Music Conservatory of Westchester • Faculty

Nick Mangini was born in Yonkers, New York. Attending Mercy College, along with a scholarship from the Music Conservatory of Westchester, he studied percussion under Larry Willson. Nick furthered his education in Jazz studies with Adam Nussbaum on a grant he received from the Conservatory. He studied with Bernard Purdie, Joe Cusatis and Carmine Appice. Nick was also a student, and a teacher, at the Sounds of Joy Music School in New York City under the direction of John Castalano.

Nick founded the Conservatory’s drum set program. In the 28 years he has been teaching drums, many of his students have gone on to college for performance and music education. Some have been awarded scholarships of their own.

“I take a professional approach with all students from the youngest age to senior citizens. Everyone can learn to play DRUMS!!!!! Every student is special and unique, and each student has his/her own way of learning,” Nick says of his teaching approach. “Together, the student and I agree upon a program of study. Each lesson is progressive, moving at the student’s pace.” Nick believes that ear training is the key to being a musical drummer. Positive reinforcement, encouragement and having fun are the keys to learning.

Although Nick has many opportunities to do studio recording, his greatest gratification comes from performing in front of live audiences. “I believe that I am a better teacher because I continue to perform and I can prepare my students for their own performances since I know what it takes to execute a successful performance.”

Nick has recorded, performed and toured with such greats as Wynton Marsalis, Hank Jones, Carmine Leggio, Jose Feliciano, Ronnie Spector, Felix Cavalerie, and Liberty Devitto. Nick is also a member of the R/B Rock Band The All Stars.

Photo/Pinsky Studio

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Conservatory faculty are all highly skilled and experienced teachers. Teachers are assigned to maximize the learning experience of each student taking into account the students musical interests and goals, age and scheduling needs.

"I am very happy and proud of Jun Luke Foster’s and Benjamin Boventer’s achievements. I taught Jun Luke for 12 years and his acceptance to Juilliard School of Music is a great sign of his musical maturity and accomplishment. He was also accepted to Harvard and Yale. Benjamin was with me for five years. He won a prestigious $40,000 scholarship from Skidmore College for music studies. He was the only pianist in that competition who received this award. He was also accepted at Tufts University. It is very satisfying to know that our students continue to achieve such success." —Svetlana Gorokovich, MCW Faculty

Conservatory faculty are all highly skilled and experienced teachers. Teachers are assigned to maximize the learning experience of each student taking into account the students musical interests and goals, age and scheduling needs.

"I am very happy and proud of Jun Luke Foster’s and Benjamin Boventer’s achievements. I taught
Jun Luke for 12 years and his acceptance to Juilliard School of Music is a great sign of his musical maturity and accomplishment. He was also accepted to Harvard and Yale. Benjamin was with me for five years. He won a prestigious $40,000 scholarship from Skidmore College for music studies. He was the only pianist in that competition who received this award. He was also accepted at Tufts University. It is very satisfying to know that our students continue to achieve such success."
—Svetlana Gorokovich, MCW Faculty

Nick Mangini | Percussion (drum set)

Music Conservatory of Westchester • 216 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY 10606
914.761.3900 • info@musiced.org

The Music Conservatory of Westchester is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

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