Staff & Teachers

Meet the team at Bach to Rock®, including our roster of local music teachers!

Staff & Music Teachers at Bach to Rock Nanuet

At Bach to Rock, we’ve assembled an amazing team of music teachers! Our instructors include classically trained musicians, as well as working professionals who tour and record with major artists. Meet our owners, our behind-the-scenes talent, and our music teachers for piano, guitar, drums, voice, and more!

Eric Philo

Eric Philo - Eric Philo is the owner-operator of Bach To Rock Nanuet. After a long career in business, he decided to move back to his first love – music – and open a music school. Eric feels music has enriched his life immeasurably, and he’s dedicated to helping students find the same level of personal enjoyment, growth and sense of accomplishment that he has received from learning to play music - guitar, piano and a bit of drums (he claims). He attributes it all to an early love of music, learning technique and theory, and lots of practice. A big motivator was learning to play the music of his favorite rock bands – and of course playing in bands, which has been the most fun of all. Eric’s bands have played in numerous large venues in NYC. Eric is also a composer of published music.

Joseph Negrin

Joseph Negrin - Joe Negrin is the Site Director of Bach to Rock, Nanuet. Born into a family with a deep appreciation for the arts, Joe is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist with a degree in Visual and Performing Arts. While pursuing his passion for the arts, he also embarked on a journey to acquire knowledge in Business Administration, seeking to bridge the gap between creativity and commerce. He has not only excelled in his music career, showcasing his talents and captivating audiences but has also harnessed his love for business to create successful artistic ventures. Joe takes pride in motivating artists young and old to embrace their passion for the arts and build a better tomorrow.

Evan Ramos

Evan Ramos - Evan Ramos is the Assistant Director at Bach to Rock, Nanuet. He is also an audio engineer, producer, DJ, guitarist, and a live music enthusiast. Hailing from Nyack, NY, Evan was brought up around a musical family and played an active role in the Nyack School's Music program as a saxophonist. Upon high school he picked up his first guitar and began a journey of musical exploration of all styles. After obtaining his degree from SUNY Oneonta's Music Industry Program and a Pro Tools certification from Avid, Evan has grasped multiple genres of music under his wing to bring into the studio where he makes the magic happen. Evan has toured the Oneonta circuit as a DJ, and rock combo guitarist performing in front of regional crowds at local venues. Over the past 6 years, Evan taught guitar, bass, rock band, and is leading the Beat Refinery DJ program at our Nanuet location.

Marc C

Marc C - Marc C. is a guitarist from Hawthorne NJ. Throughout his life, he has always been surrounded by music with a family of singers. Ever since freshman year of high school, he has increasingly become more engrossed with music when he started learning the ukulele. From then he collected multiple string instruments and focused on guitar and would continue playing in college. Although he studied Psychology, Marc originally majored in music therapy where he had a primary focus in classical guitar. From taking music courses in college, Marc started writing music. Marc likes to spend his free time listening, playing, or writing music in his free time and is extremely happy to be working here surrounded by music.

Maria D

Maria D - Maria E. is a long time Rockland Resident & local musician. Classically trained pianist & French horn player Maria received her Undergraduate Degree from Wagner College (Staten Island) in Performance, Masters in Musicology & MSEd from CUNY Aaron Copland School of Music. She has performed professionally with PDQ Bach’s OK Chorale and The Canticum November Singers at Lincoln Center & Carnegie Hall. Maria has also had a technical career as a live sound reinforcement engineer for Music Festivals such as Philly Folk Fest, Clearwater Folk Festival and concert sound for Keith Emerson, Chuck Mangione, GreenDay, Ramones, Twisted Sister, Bacon Brothers and Pete Seeger. She is happy to bring her multi-instrumental talents to the students of Back To Rock.

Nicholas R

Nicholas R - Nick R. is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, engineer, and songwriter from Haskell, NJ. He began his musical journey as a classical percussionist at the age of 10, and several years later he began teaching himself guitar which quickly became his greatest passion and his primary instrument. Through his experiences performing in countless ensembles and bands, he also developed skills on keys, drum set, bass and voice. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in music production and it was there that he truly developed his knowledge and skills in music theory, improvisation, composition, ear training, arranging, and production. He got his first studio job as a producer/engineer at a music studio in west New York only months after graduating. He is currently still working as a producer/engineer, performing in numerous bands of different genres ranging from heavy metal to rap, and devolving himself as an independent artist. He teaches guitar, drums, piano, bass, and production.

Rifkah C

Rifkah C - Rifkah C. is a guitarist from New City, NY. She picked up the guitar at the age of 9 and has been performing live since the age of 12 in various local bands and orchestras. While earning her undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at Stony Brook University, she continued to take music classes to advance her knowledge of music theory, history, and performance. During this time, Rifkah also taught herself piano, bass, and ukulele. She is always striving to learn more and loves to share her knowledge and passion for music with others. Rifkah is excited to be working at Bach to Rock.

Sam T

Sam T - Sam T. has always had a strong passion for music. Starting at age 5, her parents brought her to her first concert, and from there it never stopped. Starting at 12 years old, she began attending local shows, later helping out bands with set up at their shows as well as selling merchandise for close friends' bands. She started taking guitar lessons at 13 years old, and started playing for audiences at 15. This led to a job in music retail, which only solidified her love for the environment. While music is her first love, she also had a love for softball from growing up playing the game, leading her to coach small baseball and softball camps for 5-7-year-olds. She’s looking forward to bringing her musical passion and expertise to make your experience at Bach to Rock fantastic!

Brandon K

Brandon K - Brandon Korn, professionally known as “Bkorn”, is a name that reverberates through the music industry as a prodigious Grammy Nominated and Multi-Platinum music producer. With a formidable track record of crafting chart-topping hits, Korn's production wizardry has graced the records of A-list artists such as DJ Khaled, Travis Scott, Lil Wayne, and an extensive list of other notable musicians. His exceptional talent and dedication to his craft have earned him widespread acclaim, evident in his three BMI Awards, Grammy nomination, and the prestigious 2019 Les Paul Award from Ramapo College of New Jersey. Recognized as a rising star, Korn also received the Young Alumnus Award from The University of Hartford in 2019. As a testament to his continued success, Korn is currently signed to Sony Music, where he continues to create groundbreaking music that captivates audiences worldwide. Equipped with a Bachelor's Degree in Music from Ramapo College and an Associate's Degree in Contemporary Arts from the University of Hartford, Brandon Korn stands at the forefront of the music production landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the industry with his extraordinary talent and unwavering passion for music.

Dave L

Dave L - Dave L. is a graduate of the William Paterson University Jazz Program where he majored in percussion. He immediately began his professional career performing in New York City and has played at such area jazz clubs as Trumpets, The Bottom Line, The Turning Point, Gullivers, and Shanghai Jazz. Throughout his career, Dave has performed with The Vivino Brother's Conan O'Brien Band, and jazz artists, Harold Ousley, Chico Mendoza, Rick Crane, Lenny Argese and Eddie Monteiro. He has also shared the stage with Oliver Lake, and Warren Vache. In addition to performing, Dave has been teaching for over thirty years. Dave's favorite hobby is fly fishing in the Catskills, but more than anything he likes spending time with his wife and daughter.

David N

David N - David is a composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Princeton, NJ. His lifelong passion for music knows no genre boundaries, as he is well-versed in several musical styles ranging from jazz to hip-hop to rock to electronic music. After completing his undergraduate degree in Jazz Composition at Temple University, David remained in Philadelphia for several years, working as a jazz guitarist, composer, and bandleader, before relocating to NYC. Over time, David's focus shifted more towards the music production/audio engineering side of things, which led him to NYU's Music Technology program, where he earned a Master's degree. One of David's earliest musical memories was being awe-struck after hearing his older brother's grunge records, and then deciding that he needed to learn to play guitar. He was lucky enough to get a guitar for his 8th birthday, and luckier still to have some incredible guitar teachers early on in his musical journey. He looks back fondly at how instrumental (pun intended) those early teachers were in fostering his musical passion and dedication, and shaping his life to this very day. Now, David has returned to his home state, settling in Clifton, NJ with his beloved wife and son, and he hopes to pay it forward and inspire the next generation of musicians, just as his teachers did for him.

Sherjan A

Sherjan A - Sherjan, a graduate of Purchase College, picked up the guitar when he was thirteen years old and by the time he became a teenager he was touring across the United States and Pakistan with his father's band 'Junoon'. Having performed with South Asia’s biggest rock band 'Junoon', he gained a lot of musical experience and knowledge. Sherjan has also performed at prestigious venues like the ?Rubin Museum of Art?, the Great American Music Hall, The Bowery Electric, The India Habitat Centre in India, and the United Nations General Assembly. He has performed and recorded with music icons like Jason Mraz and ?Peter Gabriel?. Sherjan has done extensive session work for many projects such as a Bollywood film titled "Rhythm" and an HBO documentary film "Open Your Eyes". He also performed on Pakistan’s biggest music platform Coke Studio Season 10 as a guest guitarist with respected Pakistani artists Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Ali Noor & Junoon on songs such as “Sayonee” and with Momina Mustehsan on “Ghoom Tana”. Sherjan formed an American Rock band called “The BeStills” and in 2017, they organized a “Unity Concert” in effort to help bring people together and create unity and tolerance in their community after a very divisive time in the country. The concert helped raise some money as well for some foundations helping the most needy. Very recently Sherjan was part of the backing vocalists for Junoon’s 2019-2020 Reunion World Tour. The World Tour concerts took place all over the globe including Pakistan, Dubai, United Kingdom, United States, Bangladesh & Doha. Sherjan has performed all across the United States for various Pakistani American events and has been a part of events that have contributed to the enhancement and betterment of Pakistani American culture in the United States. He was also given a citation from Nassau County by County Executive Laura Curran for contributing to the economic, social & cultural enrichment of the county and local communities. Sherjan released his debut album “Jaan” , songs from the album which he composed and performed called “Koi”, “Chaen”, “Hum” & “Woh Lagan have aired on FM91, City FM89, Dubai’s City 1016 & BBC Radio. “Chaen” was also featured in BBC Radio’s Weekly Top 5 Charts.

Steven H

Steven H - Steven H. is a live performance-focused multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. Born and raised in Anaheim, CA. Steven spent his initial years performing and teaching as a brass musician and classical percussionist until moving to NJ to work as a chemical engineer in 2013. The Pandemic allowed him a chance to reconnect with his old love of playing and performing and since then he has dedicated his life to playing music and improving at it. Firmly believing that it's the journey, not the destination that defines the life of an artist and educator; the tenet that one never stops learning is a core ideal for Steven. He is thrilled to bring his knowledge of Guitar, Drums, Bass, Keyboards, Percussion, Brass instruments, and more to the students at Bach to Rock.

Tim D

Tim D - One of Tim’s earliest memories was the opening of Disney’s Fantasia, featuring an orchestral arrangement of J.S. Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor. His love of music only increased as he grew up, listening to the Frank Sinatra albums his grandparents would play, as well as a variety of iconic rock bands that his mom was a fan of. Tim began playing drums in 5th grade and was very lucky to have wonderful music educators throughout his time in public school and college. When he took a music theory course as a senior in high school, he began playing the piano. His study in that instrument only increased during his years in college until it became his primary instrument. In addition to high school and college ensembles, Tim has been in several bands and has experience playing many genres, including jazz, rock, funk, soul, bluegrass, and pop. As he continues his musical journey, Tim wants to keep performing, as well as help others discover the joy of learning to play an instrument.

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Why Choose Us

The Bach to Rock Method

At Bach to Rock, we know that students learn music more quickly when they’re having fun! Our step-by-step curriculum keeps students engaged and rewards achievement at each level. Students get to choose which songs they play, learn from music pros, and perform with peers at live events!

Music Made Fun!

At Bach to Rock, students choose which songs and genres they want to play, making lessons more fun!

Band & Glee Programs

Through our Band and Glee Club programs, students get to play music with peers, a key skill for growing musicians!

Live Performances

Bach to Rock gives students the chance to perform live at local music venues, helping students build confidence on stage!

One-on-One Lessons

In private music lessons, our students learn one-on-one from some of the most talented music educators in the area.

Early Childhood Classes

Music is valuable for early childhood development! We offer programs for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary students.

Music Lessons, Camps & Parties

At Bach to Rock, we offer music lessons and group classes for kids and adults, plus camps and birthday parties! With our fun and beginner-friendly approach, it's never too early or too late to get started with music!

Lessons

Bach to Rock offers music lessons for all ages and skill levels. Our private lessons include piano, guitar, drums, voice, and a wide range of other instruments. We also offer beginner classes and ensemble programs like Band and Glee Club. Anyone can learn to play music with Bach to Rock — even if you've never played an instrument before!

Camps

Our camps are a perfect choice for students who love music! We offer full-day and half-day summer camps, spring camps, and winter camps for kids, plus camps on school holidays. Our camps are great for students who want to start learning music and see what it's like to perform!

Parties

Birthday parties at Bach to Rock give kids a chance to be rock stars for a day! With themes like Karaoke Birthday and Rock Birthday, partygoers get to perform and record songs by their favorite artists. We also offer birthday party packages for younger children and corporate teams!

Meet Our Music Teachers

A great music teacher can make a world of difference when learning to sing or play an instrument.

At Bach to Rock, our instructors include a mix of classically trained musicians and working professionals. Our teachers actively tour, perform, and record as independent artists or as backing musicians for other musicians and bands.

By working closely with students in one-on-one lessons, our teachers make it easy to learn music and build performance skills!

Wall of Fame

Standout Students & Future Stars

Discover talented students at Bach to Rock! Our Wall of Fame includes featured students and bands, as well as winners from events like Battle of the Bands.

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