Warwick School of Music: Pine Island NY

About the Warwick School of Music Faculty

* teachers listed in alphabetical order by last name

	VICTORIA BOTTA Violin, Viola, Piano Teacher Vicki‘s education includes a Bachelor’s Degree from C.W. Post of L.I.U in English and Journalism and a Masters in Education Degree from Cambridge College. She received a Permanent Certification in Music from SUNY New Paltz. Vicki attended String Orchestra Graduate/Masters classes at Villanova. She has studied with Harold Coletta, a Pablo Casals Award Winner. She is a Julliard graduate, professor emeritis and solo performing artist. She was also a string orchestra teacher as well as a general music teacher at Goshen schools. Vicki is the prinicipal violinist with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic and the resident quartet of SUNY New Paltz. Vicki attended A.S.T.A National String Conference in Kansas City and has become a Certified N.Y.S.S.M.A. adjudicator.

	JOE CASTROVILLARI DRUMS TEACHER Bio Coming Soon!

	MARY LEE FARRIS Voice, Piano Teacher Mary Lee earned a Bachelor's of Music (Pedagogy major, Piano minor) from the School Of Music, University of Louisville. She received a Master's in Voice and was awarded the first teaching assistantship in the vocal department. Additional studies were with Jean Stawski in Munich Germany, Judith Oas Natalucci in NEW YORK CITY and Rome, Adele Addison (Prof. of Voice at SUNY Stony Brook), Beverly Johnson (Julliard School), W. Fletcher Smith (Prof of Voice at University of Louisville). She was a member of the vocal faculty at the University of Louisville, has performed professionally in the USA and Europe, and has been a free lance vocal coach and teacher.

	MICHAEL LEROSE Guitar, Bass Guitar Teacher Mike received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Montclair State College, an Associate's Degree of Music from County College of Morris, and is a certified Music teacher. Mike has taught students general music, music theory, and supervised is the Jazz Band Director at the Morris County School of Technology. He was an Adjunct Music Professor at County College of Morris. Mike has been teaching students privately for over twenty years. He is presently performing in a band as the lead guitarist. He has performed classical, jazz, rock and blues and has played guitar in productions including Grease, Man of Lamancha, Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell.

	TERRY MCDONOUGH Piano Teacher Terry is a graduate from Penn State University with a B.A. in Music Composition and Theory .He has thirty five years of playing experience. Presently he plays professionally in a band and also performs solo.

	GREGG MICHALAK Piano Teacher Gregg earned a Master’s of Music in performance from Ithaca College. His primary teachers include Morris Borenstein (Juilliard), Mary Ann Covert, and Phiroze Mehta. Later studies were with Solomon Mikowsky (Manhattan School of Music) and other noted artists as Ruth Laredo, Martino Tirimo,Lukas Fosss,Augustin Anievas and Pulitzer prize-winning composer Karel Husa. Mr. Michalak was a prize winner in several national and international competitions. He has published articles in several keyboard periodicals. He has also served on staff at Ulster Community College and Vassar College.

	MARY PARISH Vocal Teacher/Actress Mary has had vocal training for many years along with studying dance. She has taken theatre and vocal workshops in Rochester NY. Mary also studied Acting/Theatre and Musical Performance at the University of West Florida. Mary has performed in "Oliver", "A Chorus Line", "The Rocky Horror Show", "A Funny Thing Happened ….Forum", to name a few.

	MICHAEL ROGERS VOICE TEACHER Michael has been singing since his teens. He has performed professionally in various rock bands and has performed in many Battle of the Bands making it to semi finals and finalist levels. He has toured the East Coast, worked on independent film sound tracks as well as performing as a vocal soloist. He has written lyrics, mixed and produced CD's and has managed and promoted bands. Michael has appeared on TV in talent competitions and has done some commercials for Cable Music Television. Michael has studied at William Patterson University and has private vocal training with coaches in NYC and a classical/opera vocal coach. Presently Mike is the lead singer in a classic rock cover band. Mike brings his passion of music and his gift of teaching to his students.

	PETER STIKA DRUM & GUITAR TEACHER - STUDENT BANDS Peter Stika is a High School graduate from Warwick Valley High School and has been with the Warwick School of Music from year one about 11 years ago. He has been studying Guitar, Drums and Bass and took advanced placement music classes in High School. Pete has played in a number of bands, covered for members in other bands, and played venues in Warwick, Monroe, and even the Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie, NY. As one of our youngest teachers, he easily relates with children and teenagers and specializes in introducing music to a curious student and making it a fun experience.

	ROBBY VALENTINE VOCAL & GUITAR TEACHER Robby is a gradate of Crane School of Music. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education, specializing in Vocal Performance. Robby was President of the Suny Potsdam Pointercounts (an A Capella group) for three years, and tour director for one year. Robby has performed throughout the Hudson Valley. Some venues include, The Lycian Center, Rhodes Tavern North, Warwick Apple Festival to name a few. Robby also opened for "Rockapella". Robby's love of singing and teaching shines through when he is with his students.

	JACK ZINN WOODWINDS & BRASS TEACHER Bio Coming Soon!