Baltic Street’s Music Man

Music is in Paul Wachtel’s blood. Paul was playing the theme to the 1976 blockbuster film hit “Rocky” by ear long before he started formal lessons at 5 years old. The journey to becoming the Baltic Street Community Resource and Wellness Center’s music director has been a long one fueled by a love for music that has stretched out his entire life and that he is passionately passing along to his 6-year-old son.

His son is part of the reason he finds himself now facilitating piano, drum, guitar, and harmonica lessons weekly at the Community Center, but more on that in just a moment. The Center focuses on alternative healing for those living with mental health lived experience and focuses on music, art, gardening, and person-
centered recovery workshops.

Paul says: “Music has always been a wellness tool for me.” The 1990’s grunge-filled alternative rock scene fueled his creative passion and drove him to create his own band from 1997 to 2010 called NFG where he was the drummer and lead singer. Paul later attended the Connecticut School for Broadcasting and worked for three different radio stations: New York’s 92.3 K Rock, 92.7 WLIR, and WWF Entertainment.

Paul bonded and fell in love with his wife over their shared musical interests. And after they had their son, Paul found himself falling into a deep depression; he discovered mindfulness meditation and music again led to recovery and finding a home at the Resource and Wellness Center as an NYS Certified Peer Resource Specialist and the Center’s Music Director.

“I can play pretty much any song by ear. I have been blessed with that ability.” The Center’s Program Manager Sean Brennan added, “His early interest in his teens when he bought an electric guitar and drum set to learn how to play them and his continued passion for all instruments has enhanced the Center’s music program immensely. We are so fortunate to have him on our team.”

Paul facilitates weekly groups at the Center, such as Music 101, and Mindful Support, and co-facilitates Photography Club. Paul also has a gift for visual arts and offers the occasional Acrylic Paint Pouring group at the Center. He also thoroughly enjoys giving one-on-one lessons, and participants schedule time with him by appointment for these sessions. The Center also has top-of-the-line recording equipment that participants can schedule a time to record
themselves as well.

When I asked Paul what he would like to see for the Center’s musical future, he said, “We want to find the funding to expand our audio-visual offerings. I would love to have the equipment to offer podcasting lessons, Maybe even create a Baltic Street Mental Health Station where peers can share their lived experiences with other people because our voices matter and deserve to be heard through all media platforms. Also, I would love to be able to offer
Documentary film making to participants as well.

If you would like to make an appointment for music lessons, they are free of charge, as are all of the Center’s services. Please email [email protected] or call 718-788-6100 ext. 103

Photo credit: Sean Brennan