• Undergrad:

  U of Mass Amherst

• Tutors Out Of:

  Webster, MA

• Travel Radius:

  5 miles

• Tutoring Certifications:

  American history - composition (music) - elementary (k-6th) - general music - government & politics - music history - music theory - songwriting - Spanish - trombone - trumpet

• Tutor's Fee Per Hour:

  $36.00 * with a 10% discount after purchasing $360

I am very passionate about what I do, and strive to instill this passion in students as well. I have been a musician for ten years, and in the profession for seven. Many would say that I was born to play music. I formed my own swing big band at age 13, and with the help of many great teachers and supportive parents, the band has grown and we play various gigs throughout the year. I now am the proud leader of several bands in the jazz and classical idiom (Dixieland to Brass Quintets), as well as founder of Gabel Music, providing live music, recordings, arrangements, and lessons to the public since 2003 (for more info, see www.gabelmusic.com). I have played in professional jazz bands, big bands, classical wind ensembles, an orchestra, and parade units as well.
I began teaching others in High School, mostly on brass instruments. Some of the students who had their first lessons with me continued on to become leaders of the school’s ensembles (Holy Name High School in Worcester, MA). In addition to music, I tutored for the National Honor Society academic programs for four years.
My style of teaching is adaptable to the needs of the student. I find that a set way of teaching does not work, because there is no set way a student (or professional for that matter) plays. What is set and consistent is the focus: the student. It is my goal to use any resources available to help him or her.
I currently am a student at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst majoring in Jazz Composition and Arranging and Political Science. I am in the award-winning Jazz Ensemble I under the tutelage and apt direction of Prof. Jeff Holmes (a well-known and published composer/arranger). I work with many students, graduate and undergraduate, and have had the opportunity to play my compositions and arrangements with the band, as well as direct it.
My teachers through the years include:
-Mrs. Bari Baggett, Ms. Avril Waye, Dr. Doug Weeks, Mr. Brian Diehl, Prof. Dave Sporny: trombone
-Mr. Norman Bolter –Boston Symphony Orchestra workshop: trombone.
-Mr. Lou Borelli and Prof. Jeff Holmes: arranging and composition, band leadership
-Mr. Dick Odgren: Piano and theory
-Mr. Joseph Burke: theory, trumpet, woodwinds, band directing
-Mr. Bob Hogan: drums
-Dr.Warren “Bud” Trow: Jazz history, tuba and Dixieland improvisation
My passion for History and Politics has similarly been with me since I was young. My career goal is to attend law school, and eventually get involved in Politics, government, and run for elected office. These goals come out of a willingness to serve others, and, as John Quincy Adams said, “Strive for the common good of ALL,” I work well with others, enjoy conversation and political or historical discussions. I believe it is essential for all people—no matter what age—to know about our past, from struggles to triumphs, as well as the present condition of our country and the world.
My experience in the History and political world has been:
-Scoring 5 (out of 5) on advanced placement American History exam
-Lobbying Massachusetts state congress on issues (health care and casino initiative)
-Working for political campaigns, including most recently volunteer work with the Barak Obama presidential campaign
-Classes taken with Mr. Jonathan Meagher (local activist) and Dr. Sheldon Goldman, published academic on legal, political, and current issues
In closing, I would like the opportunity to share my knowledge with someone who would love to learn. Thanks.

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• elementary (k-6th)

  I have had experience tutoring in almost every subject for ages eight to eighteen. I volunteered with the National Honor Society Tutoring Program for four years. Students would require help in myriad areas of academia, including Math, Science, Spanish, Computers, Music, History, English, and even writing skills. Not only did the students that I tutored improve their grades, but I thoroughly enjoyed working with them! I believe the feeling was mutual. I work well with others, echoed in my enjoyment with tutoring those students, and in my dedication to the cause of other’s academic success. I am patient and an excellent listener; one must be in order to really help a person’s needs. In my own studies, I try to remain diverse in areas of focus. I scored a five out of five on the Advanced Placement American History exam, won first place in a science fair and a physics project, placed out of college writing because of good writing skills, won the High Achievement Award in Social Studies, won art contests (adjudicated art fair, first place for pencil drawings), and have very much experience in the music field (won many awards, played professionally for over seven years). Diversity in knowledge is important, especially today in the era of diversification of job requirements and the internet possibilities. While it is better to be good at many things than excellent at only one thing, I further this by striving to be excellent at many things. I am currently majoring in Political Science and Jazz Studies at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. I continue to help others with course material and concepts. I hope to help anyone I can in subjects in elementary school. These are truly the foundation and basis from which all further knowledge is built, and thus more important than students realize at the time!

• trombone

  I have played trombone since I was ten years old in the fourth grade. I took to the instrument quickly, and fell in love with music. I was given a solo (with only piano) after only three months of playing. I progressed quickly, and by seventh grade (in a new school) I made the advanced senior band. My first professional job came that same year playing with the Boston Brass Band. I have been playing professionally since then with many bands and ensembles, including lead trombone in The Classic Swing Band (backed Frank Sinatra and opened the Worcester Centrum), the Lou Borelli Big Band, the Bay State Stompers, the Al Youngman Band, the Atlantic Wind Symphony, and many others. I was accepted into the Central Massachusetts Districts Orchestra in 2003 (and had a solo, which is rare in an orchestra setting), and lead trombone in the Jazz Ensemble 2004-2007 (with solo spots each year). In addition, I won the All-Time Music Achievement Award (first and only award of this kind) from my high school (Holy Name High School, Worcester, MA), as well as the First Annual Jazz Achievement Award. I was the lead trombone for six years in the High School band, and President of the Jazz Band. I won the John Philip Sousa Band competition and participated in the band camp and workshops offered. Every summer since 2003 I have attended the Epic Brass Summer Institute, an intensive brass study program under the direction of Mr. Earl Raney. Three of those years, I won outstanding trombonist, and 2007 I won the Leadership Award from the Institute. I currently am a student at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst majoring in Jazz Composition and Arranging and Political Science. I am jazz seat trombone in the award-winning Jazz Ensemble I under the tutelage and apt direction of Prof. Jeff Holmes (a well-known and published composer/arranger). I work with many students, graduate and undergraduate, and have had the opportunity to play my compositions and arrangements with the band, as well as direct it. I also am lead trombone in the UMass Symphony. My teachers through the years include: -Mrs. Bari Baggett (Anthony Sitkowski (Webster, MA) Middle School), Ms. Avril Waye (Worcester Trombone Consort), Mr. Joseph Burke (Holy Name High School), Dr. Doug Weeks (WPI, New England Brass), Mr. Brian Diehl (Epic Brass, Chicago Symphony, Springfield Symphony), Tony Lada (Jazz, Count Basie Orchestra, Buddy Rich Band, Boots Mussuli Band), Prof. Dave Sporny (UMass Amherst, Les Elgart Band, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Buddy Morrow Orchestra): trombone -Mr. Norman Bolter –Boston Symphony Orchestra workshop: trombone. -Dr.Warren “Bud” Trow: Jazz history, Dixieland improvisation, mentor

• trumpet

  I started playing trombone in fourth grade, and took to it very quickly. I soon became interested in other instruments, specifically in the brass family. My next endeavor was to try the Baritone Horn and Euphonium. Soon after, I moved up to the trumpet, which I enjoyed immediately. I first played in 2002 at a Jazz Improvisation camp. Without ever touching one before, I blew three choruses of “Freddie Freeloader” and, after a great round of applause, picked up the cornet and did the same. Many people have called my quick ability to adapt to an instrument “natural talent,” including both band directors (Holy Name High School) as well as my teachers (see below). I am honored to have had such great teachers to convert any natural talent to a professional education on the instrument. I began taking lessons on trumpet, and on the mechanics of brasswind instruments. Every summer since 2003, I have attended the Epic Brass Summer Institute, an intensive brass instrument study program. The program is under the direction of Mr. Earl Raney, acclaimed trumpeter and leader of the Epic Brass Quintet, Atlantic Wind Symphony, and other ensembles. Under Mr. Raney’s tutelage, as well as the other instructors at the institute, I was able to greatly increase my trumpet technique, knowledge of the instrument, and teaching skills. I began teaching trumpet in 2005 to beginners and students in high school. This experience has shaped how I teach today. I have been giving lessons since 2003 with my own business, Gabel Music. I have also played professionally since 2002. Specifically, I have played professional gigs on the trumpet and cornet mainly in the Dixieland and Traditional Idiom, but have done classical and light classical work as well, including Sousa and Fillmore compositions. I have paid tribute to Bix Beiderbecke on recordings, as well as Lu Watters, Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Miles Davis, and even William Vacchiano. Today, I am often hired for a gig, not knowing what instrument I am to play, and show up with a trunk full of different types! My versatility has come with much study and practice, something which I instill on my students. Teachers Include: Mr. Lou Borelli (Borelli Music, Boots Mussuli Band, Les Elgart, etc), Prof. Jeff Holmes (UMass Amherst), Mr. Joe Giangregorio (Al Youngman Band, teacher), Mr. Joseph Burke (Holy Name High School), Mr. Earl Raney (Epic Brass, Atlantic Wind Symphony, Atlantic Union College)