Music Conservatory of Westchester • Faculty

Lisa Sandagata began her career in music at the age of 10, studying piano in her hometown of West Haven, Connecticut. During high school, Lisa was active sharing music with others, accompanying vocalists, playing in orchestras for the school musicals and working with a folk singing group. She earned a bachelors degree in Applied Piano Performance from Manhattanville College, winning a concerto competition in her sophomore year. During this time, Lisa continued to share music with others in a variety of formats, performing a double piano recital and playing in jazz ensembles and rock bands.

"I found out early on in my musical career that I was more inspired to make music with others than to work in music in a solitary manner. When a faculty advisor suggested music therapy for graduate study, I knew that it combined my love of music, my interest in psychology and the desire to help others. It seemed like a perfect match."

Lisa received a masters degree in Music Therapy from New York University in 1990, having joined the Conservatory faculty in 1986 where she completed her fieldwork and internship study. She is a member of the American Music Therapy Association and is recognized by the National Music Therapy Registry. She was employed for 16 years at the Young Adult Institute's Day Treatment Program where she developed and ran a music therapy program. Presently, Lisa is the Director of Outreach Services for the Conservatory's Music Therapy Institute, organizing and implementing music therapy collaborations with many agencies in Westchester.

As a music therapist, Lisa works with many types of individuals including children with autistic spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, physical impairments, speech and language delays, as well as adolescence and adults with emotional and social issues. Lisa also offers adapted piano instruction at the Conservatory for those individuals who require an alternative approach to study. “I am continually inspired by the people who look to music as an avenue for growth and change. They are my teachers, showing me the many ways that music heals and promotes growth.”

Photo/Pinsky Studios

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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

Lisa Sandagata, MA, MT-BC | Music Therapy

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

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