Monster Music’s Own
Phil Weiss – Drums
Phil studied at Berklee College of Music and has played professionally for more than 20 years. He is the most sought after drum instructor on Long Island.
Ed Moreno – Guitar/Bass
Ed has his degree from Five Towns and is an exceptionally gifted guitarist. While he is fluent in all styles he is especially fond of Classical guitar instruction. Ed’s musical curiosity has led him to be proficient in almost every stringed instrument. As such, Ed teaches the banjo, mandolin, as well as the ukelele.
Eric Lein – Piano/Drums
Eric is a very talented pianist as well as a highly gifted percussionist. He is currently in a graduate program at Queens College.
Uri Gurvich – All types of Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Jazz Piano
Uri is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston and is a professional Jazz Sax player. Uri played Saxophone in the Israeli Air Force Orchestra. He now lives in Williamsburg Brooklyn. Learn more about Uri at UriGurvich.com
Pete Drebot – Guitar/Bass/Piano
Pete has his degree in Guitar Performance from Five Towns College and is always one of most popular instructors.
Jacky Toner – Voice/Piano/Viola
Jacky heads up our Vocal program. She studied at Crane School of Music and is always our most popular teacher for our younger female students. Jacky also organizes our Monster Music student showcases.
Florencia Gonzalez – Saxophone
Florencia is from Uruguay and is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music. Florencia was honored at Berklee College of Music, where they choose the most gifted students from each instrumental discipline and give them the honor of tutoring their fellow classmates at Berklee. For more information about Florencia please visit her website www.florenciagonzalez.com
Mike Farkas – Trumpet, all Brass as well as all Strings and Winds
Mike has his undergraduate degree in Music Education and is currently working on his Masters in Jazz Performance. His patience and versatility make him one of Monster’s consistently most popular teachers.
Nick Bilancia – Guitar/Bass/Piano
Nick has his degree in guitar performance from Five Towns College. Nick is an exceptional guitarist. He currently plays lead guitar in the up and coming band “Go for Launch”.
Karen Fitzgerald – Viola/Violin/Cello as well as all Woodwinds and Piano
Karen was a viola performance major in college and is doing graduate work in Music education at Post. She is known as the “NYSSMA Queen” here at Monster as she has a vast knowledge of all the ins and outs of NYSSMA, and has served previously as a NYSSMA adjudicator.
Alex Somer – Trombone/Trumpet/Baritone/French Horn
Alex is working on his Masters in Brass performance from Queens College. He is a truly dedicated instructor. Whether an adult student that has always dreamed of playing trombone, or a French Horn student preparing for NYSSMA, there is no teacher better than Alex to prepare you.
Mike D’amato – Guitar/Bass
10+ years teaching experience makes Mike a very consistent, diligent and well-rounded guitar professional. Whether you are looking to just learn some songs or you’re getting ready for a level 6 NYSSMA performance, you can count on Mike to help you reach your goals.
Matt McNiff – Guitar/Bass/Piano/Drums
Matt is one of most versatile teachers. He plays and teaches everything from drums to slide guitar, and almost everything in between.
Derek Smith – Guitar/Bass/Piano/Violin
Derek studied music at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York. Although guitar and bass are his main instruments, Derek has 10+ years experience on the piano and violin, and is an accomplished Upright Bass player.
Patrick Smith – Guitar/Bass/Piano
Patrick attained his Music Composition degree from Albany University. Patrick writes, composes, and gigs regularly. He is also incredibly passionate about teaching.
