Lee D. Stockner is the creator of a user-friendly musical language that opens new pathways to piano education for learners of all abilities. As President of Adaptive Learning for the World Piano Teachers Association and author of the Occupational Octaves Piano™ curriculum—a 300+ page classical piano method written in his adaptive notation—Stockner’s innovations are used by piano teachers, music therapists, occupational and recreation therapists, special educators, and related professionals worldwide.
After working with hundreds of autistic students in his private practice and training dozens of professionals, Stockner authored Classical Piano as a Pathway to Flow States for Learners with Disabilities (Traditional Medicine Research, April 2020). His paper outlines a replicable system for using classical repertoire—from Mozart and Bach to Beethoven—to access “flow states,” or moments of focused immersion (“in the zone”) associated with clinical, cognitive, and emotional benefits. When guided correctly, these moments can support mental health, reduce heart rate variability, and stimulate dopamine release, among other positive physiological responses.
Dedicated to expanding piano-playing opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities and disabilities, Stockner has built the world of Occupational Octaves™ from the ground up—creating the method, translating repertoire into adaptive notation, authoring and publishing the books, designing strategies for therapists to meet clinical goals at the piano, conducting and publishing research, and inspiring numerous media features and documentaries. His teaching balances empathy and high expectations: empathy for each student’s learning style and challenges, and “tough love” to encourage potential beyond perceived limits.
Above all, Stockner is driven by the belief that time invested in his products and programs should lead to meaningful and transformative results—musically, clinically, and personally.
Website & Social Media: https://linktr.ee/occoctavespiano
EJ O’Connor, piano
EJ is thrilled to make his concert debut at Carnegie Hall. He has been playing piano for three years and has progressed quickly, fueled by the joy he finds in music. In addition to piano, EJ enjoys running, gymnastics, going to the beach, and traveling. His family is incredibly proud of all his hard work.
Brendan Yu, piano
Brendan has been an avid piano player since joining Occupational Octaves Piano at the age of five. He also plays drums and participates in adaptive tennis, skiing, and soccer programs. Currently an eighth-grade student at North Middle School in Great Neck, Long Island, Brendan loves traveling and exploring the world—especially through Google Maps.
Jason Wasserman, piano
Jason Wasserman has been studying piano with Lee Stockner through the Occupational Octaves School of Music since 2015, beginning at age six. A natural music-lover, he also sings in his middle school chorus, plays guitar at home, and has performed in school musicals including The Addams Family and Aladdin. Jason is thrilled for the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall, and his family is incredibly proud of his musical growth, dedication, and enthusiasm.
Beyond music, Jason enjoys participating in his synagogue’s daily services and playing basketball. He is fourteen years old and an eighth-grade student at Roslyn Middle School.
Shane Patel, piano
Shane’s love for music began six years ago when he discovered Occupational Octaves™ and started playing piano. Since then, he has looked forward to every lesson, and his passion for music has expanded to include playing the clarinet and auditioning for his middle school jazz band.
Outside of music, Shane enjoys traveling, skiing, playing hockey, and cheering on the Mets and Islanders.
Ari Amir
Music occupies a major part of Ari’s life. His passion began as a toddler playing drums, which led him to become the percussionist for the band Mayhem Long Island. Five years ago, his musical journey expanded to piano lessons with Lee Stockner (Occupational Octaves). Ari also performed with F.R.E.E.’s Drumline and now plays with the Calhoun Music and Drum Academy Drumline. Most recently, he began learning electric guitar.
Ari’s musical taste spans Pop, Rock and Roll, Oldies, Reggae, and international artists. Beyond music, he enjoys TV shows, movies, traveling, and attending concerts and Broadway shows. Ari is proud to be performing at Carnegie Hall.