Official Bio

Dustin Bartley has been the orchestra director at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School in Plainview, NY since 2019. During this time, he has developed a progressive orchestra program that includes modern technology, a variety of styles, diverse composers, student-developed “rock-band” style arrangements, and electric instruments as a regular part of the curriculum. His ensembles have earned multiple Gold and Gold with Distinction ratings at NYSSMA Majors, and recently traveled to Orlando, Florida to perform at Disney World. He also teaches AP Music Theory, advises the school’s Tri-M Music Honor Society chapter, produces the annual Talent Show, and builds the set for the fall drama. 

Dustin studied cello with Susan Rubner and later with Maureen Hynes at C.W. Post. He was the Graduate Assistant Conductor for bands and orchestras at C.W. Post while completing his Master of Arts in Music Theory and Composition. His conducting teachers were Dr. James McRoy and Dr. Mark Shapiro. Throughout his 15+ year career, Dustin has taught orchestra at all levels throughout Suffolk County, including in Mount Sinai. He served on the executive board for LISFA as adjudication chairperson and hospitality chairperson for Suffolk County. He has also been an orchestra chairperson, photographer, and Assistant Vice President of West Festivals for SCMEA.

  • My formative years were spent listening to a wide variety of music - The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Foo Fighters…

  • Electrify Your Symphony concert, February 2022 - as teacher, producer, and performer, this one had it all.

  • Like trying to choose a favorite child. But if I have to, I’m going to say Bach for cello and Dvorak for anything orchestral.

  • Beyond what I already get to do every day, I hope that someday I have the opportunity to join a rock band as a cellist.

  • Classically Trained Cellist

    I started playing cello in the summer before I started 4th grade, and have not stopped since. I studied with Susan Rubner through high school, and with Maureen Hynes during both undergraduate and graduate studies. I have performed with community orchestras including North Shore Symphony Orchestra and the Northport Symphony Orchestra. Performances include pit orchestras in schools across Long Island as well as many wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours, and professional functions with a variety of small ensembles.

  • Professional

    Proud member of NAfME, NYSSMA, NMEA, LISFA, ASTA, and formerly a member of SCMEA. Served as adjudication chairperson and hospitality chairperson for LISFA in Suffolk County. Served as Division III West orchestra chairperson, photographer, and Assistant Vice President of Festivals for the West Division with SCMEA. Will be presenting for NYSSMA and NYSCAME/Suffolk this coming year on my experience with building a progressive string program.

  • Conductor

    During grad school, I served as the Graduate Assistant Conductor for the C.W. Post Bands and Orchestra. Conducting teachers were Dr. James McRoy and Dr. Mark Shapiro. Student performing groups under my direction have earned multiple Gold and Gold with Distinction ratings at NYSSMA Majors as well as a rating of Superior at the Long Island Music Festival. I lead three ensembles at my school - the level IV String Orchestra, the level V Philharmonic Orchestra, and the level VI Chamber Orchestra.

  • Educator

    I have taught all grades from kindergarten through high school over the course of my career. I currently teach orchestra and AP Music Theory at Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School in Plainview, New York. I also am the advisor for our Tri-M Music Honor Society, coordinate the annual Talent Show, and build the set for the fall drama.

  • Electric Cellist

    I play primarily on a NS Design WAV5 five-string electric cello. I also own a NS NXTa fretted 4-string cello, and am eagerly awaiting the construction of a Wood Violins 5-string Cobra cello. While continually experimenting with different combinations of effects pedals, I can always go back to my trusty Boss ME-80. Occasionally for acoustic gigs, I use a Realist pickup.

  • and more...

    In whatever spare time I am able to scrounge together, I am also a woodworker, video gamer, chef, and home DIY-er. Currently living in Selden with wife Leanna, daughter Layla, our dog Jasmine, and an assortment of goldfish, koi, and yes, two chickens.