Junior Performance - Piano:  Alternate

Just three years after Anthony Coniglio started playing the piano and reading music, he entered his first competition, and placed “Alternate” (equivalent to 2^nd place) at Florida’s 2009-2010 Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Junior Performance State Piano Competition on October 24, 2009 in Tampa, Florida at the age of 12. He currently studies piano at Lynn University Conservatory of Music Preparatory School in Boca Raton, Florida, under Dr. Roberta Rust, along with Preparatory School Student Teacher, Ms. Molin Wang. He began his studies at the conservatory a year ago with Spanish pianist, José Menor, and is currently studying music theory and composition with Dr. Tom McKinley. 

At age 9, Anthony was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and 5 months later, he turned to playing the piano, which helped him heroically work through the dramatic changes he had to make. This experience has contributed tremendously to his passion in playing the piano.  Anthony is not only a piano virtuoso; he excels in all areas of his academic studies. He is a 7^th grade student at St. Mark Catholic School in Southwest Ranches, Florida, where he is at the top of his class, and is also currently enrolled in Archbishop McCarthy High School’s Smart Start Math Program and in Duke University’s Talent Identification Program. He received the 2008 Pinnacle Award by the Broward County Non-Public School Association, unprecedentedly as a 5^th grader from St. Mark. He was voted President by his 5^th Grade Class, has earned many Boy Scouting awards and emblems, and has a strong faith that drives him to selflessly serve others. His watercolor painting, “Everglades Reflections,” received 1^st Prize in Broward County for the 2008 Everglades Eyes Children’s Art Competition and his other artwork has been featured annually at the Archbishop McCarthy High School’s Fine Arts Extravaganza. His 6^th Grade Science Project on health & fitness won 3^rd Prize, which afforded him the opportunity to participate in the Broward County Science Fair. 

Following his debut two years ago as piano accompanist for the St. Mark Catholic School Choir, the group performed for Disney’s Magic Music Days in the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida. Anthony recently initiated a volunteer program, “Music for Smiles,” where he and other local musicians are scheduled to perform at charitable events and assisted living centers throughout South Florida.

A selection of Anthony’s piano performances can be viewed at ‘grandpiano9’ on YouTube.  For more information, or to inquire about scheduling Anthony for an event, contact Gail Coniglio at grandpiano9@bellsouth.net or (954) 723-0336.