A LITTLE MORE ABOUT ME

Music is my love and I have been teaching people how to creatively express themselves through music and artistic expression for over 30 years. I understand that each person learns differently, and I customize my lessons to each student's unique abilities. It is an honor to mentor my students to answers that are authentically their own. My teaching model is based upon fun and positive reinforcement. My studio provides a casual and relaxed environment designed to inspire growth and confidence. 
 

Tuesday through Saturday you can find me playing the piano at Santioni's Italian restaurant in Flemming Island from 6PM-9PM. The food is simply divine and the service is impeccable! Come join us sometime! Reservations recommended. 

Sunday you can find me playing at Unity Church in Jacksonville, FL. I play there three Sundays of the month. 
 

I was born into a musical Italian New York family on July 15, 1947. I was raised in a suburban Long Island community. I attended Catholic University in Washington D.C. from 1965 until 1967 as a Speech and Drama student. I finished my first Bachelor’s degree in Music Education at Adelphi University, on Long Island in January of 1970.

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I raised three children with my husband in Jacksonville, Florida. 

In the 70’s and 80’s, I was the featured entertainer for venues such as: Amelia Island Plantation, Boca Raton Resort & Club, Sheraton St. John Hotel, Robert Myer Hotel/Holiday Inn, Adams Mark, Jacksonville Airport, and Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa.

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I received a BA in Music Education from Adelphi University in Long Island, NY, and I received a BA in Fine Arts with a focus on Sculpture from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL. 

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I was an "Artist in Residence" for the Florida State Department of Cultural affairs for a full three-year tenure. I won this prestigious position with my Dragon Workshop where I conducted week-long workshops in schools in the North Florida area with a combined musical and clay building experience. In the 1990s, I began my master's in Advanced Curriculum Studies while teaching in the Duval County School System as a fully certificated Art and Music teacher.

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In 1999, I opened my Art and Music Studio. I believe that education in the arts is the catalyst for more compassionate human beings, who possess a greater capacity for achievement in all subject areas through right-brained creative thinking.

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In addition to many weddings and private events, in 2017 and 2018,  I had the honor of playing the grand and baby grand pianos at the historic Friday Musical for their annual fundraiser. Their pianos are spectacular to play!

It is important to me to give back to my community. One of the ways I do this is through John Guinta's non-profit organization Streams of Sound that provides music therapy to people of all ages. I traditionally play the kalimba and John plays the handspan. The music is relaxing and healing and we perform it at various area hospitals, homes, and long-term care facilities throughout North Florida.