PHILOSOPHY OF ED
(Why I do what I do)
"While I’ve taught courses in multiple schools and colleges, given private piano lessons to countless students, created and directed school and church arts programs, coached ensembles of diverse sizes and styles, and have mentored students ranging from age four through the sunset years, ironically growing up I declared disinterest in teaching. My only aspiration was to compose and perform.
"When I was a teenager, one day I was banging on the keyboards at a local music store, and the owner introduced himself, complimented my playing and asked if I’d like to teach private lessons there. He offered to “set up a keyboard in the back” where I could teach in the evenings, if I was interetsed.
This caught me by surprise; I never imagined myself teaching piano. For some reason I said yes. Over the next several months I fell in love with inspiring and instructing others to find expression, skill, joy, and meaning in making music.
My Motivation
"Through the years my overarching motivation in music education has been knowing that it’s much more than music. The classical Greeks placed the arts at the center of all education, believing that it forges internal character. The Swiss education reformer, Johann Pestalozzi, believed that education should develop the powers of Head, Heart, and Hands; relieves the nervous tensions of students; and improves relationships between them. He thought that education should focus equally on character and practical life skills, as well as cognitive advancement.
I am consistently motivated in my belief that music education affects the whole physiological self. Music moves the heart, enlightens the mind, engages the body, and deepens the soul. Nothing speaks more rapidly to the head, heart, and body than music.
More Than Music
"Beyond joyful expression and fun, there are myriad tangible benefits that accompany the ability to play a musical instrument or sing. According to a PBS.org article entitled, “The Benefits of Music Education,” music “facilitates learning other subjects and enhances skills that children inevitably use in other areas. … Music learning supports all learning.” The piece asserts that there are manifold advantages, such as
Developing language skills,
Increasing IQ,
Improving motor skills,
Growing spatial intelligence, and
Improving test scores.
My Aim
"Whether coaching the world’s gifted-and-talented at the Manhattan School of Music’s acclaimed summer program (many of whom will go on to earn livelihoods performing or teaching music); teaching music appreciation classes at a charter school in Queens; coaching school jazz ensembles and church worship teams; or training my roster of private students via my Zoom studio, the overarching mission is --
The Mission
"To make the world a more beautiful and harmonious place through captivating teaching, creative performing, and building supportive relationships."
PIANO
“I feel incredibly lucky to have a teacher of Rocco’s caliber laying the foundatinos for my lifelong dream of deeply understanding music. Beyond being a fantastic teacher and world-class pianist, Rocco welcomes you into the world of music, shares his experiences as a professional musician, invites students to shows, and it’s clear that he wants to be part of your musical journey. Rocco brings such a deep passion for music to every lesson that it’s hard not to come away even more excited about the journey ahead!”
-Greg L (software engineer; private piano)
“Mr. Rocco is a great teacher. He’s very knowledgeable and answers my questions. He has given many helpful tips that none of my other piano teachers have given to me. Additionally, he is funny — and recommends music that he thinks I would like, which has helped me discover new pieces and artists.”
Ian L (age 16; private piano)
"I truly appreciate how Mr. Dapice has fostered my musicality by blending rigorous classical technique with a deep, intuitive sense of jazz and melodic expression. Learning to adapt my playing across so many different styles has made me much more versatile and confident.”
-Rebekah V (high school; class piano)
“Mr. Dapice breaks down complex piano techniques and music theory into clear, manageable steps, which has immensely helped build my confidence when tackling challenging new pieces.”
-Kailee C (high school; class piano)
“Mr. Rocco is a great teacher. He’s very knowledgeable and answers my questions. He has given many helpful tips that none of my other piano teachers have given to me. Additionally, he is funny — and recommends music that he thinks I would like, which has helped me discover new pieces and artists.”
-Kaela A (high school; class piano)
“I really like learning piano with Mr. Dapice, especially how different songs can have totally dfferent emotions and meanings behind them. I also like hearing other students play and seeing them improve over time.”
-Eghosa O (high school; class piano)
MUSIC COURSES
(appreciation, music history, improvisation, history of American pop)
“My favorite genre that we covered in Mr. Dapice’s class is jazz. I like the history behind it. In some ways, it arose as a coping mechanism for oppression. I really admire how influential it was. I honor it, because it was one of the first pieces of musical media that gave black people a name and representation in music.”
-Kayandra F
“Learning about the cultural roots of rock 'n' roll and hip-hop with Mr. Dapice really opened my eyes to how music connects different generations and communities. I especially appreciated learning how artists like Chuck Berry and DJ Kool Herc blended diverse styles to create entirely new cultural movements, which made me appreciate the depth behind the songs we hear today.”
-Jorvany S
"I've learned that old music is important to music today. It's where everything started from. Mr. Dapice also taught us the sounds of the instruments, so now when I hear music, I can point out the instruments!"
-Kiare C
“I've really enjoyed 'active listening" time with Mr. Dapice. He plays really good songs and allows us to share our opinions about the music — and he has conversations with us about the songs.”
-Jade D
"I appreciate Mr. Dapice's music class, because not only did we learn about the history of music, we learned how the music genres connect in some way. We learned how important it is to know the history of music!"
-Addison H
"One thing I’ve really appreciated about music with Mr. Dapice is the chance to discover new music while also gaining a deeper understanding of the music I’m already familiar with, but hadn’t explored in depth."
-Willow L
“I’ve really enjoyed listening to different classical musicians, especially Beethoven, and learning about their unique styles and contributions to music. It helped me appreciate classical music more and understand how composers expressed emotions and ideas through their work.”
-Souleymane D
“I really enjoyed how Mr. Dapice introduced us to different styles of music and helped us understand the meaning and history behind them. I learned to appreciate music more and listen to it in a totally new way.”
-Rasheeda S
Mr. Dapice taught us about how many different types of music are related to each other. One example is jazz to hip hop. Hip hop is actually a “next generation of jazz.” Honestly, it fascinates me to now see and hear how these styles are related.
-Nakeisha J
“I enjoyed learning how music evolved over time — how it changed, and how the genres we listen to today were created.”
-Esteban P
"I really appreciate how Mr. Dapice taught us the importance of ‘active listening,' and how to pay attention to rhythm and melody. His class helped me become more focused and confident, and made music more enjoyable to me."
-Audleyanna F
"I’ve really appreciated learning how musicians work together to create a complete sound. Mr. Dapice’s class helped me better understand the role each instrument plays in a piece of music."
-Tiease O
“I really liked how in music class, Mr. Dapice took the time to help us understand the piano keyboard. This helped us become more engaged in learning music. Exploring music genres was fun and helped us grow as people on some level. I learned that each music genre has its own story, and comes from its own person or people. Whether by accident or not, the origins of the genres made an inspiring impact on future generations, just as they did on those who first heard and explored it.”
-Abigail N