Joey Arcuri is an influential musician and educator of the Central New York area. His performance experience spans broadly from orchestral, musical theater, jazz, and popular music, all while traveling the country with five-piece Americana band, Driftwood. As a double bass primary, Joey stays in high demand throughout a variety of musical genres. He has performed with artists such as Melinda Doolittle, Clay Aiken, Jane Monheit, Cheryl Bentyne, Tara Nevins, Jeb Puryear, and Hank Roberts. Having proficiency on the electric bass, cello, and guitar keeps Joey diverse in his creative pursuits and allows his teaching to be accessible to a wider variety of students.
Joey completed his undergraduate performance degree at two institutions. At SUNY Purchase’s Conservatory of Music, Joey studied with Timothy Cobb, the current principal bassist of the New York Philharmonic. He completed his Bachelor of Music at Ithaca College in 2009, where he achieved a classical bass performance degree with Dr. Nicholas Walker. Joey is currently working towards a master’s degree in music education at Syracuse University. Graduation will take place in the spring of 2023.
As a faculty member of the Community School of Music and Arts in Ithaca, NY, Joey Arcuri holds a private lesson studio. Joey will also serve as a clinician, teaching in the schools and running workshops at music festivals. In 2021, Joey taught at Ithaca College’s Summer Music Academy. He will be back to teach the high school and middle school divisions in 2022. Working intimately with Driftwood for 11 years has exposed him to the music industry and has nurtured his singing, songwriting, and collaborative skills. Having a classical and jazz background mixed with years of popular music experience makes Joey Arcuri a well-rounded teacher. With his private lesson studio, extensive performance career, and graduate studies, life has been busy but enjoyable.
This is an exciting new chapter for Joey Arcuri. With a new network of colleagues at Syracuse University and devoted study to brass, woodwind, strings, percussion, conducting, and choral music, Joey has certainly diversified his musical palette. At 35 years of age, Joey Arcuri has curated a successful music career and has much to offer as a performer and educator. He plans on continuing to share the joy of music making on and off the stage.