Artist Statement
Rocco Dapice is a pianist, teacher, writer, Yamaha Performing Artist, and graduate of the Manhattan School of Music (M.M., Jazz Arts). He is on the faculty of the Manhattan School’s summer program (MSM Summer) and New Visions School for Advanced Math & Science; is a teaching artist for MSM’s Distance Learning center; and teaches privately. Rocco has performed in over 390 cities, communicating in word and song in 45 of the 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
After relaunching into the wide world of jazz, Rocco studied privately with GRAMMY-winning pianist and composer Taylor Eigsti, with vibraphonist and percussionist Mark Sherman, at The Juilliard School for six semesters with pianists Reuben Allen and Dave Meder, and at the Manhattan School with jazz master, Phil Markowitz.
In recent years Rocco has recorded numerous keyboard backing tracks for vocalists; coached or performed with local big bands and worship teams; served as music director at People’s Church; performed multiple “Charlie Brown Christmas” soundtrack shows; played keyboards in a Billy Joel tribute band; and played featured background roles in a few blockbuster movies.
While a student at the Crane School of Music, Disney Entertainment selected Rocco to spend the summer performing daily in front of the iconic castle with the All-American College Show Band. The eight-piece ensemble also worked weekly with guest musicians Bob Mintzer, Jim Snidero, Matt Harris, Jiggs Whigham, and Allen Vizzutti, among others.
Upon graduation Rocco was accepted to the Eastman School of Music graduate program for jazz studies; instead, he earned a master’s degree in theology from a Midwestern seminary. Then for a decade Rocco taught music and theology on the college level, built and directed a church orchestra of over 40 members, and taught private piano and sax students of all ages.
Rocco has been interviewed for The New York Times, US News & World Report, WPIX-TV, The Journal News (Gannett), The Daily Greenburgh, and “The Greenburgh Report” radio show (WVOX). His writing has been published by Westchester Magazine, Christianity Today's Leadership Journal, Outreach Magazine, and other periodicals. Rocco is a member of ASCAP, the Jazz Education Network (JEN), the National Assn. of Record Industry Professionals, and the American Family Therapy Academy.
Educational Background
- Manhattan School of Music, M.M., Jazz Arts, piano
- The Juilliard School, Jazz Studies, piano (extension)
- Crane School of Music, B.M., Piano Performance (SUNY Potsdam, NY)
Rocco Dapice is a pianist, teacher, writer, Yamaha Performing Artist, and graduate of the Manhattan School of Music (M.M., Jazz Arts). He is on the faculty of the Manhattan School’s summer program (MSM Summer) and New Visions School for Advanced Math & Science; is a teaching artist for MSM’s Distance Learning center; and teaches privately. Rocco has performed in over 390 cities, communicating in word and song in 45 of the 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
After relaunching into the wide world of jazz, Rocco studied privately with GRAMMY-winning pianist and composer Taylor Eigsti, with vibraphonist and percussionist Mark Sherman, at The Juilliard School for six semesters with pianists Reuben Allen and Dave Meder, and at the Manhattan School with jazz master, Phil Markowitz.
In recent years Rocco has recorded numerous keyboard backing tracks for vocalists; coached or performed with local big bands and worship teams; served as music director at People’s Church; performed multiple “Charlie Brown Christmas” soundtrack shows; played keyboards in a Billy Joel tribute band; and played featured background roles in a few blockbuster movies.
While a student at the Crane School of Music, Disney Entertainment selected Rocco to spend the summer performing daily in front of the iconic castle with the All-American College Show Band. The eight-piece ensemble also worked weekly with guest musicians Bob Mintzer, Jim Snidero, Matt Harris, Jiggs Whigham, and Allen Vizzutti, among others.
Upon graduation Rocco was accepted to the Eastman School of Music graduate program for jazz studies; instead, he earned a master’s degree in theology from a Midwestern seminary. Then for a decade Rocco taught music and theology on the college level, built and directed a church orchestra of over 40 members, and taught private piano and sax students of all ages.
Rocco has been interviewed for The New York Times, US News & World Report, WPIX-TV, The Journal News (Gannett), The Daily Greenburgh, and “The Greenburgh Report” radio show (WVOX). His writing has been published by Westchester Magazine, Christianity Today's Leadership Journal, Outreach Magazine, and other periodicals. Rocco is a member of ASCAP, the Jazz Education Network (JEN), the National Assn. of Record Industry Professionals, and the American Family Therapy Academy.
- Manhattan School of Music, M.M., Jazz Arts, piano
- The Juilliard School, Jazz Studies, piano (extension)
- Crane School of Music, B.M., Piano Performance (SUNY Potsdam, NY)