Photo By Alix Passage
BIO
Teaching
Durek began his teaching career at East Coast Piano in Edison, NJ, at age 17. Since that time, hundreds of students have come under his tutelage. He has prepared students to excel, often with scores of merit and distinction on internationally recognized ABRSM and RCM exams.
Studies
Durek has been studying piano since he was six years old. He studied classically under Jim Nuzzo as primary teacher, and in later years branched out to cover many styles and genres. In high school he threw himself into the guitar, studying with the likes of Steve Hayes and Rick Langmaack, focusing both on acoustic music and heavier electric guitar styles. Later he studied upright and electric bass with Mike Richmond (of NYU/MSGA) He has also excelled in Music Theory and Fundamentals at Rutgers University and took additional piano classes as an adult.
Performing
Durek has performed extensively on piano, guitar, and bass in ten different countries and across the east coast. He has been performing on piano since high school, accompanying singers and the jazz band, and has played in the folk-rock group Copesetic. Durek has written nearly a hundred songs and instrumental piano compositions. His varied performing life shows students the many interesting places music can take you.
Awards
In 2010, Durek was awarded a highly competitive Emergency Grant from the Foundation of Contemporary Arts to fund new music opportunities overseas. His students have achieved high scores on internationally recognized ABRSM exams.