Al began playing guitar and writing words and music in the seventh grade, and has written hundreds of songs in many styles including folk, rock and reggae.

As a musician who performs many live shows, Al’s performance credits include such venues as The Stone Pony where he opened for Andrew Tosh, and Giants Stadium where he opened for Bruce Springsteen, in addition to many, clubs and concert venues in the New York – New Jersey area. He currently performs in a variety of ensembles featuring many different genres of music including: “No Discipline” (reggae), “Exodus Supreme” (reggae), “Acoustic Flannel”  (original music), and “The Zeke Carey Band” (original music). He is also the principle songwriter for his reggae band “No Discipline,” and has produced fifteen CD’s of original music over the past thirty-nine years. 

As an educator, Al has inspired many young musicians to pursue the art of songwriting and self- expression. In addition to teaching private students of all ages and levels, Al taught K-5 both vocal and instrumental music at Clara E. Coleman School and in The Glen Rock School System for twenty-five years. He is a long-time member of The Northern New Jersey Orff-Schulwerk Association and The NJEA.

Al studied the art of songwriting in New York City with Henry Gaffney and Robert Cutarella. He received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from The University of Tampa, and holds a Master‘s Degree in The Art of Teaching from Marygrove College.

We are so happy to announce that Al has agreed to share his singer-songwriter, ukulele and overall instrumental music expertise with our students here at The Ridgewood Conservatory.-