.png){kind=logo}
Graduate Teaching Assistants
Kevin Cotter - Graduate Teaching Assistant
Kevin Patrick Cotter is a highly accomplished conductor and educator dedicated to enriching musical experiences and community engagement. With over 20 years of experience in New Jersey's public and private schools, he is in his 4th year of completing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, where he has conducted diverse ensembles, including the Rutgers University Concert Band, Symphony Band, Symphonic Winds, Pep Bands, and the Marching Scarlet Knights.
His academic background includes a Master's degree in Wind Conducting from Messiah University and a Bachelor's degree in Music Education with Honors from William Paterson University. Kevin Cotter's expertise extends across various musical styles, encompassing marching bands, brass bands, jazz ensembles, and wind bands at all levels. He credits Dr. Julia Baumanis, Dr. Todd Nichols, and Dr. Kraig Alan Williams as pivotal influences, shaping his approach to musicality, rehearsal efficiency, and ensemble leadership.
His conducting and educational philosophy elicits emotional depth from ensembles, prioritizes artistic communication, fosters welcoming environments where musicians feel valued, and maximizes rehearsal time to create productive learning environments for wide skill levels. His vision extends beyond technical proficiency, aiming to build strong community bonds through music.
Mr. Cotter is committed to creating impactful musical experiences, particularly within New Jersey's educational and community music sectors. His ability to connect with audiences and his dedication to artistic growth position him as a significant contributor to the future of wind band music.
David Gallagher - Graduate Teaching Assistant
David Gallagher is a 1st year candidate for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. An alumni of Rutgers, David is thrilled to return to the banks and work alongside such amazing students and faculty. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Mason Gross in 2013 and had the privilege to study with Dr. Paul Cohen and Professor Darrly Bott. He went on to earn his Masters In Music Education from Montclair State University. David is currently the Director of Bands at Morristown High School where he works with the award winning concert bands, marching band, and theatre program. Outside of the classroom David sits on the board of directors for Morristown Tuba Christmas and is the President of the North Jersey Area Band.
Christopher Tkacik - Graduate Teaching Assistant
Mr. Tkacik (he/him) is a DMA student in instrumental conducting, entering his second year with the Marching Scarlet Knights. As a graduate student, he assists with teaching and conducting the MSK, Pep Band, Rutgers Symphony Band, Symphonic Winds, and Concert Bands. He also assists with teaching conducting to undergraduate students. He previously taught in North Carolina for the past 12 years, serving most recently as the director of bands at Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, NC. He holds a masters degree in instrumental conducting from Appalachian State in Boone, NC and a bachelor's degree in Music Education from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. His conducting teachers include John Ross, Jason Gardner, and Melisse Brunet. Mr. Tkacik is a brother of the Zeta Psi chapter of Phi Mu Alpha and an honorary member of the Iota Kappa chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi.
