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Custom Music Education For Everyone!
Modern Day Music If you want to learn how to play or increase your skills on almost any instrument, MDM is the place to do it. Have lots of fun and learn to master your instrument.

If you love Music, MDM will give you the opportunity to play with a group on a regular basis, and perform in concerts as a member of one of our house bands! Modern Day Music also houses a Pro Tools Recording Studio with high end gear and mics offering unparalleled value for its members.

Paul Benedetti, previous singer of the Capital Region band Blitzen in the 80's, and founder of Max Trax Recording Studios, known by many local bands throughout the 90's, is the owner of Modern Day Music. He brings with him tremendous experience in both recording and performance.

You will be learning from our veteran music coaches who have both professional recording and touring experience. Our desire is to get you playing and performing the music you love as soon as possible in a setting that helps you thrive and get the most out of being a musician and having fun.
Business details
  • Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
  • Music Theory, Flute, Guitar, Bass, Piano, Violin, Voice, Cello, Keyboard, Drums
People
Dustin DeLuke
Dustin DeLuke
Piano/Theory/Composition/Engineer
Dustin DeLuke holds degree's from Berklee College of Music and Plymouth State University. He specializes in piano, keyboard, and composition. He has studied Rock, Blues, Jazz, Funk, and Classical with a diverse range of teachers. Dustin has extensive experience teaching students of all ages general music theory for various establishments. As an accomplished pianist and composer, he has performed in bands, studio sessions, concerts, jazz festivals, and has had his compositions performed in concert, as well as writing, performing, and recording jingles for various commercial projects.

Dustin is also an experienced studio and live sound engineer. He has produced and engineered several projects for solo artists and bands, jingles, and live concerts. Dustin is a producer, composer, arranger, and conductor. He also has experience in post-production and film scoring. Musicians that Dustin has worked with include the band "The Dear Hunter", Bill King (pianist for Janis Joplin), Philip Bailey (Earth Wind and Fire), and Jetro da Silva (pianist for Whitney Houston). Everyone loves Dustin, and his laid back easy going and fun persona really help him connect with his students. Dustin's personality, combined with his ability to play and teach piano, along with the MDM atmosphere, make for the perfect learning environment.
Lesley O'Donnell
Lesley O'Donnell
Voice
Lesley O'Donnell is a graduate of the Rome School of Music at Catholic University in Washington DC and has studied at NYU and TVI Actor's studio where she honed her craft under the guidance of broadway directors and musicians. Lesley's studies allowed her the opportunity to sing across the country on stages such as The Kennedy Center, Surflight Theatre and in the National Touring Companies of Camelot, School House Rock Live and If You Give A Pig A Pancake to name a few.

Her musical experience is not limited only to the Broadway style. Lesley is trained classically and in modern pop styles as well. She brings her experience to the lesson room to aid students with audition preparation, sight singing, repertoire building and vocal exploration. Lesley's main goal as a vocal coach is to nurture a love of music in her students while giving them the tools they need to become confident and healthy singers!
Ben Zoleski
Ben Zoleski
Guitar/Bass/Band Program
Ben Zoleski has been active with music since he was 8 years old. When he picked up the guitar at the age of 13, he knew he had found his calling. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, he has become familiar with all different styles but finds his home in blues and classic rock. Training with such excellent teachers as Jon Finn, Jon Baboian, Joe Stump, Sal DiFusco, and Julien Kasper, he has been fortunate to learn from some of the best guitarists to have graced the music world.

He has been in several bands in Boston and New York, with his most recent project, The Phobia, performing at many venues including Boston's Fenway Park. He approaches music in a different way, doing everything he can to get into the soul of music, and learn all he can from his peers, his heros, and even his students. Ben is excited to be teaching with his new family at Modern Day Music, and seeks to give his students the best education they can get.
Mark O'Brien
Mark O'Brien
Drums
Mark O'Brien started his drumming career at the age of 12 performing in a Baptist church for 5 years. After getting his roots in gospel drumming he then went to the College of Saint Rose where he studied jazz and latin percussion under Matt Cremisio, an independently signed and sponsored drummer and instructor. Mark also studied under Blake Fleming, the original drummer for the Mars Volta, at SUNY Oneonta.

Mark started the band Aficionado in 2004 and since then he has been on 8 U.S. tours, and one tour of Canada. Aficionado is currently signed to No Sleep Records and has an Ep 'When It Comes To Creation' and a self titled Lp out on No Sleep. In 2009 Mark joined End of a Year, a post-hardcore/punk band signed to Deathwish Inc. Records. Since then he has been on 2 European tours and recorded an Ep 'The Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Emanuela Orlandi'.
Stan Francois
Stan Francois
Drums
Stan Francois is a multi-instrumentalist and an experimental artist residing in the Capital Region of New York. His first experience with drums came as a snare drummer in a marching band as a young boy and spurred his interest in playing drum set in various punk and post-hardcore bands as a teenager. His musical tastes expanded his drum set style to incorporate jazz, fusion, and latin styles by the time he graduated high school.

His teaching style focuses on developing a strong rudimental vocabulary, proper technique, as well as using methods for coordinated independence popularized by the likes of great drum educators like Jim Chapin and Marvin Dahlgren. He encourages his students to find their own voice while giving them a proper foundation to begin or continue their musical education.
Chad Mayette
Manager/Engineer
Chad Mayette became involved in music at a very young age studying and playing various instruments. He found the bass guitar to be the best fit. From 1992 through present day, Chad has played in many bands that have performed throughout the Northeast. In 1997 he began an apprenticeship at a commercial recording studio and started to build his skills as an audio engineer. Building a small recording studio at his home, Chad worked with many talented artists recording demos and full length albums.

After the birth of his daughter, recording at his home studio became difficult and in October 2011 the opportunity presented itself to join Modern Day Music as a studio engineer. During all this time he also developed his career as Regional Manager for a large retailer. Nearly 17 years later Chad decided to pursue a career more closely related to his passion for all things music and came on board full time with Modern Day Music as the General Manager. It was the perfect merging of two very different skill sets! Chad strongly supports MDM's mission and takes great satisfaction in helping to facilitate the musical and personal growth and development of each of the students at Modern Day Music.
Paul Benedetti
Owner/Engineer
Paul Benedetti began his career in the music industry more than 30 years ago. Starting out on saxophone, moving to guitar in high school, then a little piano in college, he finally found his true calling as a vocalist. He studied classical voice with various teachers for many years throughout high school, college and beyond and then began to teach others in the Rock/Pop field using an applied method just like what Modern Day Music does today. Paul played in the local rock band Blitzen in the 80's and early 90's, often opening up shows for various 80's national bands, and even the 70's Classic Rock group Foghat.

During that time he also honed his skills as a producer/engineer in the studio, as well as doing live sound engineering for hundreds of bands. Paul has since been very fortunate to work with some incredible artists. He recorded and mixed projects from a demo for the 70's Southern Rock group, the Outlaws, to numerous full lenth CDs for Hardcore favorites One King Down, all the way to engineering the full length CD, On My Way To You, for the Legendary Tony and Emmy Award Winning Star Leslie Uggams. Paul has also engineered cast albums for the Tony Nominated Broadway Musical, Anna Karenina and the Off Broadway Musical, Thunder Knocking On The Door with Leslie Uggams and music by Grammy Award winning artist Keb' Mo'.

In addition to working with hundreds of musicians Paul has also done editing, mixing, and mastering for independent films including the full length feature film, The Last Round, featuring X-Files star William B. Davis. Paul opened Max Trax Recording Studios located in Albany, NY, in June of 1994. The studio soon became one of the areas premier music studios, and he has since engineered and mixed projects for hundreds of up-and-coming musicians, voiceover recordings, and numerous TV and Radio commercials. Paul is a respected veteran of the music industry and is known for getting the best sound out of the people he produces, records, and mixes. His experience and talent are essential to the quality of our operations and to the support of our studio, Modern Day Studios. Paul's main objective for Modern Day Music, as it is with all ventures he is involved with, is to provide unparalleled value, education, and ongoing support.
Videos
Hollie Gravelle
Hollie Gravelle
Rock School Clifton Park - First Student Showcase 2012. 16 year old Hollie Gravelle performs the Climb.
MDM DJ Class
MDM DJ Class
Topics covered in DJ/Electronic Music lessons at Modern Day Music will include, but not be limited to: -Essential terms, setup of equipment, basic operations and techniques; HIstory of early electronic music; Experimentation, Improvisation on chosen instrument; Sampling/sequencing, remixing, composing tracks; Analysis of artists-their influences, body of work, and particular influence on student as well (listening, viewing, and reading materials provided); Business of performing; booking shows, self promotion, contracts, networking, etc.; Emphasis on ensuring students compositions and performances are musical and expressive.
Aiden Marlowe, Piano Kid
Aiden Marlowe, Piano Kid
Modern Day Music - Clifton Park. This is a short performance by Aiden Marlowe, age 5 1/2. He has been playing since age 1 and is legally blind. Aiden has perfect pitch and can name notes and chords just by listening to them.
Reviews (10)
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Mary Daikos
Oct 28, 2021
My daughter has been taking voice lessons with Nicole at Modern Day Music since March 2021. From the very first day, she has left her lessons excited by what she has learned and already looking forward to the next week. I have seen tremendous improvement in her vocally in just the last 7 months! She loves Nicole and everyone at MDM. It is truly a wonderful, encouraging, inclusive place to study music. Can not recommend them highly enough!
Angela Herba
May 21, 2021
My 12 year old daughter has been taking voice lessons at MDM studio for the last 2 years. Her coach Laura is talented, patient, loving, positive, funny, and caring. She gives feedback, suggestions and has provided a big impact on her life. My daughter looks forward to every Thursday and wishes she could go every day. The front desk is very welcoming and always keeps you in the loop. I would highly recommend anyone to give MDM a try and enjoy your experience.
Jacqueline Miller
May 21, 2021
Nando is a very patient coach and works very well with our new learner. During this time, his lessons have brought joy and a smile to our child. Our sons own words, "we have a lot of fun." Nando always makes the lesson fun and engaging. We are so grateful for his efforts.
Monika DeWan
Apr 06, 2021
I have two children taking lessons here. One is a beginner that has special needs and loves music. One is a high schooler with some great musical experience. The teachers are able to guide each and captured their attention with their wonderful knowledge base and extraordinary talent/creativity. Both kids love to go and I have seen incredible results in a very short time. The teachers are very motivating and teach to the child's interests! I highly recommend Modern Day!
Roe Soto
Feb 15, 2021
My daughter loves taking piano lessons at mdm. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly while also being professional. Her teacher is great. We both like the teacher a lot and think she does a great job. The staff is very friendly and excellent with communication.
Kimberly McManus
Jan 29, 2020
This music school is awesome! I wish this place was available when I was younger. My son, Lucas, started drum lessons with Mike about a year ago, and has recently started piano lessons with Deb, and is part of the Rock School Program with Tony. Our experience with Modern Day Music and the entire staff has been amazing since day one. They have helped Lucas not only grow as a musician, but have also helped him come out of his shell. Lucas has grown and changed so much that he even auditioned for his middle school jazz band, which a year ago, he didn't want to do!

It is a very comfortable and supportive atmosphere and I don't think that anyone could ask for a better place to send your kids or to take lessons yourself! Lucas loves it so much that he has talked his brother, Thomas, into taking voice lessons!
Sandra Thornton
Jan 29, 2020
My daughter is so lucky to be a part of MDM. Tony is such a talented instructor always bringing such a positive attitude, knowing how to bring the best out of her, and challenging her each lesson. One of the best decisions we have made was signing up. I've seen her develop so quickly but also gain such confidence and joy with playing her electric ukulele.

Who knew you could be taught how to jam on an e uke? Tony did and is THE BEST! Can't say enough good things about our experience. The staff is so friendly and extremely accommodating. Looking forward to seeing the band performances and other talented musicians showcases this fall!
Foulke
Jan 18, 2020
We have 5 children who all take lessons and/or participate in the Rock School program at MDM. We have also done some recordings in the studio at MDM. Their coaches, (Tony and Katie), and James (sound engineer) are all talented musicians, and excellent instructors/mentors who make the lessons fun and interesting. We have been going to MDM for several years and the kids continue to love music and grow as musicians.

We have recommended MDM to many of their friends who were seeking quality music lessons in a friendly, relaxed environment. The owner, Paul, is a great guy and runs a very professional, unique studio, where you will find a great team of coaches available to teach whatever musical interest you or your child may have. It's such a wonderful atmosphere and you won't find another place like it!
James Murphy
May 16, 2019
As a parent of a son with special needs, I can attest to the fact that it sometimes can be very difficult to find the best programs to fit your child. I am happy to say that MDM is the perfect fit! The courteous and friendly staff begins with Cailin at the front desk and extends to my son's actual teacher Tony. He is beyond incredible with his expertise and patience which not only allows my son to learn about music but to actually enjoy it.

The owner Mr. Paul Benedetti even came to me personally to make sure my son had his every need met! I can't say enough about how much I appreciate what they have done for my son! Thanks Again!
Patricia Valero
Jan 29, 2017
My son is 11 years old and has attended MDM since he was 6! The staff at MDM is very educated as well as professional. My son takes piano lessons and participates in their band program. It has been a rewarding experience for him and we continue to see him grow as a musician. It is a great place to learn they keep it fun so that the kids really enjoy learning and look forward to their next lesson!