The Teachers

Take a look at our teacher list and find the right choice to help you along the way on your new and exciting journey.

Justin Tinker

Originally from San Diego, California, Justin Tinker has lived in and around the New York

City area since 2008. Active on the music scene he has played the saxophone since 1986 and

has performed with various bands and artists on both the east and west coast. A bit of a

renaissance man he has worked in the fields of design and manufacturing, video editing and

production, theater and event production, sales, consulting, technology, and audio and

video/livestream integration. He has extensive experience in teaching methodologies relevant

to music, theater, and the vocational arts, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater and

Drama from the City University of New York at Queens College, with supplemental studies

in Theater Education at the Master of Arts level from The City College of New York.

In his free time, he enjoys attending live performances of music and theater, loves to travel

internationally experiencing new and different cultures with his wife Kerry, and has a deep

passion for the blues as a musical phenomenon unique to our culture. When visiting the New

York City area, you just might see him performing at any of the local blue’s jams or rocking

out with his own blues band Blue Rooster Pie.

Joe Reo

Joseph Reo attended TCNJ, formally known as Trenton State College, in the early 1980s where he studied drums and percussion with the jazz great Tony DeNicola. Joseph continued his studies with Tony as he entered the master’s program at TSC. During those years, Joseph participated in giving percussion clinics and played drums/percussion in various rock and pop bands, big bands, orchestras, pit orchestras, percussion ensembles, and took part in a performance in New York with a chamber percussion ensemble. Joseph began his career in education in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood school district in 1984 as the drumline/front ensemble instructor for the Raider Marching Band. Two years later, he became a full-time member of the instrumental music staff where he taught elementary music as well as giving drums/percussion lessons in the two middle schools and high school. Joseph formed the SPFHS Percussion Ensemble in 1989 and as the percussion department grew, he later formed a second percussion ensemble RHYTHMSENSE. During his teaching years, Joseph continued performing as drummer/percussionist in various working bands, big bands, and pit orchestras. He also played in worship bands, conducted orchestras and choirs for various Christmas shows, played trumpet, mellophone, baritone horn, and tuba in brass ensembles while leading the orchestra at Evangel Church in Scotch Plains.

As Joseph begins his retirement after 40 years in education, he plans to keep busy teaching music, continue his job working as a pet care technician at K9 Resorts in Fanwood, and spending time with his wife Sandy, and four adult children Juliana, Katherine, Samantha, and Joseph.

Johnnie Rago

Johnnie Rago has been a professional drummer for 40 years, performing across the NY/NJ club circuit since the 1970s, including venues like the Stone Pony. He currently plays with the New Bardots. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Johnnie has mentored students who later graduated from Berklee College of Music. His teaching style suits both beginners and professionals. He also spent the last 18 years managing at Sam Ash Music, including time at the renowned 48th St Drum Shop, and is known for his expertise in vintage drum collecting and restoration.

Dan Wuertz

Daniel Harrison Wuertz is a New Jersey-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music instructor. Proficient in bass, guitar, piano, ukulele, vocals, and beginner drums, he plays a variety of styles throughout New Jersey and New York, with strong ties to the Asbury Park music scene. Dan also offers personalized music lessons that blend solid technique with creative exploration. Known for his versatility and passion, he stays active on stage, in the studio, and in the lesson room.

The Teachers

Justin Tinker

Joe Reo

Johnnie Rago

Dan Wuertz

Lou Petto