Musicology – a High Note in the Smithtown Arts Community

Musicology Performance Center has been contributing to the Smithtown arts community since September 2014, when it was founded by executive director Pat Castania. Pat, who has a master’s degree in music education from Queens College, is an accomplished studio musician and instructor on the bass guitar. With his advanced degree and experience in music recording and engineering, Pat has developed an excellent after school program at Musicology.

The Center has a current enrollment of about 225 students, about 80 percent of which are under the age of 18. Pat admits the school lost some students due to the Covid-19 pandemic and currently has a masking policy in place. However, he is “optimistic the program will rebound to full enrollment as current conditions improve.”

Musicology offers individual music lessons beginning at age seven, including piano, guitar, bass, drums, violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone and more. The school features several bands and a vocal ensemble. Lessons are offered in 30, 45 or 60 minute intervals. Their feature band is called the Allstars.

When asked to describe the school’s mission, Pat proclaimed “we make musicians, demonstrated by the number of students who have excelled in their skills enough to earn music scholarships at leading music programs.” Pat further elaborates, “performance is a big part of our program, illustrated by the numerous performances (gigs) whereby the jazz band, the vocal ensemble and the Allstars perform for the local community.”  Common venues include Bowlero Bowling Center in Commack and 89 North Music Venue in Patchogue.

The school makes good use of its space, including several private lesson rooms, two performance studios, a waiting area and a lounge. A closed-circuit TV allows viewers to watch the musicians in action. Instrument rentals can be arranged at the center.

One success story worth mentioning is that of Chris Milo. Beginning as an 11-year-old in 2014, Chris studied guitar, piano, bass and drums. “He traveled to California multiple times to play at the coveted (NAMM - National Association of Music Merchants) in Anaheim” says Pat, who watched Chris blossom from musician to performer. It should also be noted Chris was recently featured in the Fanfare section of Newsday, a story of up-and-coming musicians on Long Island.

Musicology has an informative web-site, www.musicologyperformance.com providing close ups of all the instructors as well as descriptions of all the programs. There are numerous testimonials from former students describing a positive experience as well as a photo gallery. 

When asked what future goals Pat has in mind for Musicology, he eagerly volunteered  he is having discussions about opening a second location, possibly in Sayville. Should that happen, you won’t only see it happen, but no doubt will hear it as well.