BIOGRAPHY

   From the beginning of my childhood, there was music. Born in New Jersey, I come from a family where I was quickly introduced to many great genres of music spanning from many great eras. From classical to jazz, doo wop to rock n roll, and more. It was not uncommon to hear Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Dion, and many other classic artists playing in our home. The greatest influence in my early childhood at the time was my Aunt Nettie, who encouraged me to sing and perform in front of my family. She herself had a love for singing, particularly Opera, and so she became my first teacher. It was through her that I also built an interest in Opera and learning to sing. From there I quickly grew the desire to play other musical instruments as well. Starting with Alto Saxophone, where during my elementary and middle school years I had played in both the concert and jazz band under the direction of Tracey Grimaldi. Tracey helped fine tune my playing and assisted with my acceptance into the Performing Arts Academy of Red Bank Regional (NJ) for piano. The piano quickly turned into my favorite instrument to play, and as a result, became the instrument I set out to master.

 

   Ever since I began a serious commitment to piano, and from years of piano studies, I have had the honor of playing in some of the most distinguished and revered concert halls in the world. From Carnegie Hall New York to Ehrbar Hall in Vienna Austria, where some of the greatest musicians of both the past and present had once performed themselves. I have had the privilege of working with many great mentors including local NJ teacher Marina Strakovsky; Head of the Cecilian Music Club in NJ. Followed by Steven Heyman; pupil of the great Adele Marcus (whom had taught at the Juilliard School of Music) and Professor of Piano at Syracuse University with numerous piano competition awards worldwide. During my studies at Syracuse University, from where I received a full scholarship, I also obtained extensive training in music theory, ear training, pedagogy, composition, organ playing, vocal training, and more.

 

   Upon graduating from Syracuse, I returned home to New Jersey where I was soon hired as music director and organist of St. James Episcopal Church in Long Branch NJ.  This position put me in charge of all musical arrangements involving the selection of hymns for our services and the organization of concerts where I perform throughout the year. Beyond that, I am also a local entertainer for numerous restaurants and businesses where I have played in many fine establishments throughout NJ since the age of fifteen. This also extends to private events/parties/weddings as well. Further experience involves time served as a piano salesman for Freehold Music Center and Princeton Pianos in NJ, where I have helped many customers to find the perfect piano for their needs. Amongst all that, another focus and passion of mine has been composition and film scoring where I utilize my private home studio to compose music and film scores with professional level equipment. Composition has always been a part of my life, with my first compositions being written around the age of fourteen. 

 

    All of this goes to show that if you are looking to hire a professional entertainer for your business or private event, searching for someone to write the music for your next film project, or believe I would be a good fit for any other musical endeavor, you should look no further! Please don't hesitate to reach out, I look forward to hear from you and working together to bring your musical needs to fruition!

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-Kacey Grieco