REI Staff

James Bernard - Director
James Bernard has literally devoted his entire life to the field of audio education. He has been a pioneer for this type of training for almost 4 decades and personally responsible for the construction of 15 recording studio/schools in 5 different states! The original idea for a school stemmed from his own experiences with engineers looking for work in his first studio in Manhattan. Junior engineers who lacked the appropriate training to do the job. This made him realize that there was an important need for training in the art of audio production. In addition to pioneering the first audio school in the country (1969), he later, in his Florida school, was awarded the distinction of owning the only audio school in the country to be authorized by THX with a certified mix theater! Mr. Bernard forged a new path in training and has earned the respect of all who have met him over the years and continues to look ahead at what is still to come.

Debra Black - Studio Manager
Debbie is the dynamo that runs the front end of REI. The first thing you will appreciate is her attention to every detail regarding your enrollment at REI. She manages all of the paperwork for your loans with our lenders in order to make sure that things run smoothly for you. In addition, she also takes care of all of the scheduling of workshop bands and is actively searching out new talent to add to our roster. A musician at heart gives her the insight into what our students are about, and why they're here. Debbie will make you feel comfortable right from your first contact at our open house.

Bill Sperl - Head Instructor / Head Engineer
Bill Sperl has devoted his entire career of 20 plus years to the art of both audio engineering and audio education. He brings to the classes a command of the material which has been honed through his experiences working with artists from all genres of music, the corporate and broadcast projects. He holds his BA in Music Performance, as well as owning his own production company and record company, Musicality Records Inc.. He is also the audio production teacher for the BOCES of Eastern Suffolk audio production program in Riverhead teaching high school students the great benefits of a career in audio production. He is a resource to both students and graduates alike.

Rick Healy - REA Manager / Workshop Instructor
Rick Healy has been one of our greatest additions to our team . He has taken REA to new heights. Rick personally involves himself with every graduate and makes sure that the he or she has all that is needed to succeed. He brings with him a lifetime of experiences in both the music and business world and coaches the graduates in such aspects as resume' writing, interviewing techniques, networking and more. He also teaches the workshop with the same level of excitement. Rick brings out the best in each of his students and graduates. He is positive, supporting and loves to have students come in for extra experience in the REA studios.

Ray Rivera - Workshop / Midi Instructor
Ray was added to our team of experts because of his intense experience in the music industry. He has worked most of his life as a musician and engineer. An accomplished guitarist/keyboardist, he is exceptional in handling the very technical job of educating our students in the art of MIDI technology. An aspect of music production that is so necessary for a successful career. Ray gives the students the musician's perspective in the workshop program. This enables the students to appreciate the finer particulars of recording in the studio and production environment. He teaches his classes with a dedication to detail. Ray also has his own 24 track plus studio which he produces other musical and commercial projects as well as his own.

Gregg Browne - REA Liaison, Instructor
Gregg has successfully represented the school through his own projects and experiences. He has worked with name acts in the Hip Hop and R n B genre. He is the proud owner of Big Dreamz productions, a multifaceted production team made up of a team of engineers, producers and composers. The team also boasts that one of its members is also employed by one of the big three majors. The great part is that a majority of these team members are graduates of the school. They have gone to work with great artists and facilities on their own, but choose to return to be part of this great production thinktank. Gregg continues to work with these graduates and nurtures up and coming students through his company. Gregg is REA exemplified!. A great engineer and mentor to the rest of his brethren at the studio.

Jason Maass - Workshop Instructor
Jason is one of the newest members of our team and has consistently met the challenges of his position. He is supportive and patient of his students and works as an engineer/producer just like the rest of us. He represents someone the students can look up to and model themselves after. He finished his extensive teacher training with us, as all instructors do, and is carrying on the tradition of the school. Jay also plays out professionally as a musician and comes to us after an 8 year tour of duty with the United States Marine Corp