|
Donna Greco, a native of Pittsburgh, is known and respected as
an accomplished pianist-teacher-composer. Recognized in the
classical, jazz and contemporary instrumental genres; her
musical career spans 35 years.
Donna began teaching private piano lessons professionally, at
the age of sixteen.
An award winning pianist at the age of seventeen, Donna was
featured as guest soloist with The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
in performances of the Saint-Saens Piano Concerto No. 2 in g
minor.
Donna attended Carnegie-Mellon University during high school
completing courses in advanced music theory and solfeggio. She
was awarded a scholarship for piano performance at the Duquesne
University School of Music conservatory program, where she
studied extensively with Louis Pollak, esteemed student of
Rosina Lhevinne. Following, she earned a scholarship from
University of Pittsburgh for graduate studies in Jazz Piano
Performance and Ethnomusicology. She left academia to pursue a
more artistically intensive life path, seeking instruction from
recognized performing artists who inspired her; most notably,
the legendary Eunice Norton, esteemed student of Artur Schnabel,
one of the 20TH Century’s greatest pianists. Donna spent seven
years studying privately with Eunice, and was a participant in
the Eunice Norton Master Classes.
Other teachers of note include Robert Cardillo, her piano
teacher of fourteen years from childhood, who devotedly inspired
her to become an accomplished and diverse musician; Johnny
Costa, the pianist, arranger and musical director for Mr.
Roger’s Neighborhood, and Carl Arter, a Pittsburgh jazz legend.
Donna served as the private piano instructor for The Pittsburgh
Creative and Performing Arts High School for 5 years. She has
also been on the faculties of The Waldorf School of Pittsburgh,
Winchester Thurston Academy, The Falk School, Saint Bernadette
Elementary School, The Jewish Community Center, Arts in the
Parks, The Ursaline Center, and Chatham University’s summer arts
programs.
She performed on the Pittsburgh jazz circuit for seventeen years
in numerous jazz venues, as a soloist and in various ensembles,
with many of Pittsburgh’s finest musicians. She was privileged
to perform a run with Al Hibbler, during his Pittsburgh tour in
1984. Hibbler was best known for his million-selling recording
of “UNCHAINED MELODY” and as the featured singer with Duke
Ellington’s orchestra.
During the International Piano 300 Celebration in 2001, Donna
was invited to perform on the stage of The Carnegie Science
Center as the represented contemporary solo pianist in an entire
program of original compositions.
She has created music for local playwrights with City Theater
and Gateway to Music. She has also performed and directed
musical theater with The Pittsburgh Playhouse Conservatory.
As a professional accompanist, Donna is sought for her sensitive
coaching and interpretive abilities with instrumentalists and
singers.
Donna performs for private parties and special events hosted by
theaters and galleries.
A certified Music for Healing and Transition Practitioner,
Donna’s Intuitive Music Practice is designed to create
personalized musical settings for the facilitation of healing
and mediation. She also receives commissions for specialized
musical recordings produced and designed for personal and sacred
intentions. She works in the hospice environment musically
assisting those who are in the final stages of earthly life.
Donna holds a B.A. in English Literature and Creative Writing
from Westminster College. She is also a published writer. |
