Cliff is a New York State Certified Music Teacher and holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education (Vocal Concentration) from the State University of New York at Buffalo. His graduate studies were completed at Western Connecticut State University where he earned the degree of Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Special Education. Cliff has been an elementary music teacher for over 22 years. He has held positions at The Devereux Foundation School in Red Hook, NY, the Hyde Park Central School District in Hyde Park, NY and the Minisink Valley Central School District in Slate Hill, NY where he is currently the K-2 music teacher at Minisink Valley Elementary School.
Conio is a Board Certified Music Therapist and a NYS Licensed Creative Arts Therapist. He currently serves as the Director of Creative Arts at The Center for Discovery in Harris, NY. Conio received his Bachelors degree in Music Therapy from the State University of New York College at Fredonia and a Masters degree in Special Education from Dominican College. A practicing music therapist for over 23 years, Conio has extensive experience working with children and adults with multiple developmental disabilities, medical frailties and autism. Conio is a frequent presenter to both professional and non-professional audiences on the power of music as therapy, and has served as an adjunct instructor for Marywood University and the State University of New York College at New Paltz.
