He received his BA in Music from New York University, where he studied with David Chaitkin, Edward Murray, and Brian Feneley. His post graduate studies were at Mannes College, where he studied with Carl Schachter, Robert Cuckson, L. Poundie Burstein, and David Loeb. His early professional training was in classical guitar, and he is currently studying the viola da gamba. Stanley is the Chair of the Techniques of Music department in the Extension Division at Mannes College, where he has taught for over 40 years. His expertise in music theory and ear training is much sought after.