Bio

Ok. If you are here you must want to know more! Thank you.

I received my BA in music from Columbia College and my Masters in Music Education from Lehman College. When I was working towards my masters I had to learn many instruments which tested the love of my family…

I met Jacques D’amboise and started working for National Dance institute in the 1980’s. I’ve been the music director for about 25 years. What a ride. First and foremostI I’ve had the great fortune to work with children of all ages and great teaching artists. In my capacity as music director I have helped develop End of the Year dance performances that have covered wildly diverse topics ranging from an exploration of Harlem to the life of John Lennon, an exploration of the sounds of China, the study of science and many more. Presently much of my work at NDI is geared towards training musicians and teaching artists all over the country.

Another very important part of my life is my work playing Jewish Music mostly for Jewish services. When my wife Mira, who became Rabbi Mira Rivera, decided to convert to Judaism we had to find a synagogue. We were lucky to stumble upon Congregation B’nai Jeshurun which had a great Rabbi and a stunning cantor, Ari Privin. Who knew music for services could be rich and beautiful and spiritual and approachable all at the same time? As our children grew up, Mira and I became Jewish educators at the synagogue. I played Junior congregation services for many years and developed a young people’s band that among other things accompanied the high holiday services developed by Rabbi Anne Ebersman. This led to work with Joel Cohen at Door to Door tutoring, Rabbi Rebecca Keren, Congregation Kehilat Romemu, Stephen Wise synagogue, the Village Temple and more. One lovely thing:  Sometimes I get to accompany my wife when she leads services and I often get to play with Arielle Korman, my daughter, a great artist in her own right, and a soon to be Rabbi.

Here’s a little more.

I practice jazz piano as much as possible. (one of these days I’ll get it right..)

I co-composed Romeo and Juliet the Musical with Terrence Mann. It was produced at the Goodspeed Opera House and the Ordway Theater. I am the music director for Tony Yazbeck and Jenn Gambatese. Tony and I tour a bit and I played piano and arranged his album, The Floor Above Me. I was lucky enough to arrange Out of My Dreams for Jenn’s Album, The Cockeyed Optimist. I play piano in Paul Shapiro’s band, The Ribs and Brisket Review. Paul is one of a kind and I’m so happy to be part of this ensemble. For Ben Nathan and All of us Films I have among other things composed the music for C is for Choreographer for Sesame Street. My kids thought that was the pinnacle of my career and perhaps should have considered retiring.

There is more….but that’s enough!

Ok. If you are here you must want to know more! Thank you.

 I received my BA in music from Columbia College and my Masters in Music Education from Lehman College. When I was working towards my masters I had to learn many instruments which tested the love of my family…

 I met Jacques D’amboise and started working for National Dance institute in the 1980’s. I’ve been the music director for about 25 years. What a ride. First and foremostI I’ve had the great fortune to work with children of all ages and great teaching artists. In my capacity as music director I have helped develop End of the Year dance performances that have covered wildly diverse topics ranging from an exploration of Harlem to the life of John Lennon, an exploration of the sounds of China, the study of science and many more. Presently much of my work at NDI is geared towards training musicians and teaching artists all over the country.

Another very important part of my life is my work playing Jewish Music mostly for Jewish services. When my wife Mira, who became Rabbi Mira Rivera, decided to convert to Judaism we had to find a synagogue. We were lucky to stumble upon Congregation B’nai Jeshurun which had a great Rabbi and a stunning cantor, Ari Privin. Who knew music for services could be rich and beautiful and spiritual and approachable all at the same time? As our children grew up, Mira and I became Jewish educators at the synagogue. I played Junior congregation services for many years and developed a young people’s band that among other things accompanied the high holiday services developed by Rabbi Anne Ebersman. This led to work with Joel Cohen at Door to Door tutoring, Rabbi Rebecca Keren, Congregation Kehilat Romemu, Stephen Wise synagogue, the Village Temple and more. One lovely thing:  Sometimes I get to accompany my wife when she leads services and I often get to play with Arielle Korman, my daughter, a great artist in her own right, and a soon to be Rabbi.

Here’s a little more.

I practice jazz piano as much as possible. (one of these days I’ll get it right..)

I co-composed Romeo and Juliet the Musical with Terrence Mann. It was produced at the Goodspeed Opera House and the Ordway Theater. I am the music director for Tony Yazbeck and Jenn Gambatese. Tony and I tour a bit and I played piano and arranged his album, The Floor Above Me. I was lucky enough to arrange Out of My Dreams for Jenn’s Album, The Cockeyed Optimist. I play piano in Paul Shapiro’s band, The Ribs and Brisket Review. Paul is one of a kind and I’m so happy to be part of this ensemble. For Ben Nathan and All of us Films I have among other things composed the music for C is for Choreographer for Sesame Street. My kids thought that was the pinnacle of my career and perhaps should have considered retiring.

There is more….but that’s enough!