From a young age, Brian took piano lessons at home. His parents cracked the whip every night to make him practice, but in the end it was well worth it (so let that be a lesson!) He continued his piano studies, adding voice lessons and going on to be the tenor section leader in Concert Choir at Manhasset High School. In addition to musical theater, he sang in MHS Kinsmen, Select Ensemble, All-County, and was placed as an alternate for All-State for level 6. Throughout college Brian performed with the Bucknell Opera Company, singing various excerpts from more traditional operas such as The Marriage of Figaro, Cosi Fan Tutte, L’Elisire D’amore, Manon, as well as more modern operas such as Face on the Barroom Floor, Talk Opera, and ‘may I feel, said he’ by Bright Sheng.
Brian has also experienced performing non-western music, getting involved in Indonesian music through the Bucknell Gamelan Ensemble and later the NYC based Gamelan Dharma Swara. His philosophy is that music requires an open mind and disciplined approach, which is more than worth it (and so much fun!) when one can then perform a favorite piece. He enjoys best seeing the ‘eureka’ moments when a particular aspect of music clicks with a student, and believes that anyone can learn and enjoy making music.