SoundWaves Port Chester

We are so proud to feature the spotlight on our incredible student-teacher, Diego Vega !

As both a student and student-teacher for SoundWaves, Diego has shown commitment and passion in sharing his love for music with fellow Port Chester students.

From growing up in Port Chester and attending Port Chester High School, to heading to Syracuse University this fall to study Film in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program—Diego’s journey is just getting started!

Diego’s love for music began early, from singing at eight years old to playing trumpet in elementary school band. As a senior at PCHS, he continues his musical path by singing tenor in the school choir and the Port Chester Sound (a PCHS A Capella group). He also served as assistant student director for the Drama Club’s productions of The Addams Family and Chicago.

His biggest musical inspiration is Freddie Mercury, whose artistry has motivated him to pursue music and achieve his dreams.

In his spare time, Diego enjoys creating and watching films, playing piano, and singing. He also listens to pop and jazz, and is currently preparing a piano piece for the upcoming high school variety show.

Diego encourages his students to practice piano every day, emphasizing that consistency is key to growth.

After two years teaching at SoundWaves, his biggest learning experience has been balancing school and work. He credits the program with helping him build responsibility, organization, and leadership in his first teaching role, broadening his perspective as both a student and teacher.

Diego believes that “we shouldn’t stop learning, we should continue to consume knowledge when we can. But at the same time, we should teach the next pupils the knowledge we know.”

We are so proud to have Diego on our team and can’t wait to see all he accomplishes.

She “gave us something to talk about”! On the eve of our winter recital, SoundWaves received a check for $1000 from Bonnie Raitt’s ARIA Foundation (Artistic Resources in Action). So generous! This will help us keep giving the gift of music education to the next generation. Thank you for believing in young musicians and supporting arts education. Your generosity truly makes a difference!

This week, we are shining the spotlight on our drum instructor Dave Lewitt , who has been a part of the SoundWaves family for the past three years.

A Port Chester resident with Brooklyn and Long Island roots, his love for music began at just eight years old, taking drum lessons and listening to Harry Belafonte. Dave’s journey into teaching was inspired by former Scarsdale High School band director- and his then father in law- Joseph Albright, who helped shape his path as a drum teacher. His musical influences range from jazz and jazz fusion to the progressive rock of the 70’s and 80’s.

When he is not teaching at SoundWaves, Dave is an adjunct professor at SUNY Purchase, teaching hand drumming and providing drum accompaniment for modern dance classes.

Outside of his musical world, he enjoys bicycling, skiing, and relaxing at home with his wife, two dogs and cat. And fun fact- he is also growing his YouTube channel now at 1,000 subscribers, and counting!

With over 40 years of drum teaching experience, Dave hopes to instill dedication, perseverance, focus and love of drumming and music in his students.

Thank you, Dave for the energy and passion you bring to every lesson at SoundWaves!