Joey DeSanctis
A Passion for Music
Even as a child, his mother can attest, he used to beat perfectly to the rhythm of songs. By the age of three, Joey had learned to play the piano and drums. His first public performance was at age eight. Realizing his passion for performance, Joey quickly became an active music minister at his church; playing piano, drums, guitar, and bass.
Following in his father's footsteps, Joey started composing his own original music at a young age. Joey's talent was notable from the start, but under the tutelage of Scott Treibitz, he was influenced by more popular songwriters and commercial artists and the influence of pop, rock and especially jazz seeped into his works. Joey's particular interest in guitar infused commercial music propelled him to study under Al Orlo, continuing his appreciation of theory and great instrumental artists.
In his teenage years, Joey's interest in composition lead him to begin working with other artists to develop music for performance and recording. His understanding of music theory and instrumental timbre became evident in his ability to produce quality demos even on the most rudimentary recording tools. He moved quickly through professional recording platforms and is equally proficient in both Logic Pro and Pro Tools. Joey has played drums with Croatian recording artist, Nenad Bach [www.nenadbachband.com] and has performed with singer/songwriters, Erin Rabitcheff [www.pixiegrowsup.com], Julia Battistin [www.juliabmusic.com], Kelsey Baron [http://www.reverbnation.com/kelseybaronandjoeydesanctis], Marc DeSanctis, Nicholas DeSanctis, Gabby Zubracht, Brianna Caruso & Christine Turturro. Joey still enjoys writing and co-writing with other songwriter/singers today, while accompanying, recording, engineering, and arranging their projects.
During his college years, Joey has continued to develop his musical talents by accompanying other musicians for school performances, performing as the principal pianist for the Manhattan College Jazz Band and Jazz Small Ensemble, and well as regularly accompanying and arranging for the Manhattan College Music Ministry and Manhattan College Singers while completing a degree in Civil Engineering.
Joey is currently studying classical composition and piano at SUNY Purchase. In his free time, Joey enjoys honing his piano skills and composing original songs. He released an EP in 2015 and an album in 2024 both consisting entirely of original works. He was commissioned by the Purchase Symphony Orchestra to compose a symphony for its "World Premier" in May of 2023. Joey was also selected as a New Music Workshop fellow for the 2023 season of the Norfolk Music Festival, Yale Summer School of Music.
