My name is Shawn Berman and I started working at Usdan the summer of 2023! I am a musician and teacher, specializing in teaching string instruments. I went to the Crane School of Music for my undergrad in music education and performance. When I am not at Usdan, I am teaching both privately and at public schools. I gig in the NYC metropolitan area on both upright and electric bass, playing all kinds of music. I also adjudicate at various music festivals on Long Island. One fun fact about me is that I enjoy baking and cooking during my spare time!

Nicole Davidson went to Usdan as a student and is excited to be back this summer as Co-Chair of the Music Department and conductor for the Junior Band! Her primary instrument is flute, but she loves the sound of all instruments coming together in the band. During the year, Nicole is an elementary band teacher and can be seen presenting workshops to newer teachers through NAfME, NYSSMA, and NYSCAME. She is a four-time quarterfinalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award.