MusicFirst Staff

Dr. Jim Frankel is the Head of Digital Education for Wise Music and Director of MusicFirst. Previously, he was the Managing Director of SoundTree, and before that he was the instrumental and general music teacher for 15 years in New Jersey Public Schools. Jim is a widely published author in various state, national and international journals of music education. He is the author of The Teachers Guide to Music, Media & Copyright Law, co-author of YouTube in Music Education, contributing author for Critical Issues in Music Education and co-author of Making Music with GarageBand & Mixcraft. In addition to his writing, Jim is a highly sought-after clinician and keynote speaker in the local, national and international music education community. He is on the Board of Directors for TI:ME and is the past president of ATMI.

Walt Straiton, Director of Academic and Institutional Partnerships, brings a blended career combining education, business, entertainment, and professional performance to the Music First family. A music industry veteran, Walt has previously served in the educational divisions of both the Yamaha and Conn-Selmer Corporations.

Formerly Director of Orchestras and Assistant Director of Marching Bands at Williamsport Area High School in PA for 26 years, he has taught both winds and strings at all levels, having also served as Director of Orchestras at Messiah College (PA). Rounding out his varied career also as instrumental music producer for HersheyPark for 17 years, Walt was honored to receive a coveted John F. Kennedy Center Fellowship for Teachers in the Arts, and also appeared as a finalist for “Teacher of the Year” in the nationally-televised Walt Disney Corporation’s “American Teacher Awards”. A graduate of Millersville University (PA) and the Eastman School of Music, he previous pursued Doctoral Study in music education at the Pennsylvania State University.

Professional guest conducting appearances include performances with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, the New World Symphony Orchestra (Miami Beach, FL), the United States Air Force Symphony Orchestra, the Champaign-Urbana (IL) Symphony Orchestra, and the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra (PA). Beginning in 2010, Walt served as the founding Artistic Director of the Corona (CA) Symphony Orchestra prior to his return to the east coast in 2013. Walt has produced and conducted numerous concert events featuring a variety of contemporary pop/jazz artists, including Chris Botti, Bob James, Burt Bacharach, Michael Cavanaugh, David Benoit, Maynard Ferguson, Chuck Mangione, Buddy Rich, Lionel Hampton, Phil Woods, The Captain and Tennille, The Spinners, Patti Austin, Neil Sedaka, Franki Valli and the Four Seasons, The Empire Brass Quintet, and Bobby Rydell.

Walt remains active as a guest conductor and adjudicator for student festival orchestras throughout the country, including appearances with All-State Orchestras in Florida, Vermont, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia. Recognized as a leader to bring both standard and contemporary jazz repertoire to the American symphony orchestra, he has presented clinics at various MEA and NAfME conferences, as well as the Midwest Band/Orchestra clinic. Published articles to his credit include such topics comprehensive orchestral program development, conducting, and music technology, and have appeared in the Jazz Education Journal, American String Teachers Journal, and the Technology Institute for Music Education.

Robin comes from a musical family; his Grandfather founded a Symphony Orchestra and Music Conservatory in Zimbabwe, and his Mother taught music for 50 years. An accomplished composer and performer, working in a variety of differing genres, he is also a recording engineer, songwriter and arranger. Robin received a Masters Degree at Magdalen College, Oxford, specializing in choral music. He moved to the US in 1999 and is now a US citizen.

He was with Sibelius/Avid for thirteen years, followed by three years with SoundTree. During that time, he became a well-known clinician, trainer and salesman for a wide variety of world class music software and technology products. He joined Jim Frankel and an accomplished team of people to start MusicFirst in 2012, bringing cloud-based music software to schools around the world.

He has authored many free guides/videos on how to use and learn all kinds of music software, and he has created a curriculum (published by Hal Leonard) for using Pro Tools in Music Education. He was also a joint author for the book/DVD/curriculum entitled Making Music with GarageBand & Mixcraft.

Mike Olander has partnered with schools across the country for over two decades as a trusted advisor for music programs and technology implementations, working for MusicFirst, Wenger Corporation, MakeMusic, Music Prodigy, JAMF Software, and Edmentum. He has led teacher workshops and training, staff development sessions, and has served as a consultant for schools across the country. Now, as an Education Manager with MusicFirst, he continues to advocate for music programs by encouraging the adoption of technology solutions designed to save time, simplify tasks, and drive student engagement and growth. 

Jason is the National Sales Manager for MusicFirst. With over a decade of music technology experience, Jason has served the educational market as a consultant and trainer for schools wishing to integrate technology into their music programs. Jason earned his degree in Music Business from State University of New York, College at Oneonta.

"What inspires me are the teachers in the music classroom, working very hard to cultivate a classroom filled with music lovers - and not necessarily musicians. This alone drives my passion to educate teachers and help support their mission to offer the most engaging classroom experience possible."

Richard Payne has worked in the Music Education Industry for 13 years with experience including music technology training, software product management, music technology reselling into education, and music publishing.

His previous roles working for Sibelius & latterly Avid Technology involved running inset days for both classroom and instrumental teachers as well as presenting regularly at shows such as BETT and other educational music conferences introducing Sibelius and other Primary and Secondary music software products to promote best practice use of music technology in schools.

Richard studied at Bristol University gaining a BA (Hons) in Music specialising in composition. He is now a published composer, pianist and trumpet player, involved in local orchestras and groups around London.

Matt Ferry is the Customer Success Manager for MusicFirst. As a high school student, his favorite video games were Finale, Digital Performer, and Cakewalk, where he worked long hours to conquer and unlock new levels of audio editing, MIDI production, and engraving. After completing a BA in Music Education at the University of Minnesota, Matt went on to work for MakeMusic, Inc. where he assisted with the implementation of Finale and Smartmusic in hundreds of U.S.-based and international school systems. In addition to his work in music technology, Matt has been a sought-after percussion educator, arranger, and technology consultant for marching band, Drum Corps, and indoor percussion for over 20 years. Matt currently serves at the Board President for Invictus World Color Guard from Austin, TX and is the Head Judge for the Minnesota Percussion Association.

Bradley Smith is the Director of Technology for MusicFirst. Bradley worked as Technical Support Specialist and Market Development Manager for SoundTree, educational division of Korg USA, Inc before joining the MusicFirst team. In addition to his work in Music Technology in education he also worked as music director for the past two years at his church in Pittsburgh, PA. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Music in Music Technology & Performance from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA.

Jaye Mateyko is the Director of Support and Training for MusicFirst. Born in Southern Maine, they completed a bachelor’s degree in Music Education at Syracuse University and a master’s degree in Music Education at New York University. Jaye’s teaching experiences range from first grade general music to high school marching band, with much in between. As a researcher, they focused their energy on community in the music classroom. Jaye believes strongly in the integration of technology in the classroom and knows it can be used in a variety of ways to support community during and after school hours. As a classical saxophonist, they enjoy playing in ensembles of varying sizes and specifically loves saxophones in consort. Other interests include arranging Beethoven symphonies and music education philosophy.

Hailing from right outside Baltimore, music has always been a part of Tori's life, whether singing, playing the saxophone or being a proud member of a Marching Band for 8 years.

Tori moved up to New York to pursue her Bachelor's Degree in Arts Administration and Spanish at Wagner College in Staten Island. She is thrilled to join the MusicFirst team and provide a service she wished was available when she was an upcoming musician!

In high school, Tori worked on integrating music online for beginner musicians to give them motivation and easy access to practice materials. Before finding her home at MusicFirst, she has worked with arts organizations ranging from acting studios to the Metropolitan Opera.

James is the Technical Support Manager for MusicFirst. Bringing over 7 years of experience from consumer sales in musical instruments and software, James’ first focus is the customer. Being no stranger to composition and performance, James has composed pieces for notable companies like New Balance, Puma, and HYPEBEAST while serving as his church’s keyboard player and music director in the New York capital of Albany.

Rachel Nicastro is the Director of Marketing for MusicFirst. Prior to joining the MusicFirst team in 2018, her background was in sales and marketing in the educational music arena. She has worked for Carl Fischer Music/Theodore Presser Company in sales and project management, as well as marketing for Manhattan Concert Productions, an organization specializing in providing performance opportunities for bands, orchestras, and choirs. She has extensive knowledge of educational music repertoire and is deeply interested in the changing landscape of music education.

Rachel hails from Augusta, Georgia, where she began her music education at a young age. She attended a GRAMMY Signature fine arts magnet school from 5th-12th grade, studying piano and voice. She pursued her bachelor’s degree in music and philosophy at Agnes Scott College in Atlanta and went on to complete her graduate studies in vocal performance at the University of Missouri.

In addition to her work at MusicFirst, Rachel is the soprano section leader & soloist at the Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew in Brooklyn, and sings with the Trinity Wall Street's Downtown Voices.

Natalia Buitrago is the Content Marketing and Events Manager for MusicFirst. Natalia completed a Bachelor’s of Music in Music Business and Clarinet Performance at The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. While at SUNY Potsdam, she presented degree completing recitals as well as completing multiple internships with the Crane Music Business department and D’Addario, at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA. Since college, she has been active as a pit musician and marketing intern for MusicFirst.

Marjorie LoPresti is the Director of Content for MusicFirst. She has over thirty years’ experience teaching elementary and secondary general/vocal music, piano, music technology, theory, and composition. She was named New Jersey Master Music Teacher and received the TI:ME Music Technology Teacher of the Year Award based on her deep knowledge of instructional design, curriculum development, brain-based learning, and standards-based assessment.

A frequent clinician at educational conferences, Marj regularly exhibits for colleagues how to improve student achievement and enhance creativity through best practices including new hardware, software, and cloudware applications. She is a regular contributor to music education journals, sharing expertise on topics ranging from music technology integration, software solutions, and distance learning to new tech and emerging trends.

Marj holds degrees in Music Education and Educational Technology. She is adjunct professor for Music Education Technology at Rutgers University, and is co-author of Practical Music Education Technology, Oxford University Press (2020).

Dr. Keith Dye is Associate Dean of Undergraduate and Curricular Issues for the College of Visual & Performing Arts and Professor of Music Education in the School of Music at Texas Tech University. He holds the Doctor of Education in College Teaching of Music from Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, a Master of Arts in Music Education from West Texas State University, Canyon, TX and the Bachelor of Music Education from Morningside College, Sioux City, IA. Dr. Dye's primary areas of research interest are music educator preparation and best practices and the effective use of desktop videoconferencing in delivery of music instruction. He has been published in leading journals and regularly presents nationally on these topics.

Dr. Dye is the current President of the Texas Music Education Association (TMEA), the world’s largest music education organization with over 12,000 members. In this capacity he serves on the Executive Board of TMEA and contributes a monthly column to Southwestern Musician.

At Texas Tech University, Dr. Dye teaches undergraduate classes in Band Techniques of Instruction and Brass Instructional Methods. On the graduate level, Dr. Dye teaches the Band Director Workshops, Applications of Technology in Music Education, Psychology in Music, Instrumental Rehearsal Analysis, and Teaching Music in College. Formerly, Dr. Dye was Assistant Director of Bands working with all aspects of the athletic and concert band activities at TTU.

Dr. Dye serves as an instructional consultant to school districts across Texas. Formerly a public school band director, he has more than 35 years of successful experience with groups on all levels of instruction. Dr. Dye's ensembles have earned numerous awards and a reputation for a consistently high level of musical excellence. He has presented clinics on instrumental music education techniques and strategies at state and national conventions and served as conductor of various regional and all-state ensembles.

Scott J. Casagrande was Director of Bands at John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights, IL for 22 years and retired in June, 2021 after completing 33 years of teaching in Illinois public schools.  He taught high school, middle school and elementary students in suburban, urban and rural settings over the course of his teaching career. Currently, Mr. Casagrande serves Music for All as a Music Education Consultant. He is also an administrator for the Dr. William P. Foster Project serving bands in under-served communities.   He is a Past-President of the National Band Association and was a member of the NBA Executive Board from 2012-2020. 
 
Under Mr. Casagrande’s direction, the John Hersey Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble performed as a featured ensemble in the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic.  They were selected to perform in  23 Illinois Superstate Concert Band Festivals, two Illinois Music Educators Association Conventions and four Music for All National Concert Band Festivals. The Hersey Symphonic Band was named the Illinois Superstate Concert Band Festival Honor Band four times and the band program was awarded the Sudler Flag of Honor by the Sousa Foundation.  In addition, Jazz Ensembles under Mr. Casagrande’s direction were Grand Champions at the Purdue Jazz Festival and the Jazz in the Meadows Festival several times (90+ ensembles in both events).  

Mr. Casagrande received his B.S. and M.S. in Music Education at the University of Illinois.

Matt Allen is the Digital Content Manager for MusicFirst UK. He has 25 years’ experience teaching in Secondary Schools in London and the South East of England. He has taught children and young people from year 3 to year 13, as well as trained teachers from Primary and Secondary schools. Matt has taught GCSE, AS-, A-Level Music, Music Technology, and BTEC Music (Levels 2 and 3).

Matt has always been a passionate supporter of bringing technology into the classroom to support and expand learning opportunities. He has installed computer systems and recording studios in a number of schools, and developed schemes of work designed to fully engage young people in Music, no matter what their musical training or experience. He also works as a music education and technology consultant. Matt has written articles and reviews published in Music Teacher Magazine as well as numerous blogs and review articles.

Matt graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree from Goldsmiths’ College, University of London, where he also gained his Post-Graduate Certificate in Education. Matt plays Trombone, various other instruments, sings Tenor, and has been lucky enough to play or sing across Europe and in some of London’s iconic music venues, including the Royal Albert Hall and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Kris is a composer and pianist originally from Seattle. After developing an interest in music at an early age, he eventually fell in love with musical theatre and went on to create his university's first Musical Theatre Writing Club.

Since college, he's been active on both coasts as a pit musician and music assistant for shows in development, alongside working as a freelance music engraver. As a composer, his work has been heard in the New York Musical Theatre Festival and has been produced by Theatre Now New York. He is a member of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop.