Hannah Amoako MA, MT-BC, LCAT-LPP

Degrees & Studies

BA, Music, Queens College CUNY; MS, Music Therapy, Molloy College

Division

Music Therapy/Adapted Instruction

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2021

Born In

Queens, NY

Performances & Distinctions

Hannah worked as a private and public school music teacher in NYC and Long Island for over ten years and continues to teach students of all ages and abilities.

Teaching Philosophy

“I believe music is deeply and inherently therapeutic and everyone can learn to interact with it! Whether through learning an instrument or learning what sounds and vibrations one is drawn to, anyone of any ability can have a fulfilling relationship with music. It is my privilege as therapist and teacher to help clients discover where that relationship can take them.”

Phyllis Bethel, MA, MT-BC

Degrees & Studies

BA, Wesleyan University; MA, Music Therapy, NYU

Division

Music Therapy

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2000 Provides individual and group music therapy onsite and outreach.

Born In

Harlem, NY

Performances & Distinctions

Over 23 years of experience as a music therapist working with special needs individuals. Studied with various noted African and Latin percussionists before settling at the world-renowned Harbor School of the Performing Arts in East Harlem, New York. During her tenure there, she studied at the National School of Modern Dance and Folklore in Havana. She performed with several Afro-Cuban, Afro-Caribbean, and African folkloric groups, including Women of the Calabash, Retumba Con Pie, Obini Aché, and Riské. She founded the internationally known women’s percussion and vocal ensemble ASÉ which was the first group to record women playing bata drums. She has also recorded with Paul Simon (producer) on Edie Brickell’s “Picture Perfect Morning.” She is versed in pop, rock, gospel, and percussive styles and finds accompanying vocalists and instrumentalists some of the most rewarding creative endeavors.

Teaching Philosophy

“I believe it is a privilege and an honor to work with special needs individuals. This work has provided some of the richest learning experiences in my professional life.”

Dr. Tina Brescia, MT-BC, LCAT

Degrees & Studies

BS Music Education, Skidmore College; MA, Music Therapy, NYU; DA, Music Therapy, NYU

Division

Music Therapy

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Music Therapy Institute Director of Onsite Services

Born In

Rockville, CT

Performances & Distinctions

Over 32 years of experience in the field of music therapy including work in hospital settings & schools. 2005 published a study in the monograph series: Qualitative Inquiries in Music Therapy, Vol. 2.; She has been an adjunct member of the NYU Music Therapy faculty since 1996 and enjoys her role as a teacher and clinical supervisor to master’s students during their training process.

Teaching Philosophy

“I believe that music should be accessible to all those who want to enjoy this creative means of expression. It is through the act of listening intently and without judgment to everything that an individual brings to us through their physical and emotional expression that we as music therapists can build a world of music with those individuals where growth and change can occur.”

Angeline Brown, MMT, MT-BC

Degrees & Studies

BA, Music Binghamton University, MMT, Music Therapy, Temple University

Division

Music Therapy

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2001

Born In

Manhattan, NY

Performances & Distinctions

Angeline works extensively as a pianist and Music Director for several community theaters in New York and Connecticut

Teaching Philosophy

“I believe that music is truly universal – it is a wonderful medium through which change and growth can happen. I encourage all of my clients to freely express themselves musically; I act as a musical guide as I address physical/cognitive/emotional goals. It is truly an amazing process to witness.”

Emily Curnutte, MM, MS, MT-BC

Degrees & Studies

BA-Music, Azusa Pacific University, MM-Voice, Manhattan School of Music, MS-Music Therapy, SUNY New Paltz

Division

Music Therapy

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2021

Performances & Distinctions

Emily has been a professional performer in New York City for the last 14 years, having sung in opera, recital, cabaret, musical theater, and rock venues throughout the boroughs and as a touring keyboardist. She has also gained notoriety as a songwriter and producer with her band, Emily Danger, touring across the United States and Canada and playing various festivals such as South by Southwest, CMJ, and Meadows Festival. Her music has been featured in V Magazine (“The Rebel Issue”), Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls, Death + Taxes, and her original song “War Torn” was featured in a fashion video starring Gigi Hadid and directed by Inez+Vinoodh in The Wall Street Journal. She was awarded the bronze medal last year in the American Traditions Vocal Competition and will be competing again this year in Savannah, Georgia. Emily’s thesis, “How Singing Helped Me Heal” was recently included in a research panel presented by the American Music Therapy Association.

Teaching Philosophy

Whether you are a longtime singer who feels “stuck” or a beginner who has always wanted to learn to sing—I am thrilled to meet you where your needs are. Singing difficulties often stem from emotional blocks. As a board certified music therapist I am able to recognize how these blocks might be interfering with the expression of your true voice. In lessons, we will identify what might be holding you back emotionally and physically as a singer; always with honesty, kindness, and respect. I guarantee you will leave lessons feeling more confident and supported as an artist.

Peter Davis, MS, MT-BC, LCAT

Degrees & Studies

BA, SUNY, Empire State College; MS in Music Therapy, Molloy College

Division

Music Therapy

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2013

Born In

New York, NY

Performances & Distinctions

Original recordings: “Radio Imagination!” &” Brand New Lullabyes and Love Songs, Vol. I”; Publication:

Teaching Philosophy

“I approach my work with the goal of meeting each individual’s needs while focusing on the joy of being in and making music. By presenting a program of preferred music/songs, each client is motivated to spontaneously and purposefully engage in music in their own unique way. Thus, engagement and positive responses stem from the individual’s inherent desire to participate in music. Put simply, my clients join in the music because they want to. They are motivated, inspired, and moved to do so. I “open the door,” and invite each individual to join me in making music.”

Olivia DiIorio, MS – MT

Degrees & Studies

BS in Classical Performance – Voice /Music Therapy, SUNY New Paltz
MS in Music Therapy SUNY New Paltz

Division

Music Therapy

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2022

Born In

Valhalla, NY

Teaching Philosophy

I believe in meeting each person where they are and accepting their individuality. Music has the ability to help us connect to self and others, inspire creativity, and organize the brain. My goal is to use music to help people develop to their greatest potential.

Lisa Sandagata, MA, MT-BC

Degrees & Studies

BMus, Manhattanville: MA, Music Therapy, NYU

Division

Music Therapy

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 1988

Born In

New Haven, CT

Performances & Distinctions

Over 30 years of experience working as a music therapist with individuals with special learning needs, Lisa also has extensive experience teaching piano and adapted instruction.

Teaching Philosophy

“I learned early in my musical career that I was inspired and motivated to share music with others, using it as an avenue for connection, growth and change. I believe in the power of music to affect change. I believe in the innate musical nature of all individuals. My work involves providing a musical experience that is unique to each individual, helping them connect to themselves and others and helping them reach their highest potential in music and in life, Music is so versatile and so many elements of music can be manipulated. I love welcoming individuals into the music and observing the many different ways one can “be in music”.

Julie Sherwood, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Degrees & Studies

BFA Music Theater, The New School, NY, NY; MA in Music Therapy, NYU

Division

Music Therapy

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2013

Born In

New Orleans, LA

Performances & Distinctions

Has specialty training and experience working with trauma, anxiety, and PTSD. Teaches continuing education courses for board-certified music therapists. Provides music therapy presentations in medical and psychiatric settings. Has experience as a clinical music therapy supervisor. Has more than 26 years of experience teaching voice and piano lessons, music directing theatrical productions, and performing professionally.

Teaching Philosophy

“I believe passionately in a strengths-based approach to music therapy. This means collaborating with each participant to explore and celebrate their unique strengths and abilities and promote a greater sense of empowerment and self-appreciation. I believe creative expression is inherently therapeutic, and music therapy has the power to help each of us experience more joy, tranquility, and satisfaction.”

Donald Stevens, MA

Degrees & Studies

BA – Music, Southern Connecticut State University; MA- Music Therapy, NYU

Division

Music Therapy

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2011

Performances & Distinctions

Over the past 11 years, Donald has worked as a Music Therapist in the Westchester area. During his time at the Music Conservatory, Donald has written music for students and was able to perform original pieces on huge platforms such as Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, Capitol Theatre, and much more. Outside of his work as a music therapist, Donald works as the Director of Music at Bethel Baptist Church, where he oversees various singing groups.

Teaching Philosophy

“I believe that music can bring out the best in an individual, and also has the ability to speak directly to a person. Music has always been a natural source of medicine that heals the soul. I approach music and therapy with the mindset that every child and adult has an ability, not a disability. The goal is not how well you can play an instrument or sing, but how well are you able to receive the universal sound of music.”

Michael Vanchieri, MS, MT-BC

Degrees & Studies

BS in Political Science, Binghamton; MS in Music Therapy Molloy College

Division

Music Therapy

Music Conservatory of Westchester

Faculty since 2022

Born In

Queens, NY

Performances & Distinctions

Mike is a Board Certified Music Therapist and regularly performs with a number of music ensembles in the New York Area. Mike has been a member of the “Leave A Lasting Mark” Concert Series since 2014, donating his time to play benefit shows at NYC’s Bitter End to raise funds and awareness for many local charitable organizations.

Teaching Philosophy

“I believe that music is inherently inside each of us as individuals. My hope, as a music therapist and teacher, is that I am able to facilitate unique musical experiences for my students. Each individual has opportunities in music for learning, creativity, expression, self awareness and reflection. I take the approach of working in the moment with each individual and developing short and long term goals to address their needs while experiencing music together.”