Angelo Versace – Piano Instructor

Angelo Versace is an experienced pianist who plays professionally in jazz, gospel, funk, and R&B groups. Throughout his career, Angelo has had the opportunity to work with such artists as Sean Jones, Jon Faddis, Slide Hampton, Chris Vadala, Wynton Marsalis, Roger Humphries, Sammy Figueroa, Wycliffe Gordon, Dave Koz, Tim Ries, Ignacio Berroa, Jeremy Pelt, Dave Douglas, and Chris Potter.  In 2003, Angelo played at the New Orleans Jazz Festival at the Invitation of Ellis Marsalis.  Later that same year, Angelo was chosen to play in the North Sea Jazz Festival with his jazz trio, PAJ 3.  In 2004, Angelo attended William Paterson University where he graduated “Summa cum Laude” in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Performance.  In 2005, Angelo became a member of the Dwayne Dolphin Piccolo Bass Band and recorded two albums, Ming and Pretty Girl, with the group.  The band is currently working on its third CD, Essence of an Angel. In 2007, Angelo recorded the classical album Saxophone Voices from Five Countries with alto saxophonist Keith Young.  In 2008, he recorded the album Hahn Hymns with platinum-selling jazz guitarist, Jerry Hahn.  In the 2008-2009 academic year, Angelo held an adjunct teaching position within the University of Miami Frost School of Music where, in 2010, he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Jazz Pedagogy and was selected as pianist for the Mancini Institute Orchestra, under the direction of Terence Blanchard.  Angelo currently holds the Jazz Piano Teaching Assistantship at the University of Miami, where he pursues his Doctoral degree in Jazz Performance.