Faculty (Guitar)

Ed received his BA from Richmond College and MA degree from Hunter College. He attended the doctoral program at the Graduate Center in NY. Ed is an adjunct professor at Wagner College and Staten Island College. He is the founder of “The music for Olde Staten Island”. Ed is a member of the Guitar Foundation of America, the Lute Society of America and the Staten Island Chamber Music Players.

Mr. Cintula received his BA from Wagner College. He is the recipient of the Music Fellowship Grant and Academic Scholarship. Tom performed many solo recitals and he plays multiple styles of guitar music. He is experienced with students of all levels and ages. Mr. Cintula is currently completing his Master of Music degree at Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music.

Steven Cipriano is a graduate of the College of Staten Island, finishing with a B.S. in music, and plans to pursue a M.A. in Music History and Theory. Throughout his years of study, where he was included on the dean’s list every semester of his enrollment, he’s studied with Edward Brown (classical guitar), Marina Alexander (conducting), William Bauer (music theory), Sylvia Kahan (analysis), Christian Carey (composition), David Keberle (post-modern composition), Olivier Fluchaire (performance), and currently, jazz guitar legend Richard Peare. Steven has been teaching music theory and performance since 2002, and wishes to pursue a career as a full-time university professor. In 2004, Steven was the recipient of a University Stipend for his work with Dr. William Bauer in the analysis of Louis Armstrong’s performance techniques. Outside of performing in jazz and rock bands throughout New York City, Steven enjoys studying astrophysics, political and social science, and travelling up to the Bronx to take in the occasional Yankee game when time allows.

Before becoming the Principal Bass player for the Richmond County Orchestra, Mr. Nakamura has served as Vice Principal for the Bronx Symphony Orchestra. He has great experience in both upright and electric bass with a variety of styles, including blues, classical, funk, jazz, latin, etc. Today he is most noted for his work with Staten Island’s famous chamber group Wafoo. Mr. Nakamura studied at the Koyo Conservatory in his native Japan before obtaining an Associates Degree and a Professional Diploma in Bass Performance at the acclaimed Berklee College of Music. He has gained a lot of experience in guitar and guitar ensembles. In addition to teaching at SICOM, Mr. Nakamura has taught at the HZC Summer Camp for Kids in Harlem and he continues to give workshops and masterclasses throughout the East Coast.

Mr. Simone attended Wagner College and obtained a BA in Music performance. He is now majoring in Sonic Arts at City College. He has worked with the Staten Island Symphony and has performed at the Metropolitan Opera House and Carnegie Hall with the Wagner College Choir. During the time at Wagner College, he joined the Woodwind Ensemble, Guitar and Lute Ensemble and the Jazz Improv Band. As of present he is playing with the Concert Band and Wagner Solo Projects.