Hi! I'm Timerie (McArdle) Gatto. I grew up in Bayport, Long Island. I started playing piano by ear at 3 years old and violin in 4th Grade (1983). Private violin lessons started in 6th grade, and by High School I enjoyed Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Pit Orchestra, Jazz Band, Music Theory, Chorus, Jazz Choir, and a String Quartet. I went to NYSSMA, All-District, LISFA, and SCMEA, plus a community BAFFA Orchestra. I loved every minute! However...

In 10th Grade painful tendonitis developed in my right wrist from holding my bow incorrectly. I required surgery and a cast on for 9 months. Unable to play music, I was miserable. That's when I decided to be a music teacher. 

When my wrist healed I went to SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music in upstate NY where I majored in Music Education on the Violin. Hauppauge hired me in 1996 and I earned my Masters in Music Education at Queens College in 2000. I got married, moved to Nesconset, and have 2 wonderful kids, Becky and Tommy. We also have a basset hound named Gabby.

I'm very happy teaching Elementary Orchestra. The energy and enthusiasm that young musicians bring to the lesson is infectious. They're willing to try anything!

I also play strolling violin for cocktail hours and wedding ceremonies. I stroll around the guests playing such tunes as "The Music of the Night", "Feniculi, Felicula", "Toreador" from Carmen, "Fly Me to the Moon", and popular tunes from the radio, to name a few. I also play electric violin in an Irish & Rock band called "The Mor". If you'd like to learn more, please email me at gattot@hauppauge.k12.ny.us.