Lessons - Strings

Oliver Shapiro (Cello/Piano) –

Oliver studied cello with Mary Gili, Channing Robbins (Juilliard), Michael Haber (NY Philharmonic), and Karen Pinoci (New Philharmonic of NJ). He studied piano with Boris Bazala and William Dawson (Amherst Summer Music Center).

He has performed with numerous orchestras, including the Metropolitan Orchestra, Ridgewood Symphony's Project Symphony, Bloomfield Symphony, Society of Musical Arts, South Orange Symphony, Columbia-Barnard Symphony, West Orange Collegiate Music Association, and many other chamber groups and societies. He has been teaching privately since 1974.

Oliver has extensive vocal and choral experience. In addition, he has had compositions and arrangements commissioned by various performing groups. Oscar believes in educating each student as a musician, not only as a cellist/pianist, and including aspects of theory and history as the situation - and student's interests and capabilities - warrant.

Marina Stefanovsky (Violin/Viola/Piano) –

Marina received her Bachelor's and Master's Degree from Gnessins Academy of Music in Moscow. She taught at Moscow City Music School from 1985-1990. Since 1990, Marina has been teaching privately in Russia, New York, and New Jersey. She was an instructor at the Village Music Guild in New York City and Arts on the Hudson in Jersey City.

Marina has extensive experience teaching violin, viola, and music theory. She has instructed individuals and groups, conducted string orchestras, and transcribed music for string instruments. Maria prides herself on being a responsible and reliable person, as well as a motivated, creative, and patient teacher.