Gennaro Porcaro - Harpist, Pianist, Teacher, Composer
About
Gennaro "Gerry" Porcaro from Princeton, New Jersey started his musical journey at age 8 composing for his elementary school's original musical theater production. Shortly after, his love for music expanded to include piano, music theory, and the harp. He graduated Cum Laude from Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton receiving a Bachelor of the Arts in Music Theory and Composition.
It was during his studies at Westminster Choir College when Gerry discovered his love for the harp and began taking lessons in 2008. For the past 13 years, he has played with countless orchestras including: The Princeton University Sinfonia, Greenwich Village Orchestra in New York City, The Westminster Orchestra, Rutgers University Symphony Orchestra, Greensboro Opera, UNC Greensboro Orchestra. Most recently, he performed with the Eastern Music Festival Faculty Orchestra, under the direction of Emmy Award Winning Conductor, Gerard Schwarz. Gerry has also been the harpist for music productions of Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols at Princeton University, The Fantasticks at multiple venues along the East Coast, and The Williamson Voices' performance of Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms in New York City under the direction of Grammy-nominated conductor James Jordan.
Teaching is Gerry's passion and a natural vocation. Later on, he developed a large and successful studio of piano and harp students in New Jersey. Gerry is well-versed in both individual and group instruction.
Throughout his career, he has studied with various teachers and enjoys hearing and learning different perspectives. Some of his teachers include pianists and music theorists like Lillian Livingston, Randy Bauer, JJ Pena, and Elena Panova. His harp teachers include Andre Tarentiles, Sasha Boldachev, and Elaine Christy. He also studied music composition with Laurie Altman and Christian Carey.
Gerry enjoys teaching all levels of piano and harp but has a particular interest in beginners. He loves to see them blossom into the awesome musicians that they can be!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Each student is their own individual and one size does not fit all. I find styles of teaching that work best for each student.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I recieved my Bachelors from Westminster Choir College.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons costs are:
$40/30 minutes
$60/45 minutes
$80/60 minutes
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching when my youngest cousin came over and started playing around on the piano. I sat down with her and showed her the notes and it bloomed from there!
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students who wanted to make music a full time career to amateurs who wantesd to learn for their own enjoyment. I teach students of all ages!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently helped a student get into the college of their choice. We recordered their performance on both the piano and the harp. They are now a music major!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
The best way to know if a teacher is right for you is to see if there is a connection. The first lesson can consist of more talking and getting to know each other, so take a few lessons with a teacher before making any final decisions.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Anytime a student has a question they should ask their teacher. If something did't make sense always clarify before the lesson is over so you don't go home and practice something incorrectly.