, Nicolette is eager to inspire students through music. She believes that the combined support of the Arts by educators, parents, and community members guarantees the finest education.  Music experiences provide opportunities in becoming well rounded and prepared for success in our world. Nicolette is fully trained in classical piano and violin, as well as jazz piano.   

Cindy Radovich received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education from Western Connecticut State University, as a classical piano major.  Her piano instructors have included Norman Chapman, Lawrence Honan and Rosalie Sutherland of the Julliard Extension Program.  She began her teaching career in CT and MA, as a choral director before moving to Putnam County.  Cindy then taught Instrumental Music for 30 years in the Brewster Central School District, at all grades and has also worked as rehearsal pianist, and/or music director for close to 100 theater productions in NY and CT.  Cindy has been teaching piano students of all ages and levels for over 40 years and places strong emphasis on classical conservatory training including proper technique and musicality.  Many of Cindy’s students participate in the NYSSMA Festival each year, and a number of her students have gone to attend college as music performance and/or music education majors.

David Radovich received a BS and MS in Music Education from Western Connecticut State University.  He began his career as a public school music teacher and band director in CT and MA.  After moving to Carmel, Dave opened Radovich & Dean Music in 1973 with his father-in-law, Rudy Dean, a pianist.  As a professional clarinet, saxophone and flute player, Dave performs with The Danbury Symphony, The Chappaqua Orchestra, The Hudson Valley Philharmonic, and is Principal Clarinet with The Yonkers Philharmonic Orchestra.   As a saxophonist, Dave plays with a number of club date orchestras, big bands, and wedding bands.  Dave can also be heard every spring in countless musical theater productions in Putnam, Dutchess, Westchester, and Fairfield counties, playing any combination of woodwinds from piccolo down to bass clarinet and baritone sax.

Buddy Griffith (violin, viola, cello) is currently completing bachelor's degrees in music education and music performance at SUNY Fredonia, where he studies double bass with Harry Jacobson. Buddy has a diverse background in music, including Rock, Choral, Jazz, Vocal Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Salsa, Orchestral, Opera, Chamber music, Concert band and Bluegrass, all on various instruments. He performs frequently in these contrasting styles. As a conductor, he has studied with Paula Holcomb and was a participant of the 2011 Conductors Institute at the University of South Carolina. As of this summer, Buddy plans to continue his bass studies with Phil Helm.

Nicolette Marino (violin) is a New York State certified music educator and NYSSMA piano adjudicator. She holds a B.M. in Music Business and Piano Pedagogy from The Crane School of Music, as well as a M.S. in Music & Music Education from Western Connecticut State University. Her professional teaching experiences  include those within the public school, private school, and private studio settings. She teaches early childhood classes, adult music enrichment and instruction, general music classes, and private instrumental lessons. Nicolette has directed several instrumental & vocal ensembles and music theater productions.  An enthusiastic and  motivated educator, Nicolette is eager to inspire students through music. She believes that the combined support of the Arts by educators, parents, and community members guarantees the finest education.  Music experiences provide opportunities in becoming well rounded and prepared for success in our world. Nicolette is fully trained in classical piano and violin, as well as jazz piano.