Justin Scheidling is a New York-based session drummer and percussionist. Justin believes in creating the highest quality performance and sound through consistency and accuracy. He takes pride in not only his versatility as a musician, but also in delivering the music he plays with the traditional technique and sound in which it was intended. He has performed on drum set with musicians such as Evvan, Julia Lambert, American Idol’s Robbie Rosen and Trish Toralles, The Bratwurst Boys and The Elvis Duran in the Morning House Band. On percussion, Justin has performed with TikTok sensation Nick Tangorra, Darja, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Jeff Allegue. Justin has also created his own percussion show (as seen on Bravo's Summer House) which has allowed him to perform with DJ’s such as Rob Bass and Yellow Claw and as an opener for Steve Aoki. He has additionally performed his show at many private events and professional sporting events for the New York Islanders and New York Mets.
-15+ years of experience in guitar, piano, and vocal performance
-Bachelor in Songwriting from Berklee College of Music
-10+ years recording and producing music
-Well versed in Classical and Jazz theory
Christopher Benitez is a New York based bassist, guitarist, and private instructor. He has over 10 years of performance experience. With performances ranging from iconic venues to theaters with thousands of people. Notable artists he has performed with include rapper Wyclef Jean, Fred Schneider of the B 52's , and guitarist Mike Stern. As a private instructor he has years of experience with all levels of guitar and bass students. He has a Bachelor degree in music performance.
Joe Licari is a Guitar, Keyboard, and Trumpet instructor at the Commack location. Retired from a successful career in business and technology on Long Island, he holds an MBA from Hofstra and a B.S. from Stony Brook. Joe has been a lifelong musician, playing the guitar, trumpet, piano and keyboards, in a variety of venues over the years. He especially enjoys teaching and mentoring his students, catering lesson plans to their specific needs and interests, while sharing his knowledge and passion for music, performance, and theory!
Jeffrey Kautz is an accomplished drummer and percussionist who has been teaching for several years, known for his deep knowledge, refined technique, and patient, student-centered approach. His guidance has led to the successful development of many aspiring musicians.
A standout from an early age, Jeffrey achieved All-State honors in NYSSMA across all percussion instruments. He holds a Bachelor of Music with Honors from the Mannes School of Music and a Master of Music from NYU’s Steinhardt School. His talent has been recognized internationally, having won over 30 music competitions in countries including the U.S., Singapore, Canada, Germany, Estonia, Hong Kong, Greece, Spain, France, and Switzerland.
Jeffrey’s versatility spans both classical and jazz genres. In high school, he was a jazz drummer for several ensembles, including the award-winning Blue Notes vocal jazz group. He also claimed titles for both Fastest Hands and Fastest Foot at the Long Island Big Beat Competition, outperforming more than 300 other drummers.
He has held key positions with numerous orchestras and ensembles in the New York City area. Currently, he serves as Principal Timpanist for the Centre Symphony Orchestra and the Manhattan Symphonie, and as Principal Percussionist with the South Shore Symphony. His past affiliations include the Massapequa Philharmonic, Amore Opera, Apotheosis Opera, the International Chamber Orchestra of America, and the Prague Summer Nights Young Artists Music Festival.
Recent performance highlights include featured concerto appearances as a timpanist with both the Centre Symphony Orchestra and the South Shore Symphony. Additionally, Jeffrey appeared as an Actor-Drummer on the HBO series The Plot Against America, collaborating with John Turturro and Winona Ryder.
Cliff’s musical journey began early—he was picking out Beatles tunes on the piano by the age of 3. By 7, he had taken up both guitar and drums, quickly developing a passion for performance and composition. In 7th grade, he co-founded a Dixieland jazz band with his teacher, marking the start of a lifelong commitment to jazz and collaborative music-making.
Throughout high school and college, Cliff was an active member of touring jazz bands, gaining invaluable experience on stage. He began performing live shows in Long Island and New York City at just 15, and over the years, played in numerous pit orchestras for musical theater productions across the region.
After earning his degree, Cliff moved to NYC in 1995 to pursue a full-time career as a touring and studio musician. His career has taken him to many legendary venues, including CBGB’s and the Village Vanguard, where he performed both rock and jazz sets. He’s been a member of countless bands and has toured extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe, including a notable tour in 2002 with the avant-garde jazz ensemble World of Tomorrow.
Kenny has been playing guitar for ten years and has experience with multiple genres of music, specifically metal and emotional hardcore. He has experience forming and playing in bands, as well as writing and recording music. Some performance credits include playing sold out shows at The Starland Ballroom and The Brooklyn Monarch, and sharing the stage with bands such as NAILS, Madball, Pain Of Truth, Internal Bleeding, Sanguisugabogg, Incendiary, Frozen Soul, 200 Stab Wounds, and many others.
Matteo is a graduate of Berklee College of music. He is a proficient pianist, vocalist, guitarist and songwriter. He is also a DJ and producer, composing music with his project Soy Christmas.
Discover the joy of music with personalized lessons from experienced instructors at Guitar Center. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, we offer lessons for all ages and skill levels in guitar, bass, drums, piano, and more. Our Commack, New York network of professional musicians is ready to help you achieve your musical goals. Start your musical journey today and find your perfect instructor at Guitar Center!
