Credentials:
Masters of Music
Boston University 2011
Bachelor of Music
University of Massachusetts Lowell 1999
Graduated Cum Laude
Massachusetts K-12 Teacher Certification
Experience
As an educator, Justin has held various positions that range from private instruction, group instruction, and also various music camps and clinics.
Justin is the dormitory manager & low brass coach with the Mary-Jo Leahey Symphonic Band Camp (Lowell, MA) since 2008. This summer camp for 9th-12th grade students is a week long immersion into the many facets of music. Ranging from theory courses, small chamber groups, jazz bands, and concert bands, the band camp also teaches students to improve their individual skills and broaden their own musical experience in a shared environment of teamwork and learning.
Justin has also been an Assistant Instructor, Jazz Band Graduate Assistant, and Staff Music Arranger for the Boston University Athletic Bands (Boston, MA). Justin directed the athletic bands at home events on campus along with tournament performances throughout the athletic seasons. Assisting on many levels, his specialty was teaching a master class for beginning low brass students. This class offered an informative and practical approach through individual and group performance to anyone with or without musical experience.
Justin was also be seen as the Brass Caption Head teaching at the Citations Drum and Bugle Corps (Burlington, MA) from 2012. Justin looks forward to continuing to help this drum corps compete at the highest level possible.
Justin was also the Brass Caption Head of the Connecticut Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps (Derby, CT) from 2009-2011. During his 3 years there he coached the brass line to achieve levels of excellence and finish in the top 4 every year. Justin also received the director’s award for “Dedication for above and beyond”.
Justin has been a Brass Instructor at the Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps (Nashua, NH) from 2000-2008. Justin helped the Spartans achieve three world championships. Justin’s instructing has included one-on-one coaching, group evaluation, and integration of movement with music on a regular basis.
Justin has been an Assistant Visual and Wind Instructor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell Marching Band (Lowell, MA). As Visual instructor, Justin was responsible for the uniformity of appearance and technique from the students. As Wind Instructor, Justin maintained a constant high standard that challenged the performers to strive and achieve a high level of performance.
Add Head Visual Instructor at Methuen High School (Methuen, MA) to Justin’s experience. Justin was in charge of the visual technique program. Along with this duty, Justin also coordinated the rehearsal schedule and provided show concept coaching with the other instructional staff.
Justin has been teaching private lessons since 1999. His students often say that Justin is a “crazy” teacher. He has adapted many different styles of teaching from his experiences as a performer, and also from his personal experiences as a student.
Justin has been a guest clinician at various places in many different states. He is often called upon to provide master class instruction to groups of students. Justin is as much an entertainer as an educator. He has a high level of energy that is displayed not just on a performers level, but also while instructing. This often leaves a lasting impression on the students that he works with.