in 2017 VSA International Competition
for Young Musicians with Disabilities
Featured Soloist: Nicole D’Angelo, Clarinet
“If you make great music, nobody cares what you struggle with, because they only see the good that you contribute,” says clarinetist and PIMF alumna Nicole D’Angelo. The Warren, New Jersey, musician says that as a young person with autism, playing in high school band was the key to her social growth and to unlocking her potential.
It’s paid off. Today the young artist is building a multifaceted career as a soloist, orchestra member and teacher. She says attending PIMF’s College & Young Professionals program, Music House, gave her valuable information and insights about building a music career.
“Being immersed in music and surrounded by extremely high-performing musicians (most of whom were way younger than me!) was inspiring,” Nicole says. “I made some incredible friendships and got to work with Ricardo Morales – one of my orchestra heroes!!”
Nicole graduated from Montclair State University in January 2017 with degrees in music education (piano concentration) and clarinet performance. As a student, Nicole won Montclair State concerto competitions on both piano and clarinet and was a finalist in the 2017 VSA International Competition for Young Musicians with Disabilities. She attended Music House for the first time in 2017, and was a finalist in PIMF’s Concerto Competition.
Nicole keeps up a busy performance schedule that started when she was a member of the New York Youth Symphony. Highlights included performances at Carnegie Hall and on the Jimmy Kimmel show (“We talked about bass clarinets, of course!”). She says some of her favorite gigs are in the orchestra pit, where she has supported dozens of shows including Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Producers, Spring Awakening, and Mary Poppins.
As a private-lesson teacher in piano, adaptive piano for special needs, woodwinds, cello, trumpet, and general music, Nicole gets to witness the power of music to break boundaries every day. “Music brings people together, regardless of differences in ability, race, or class,” she says. “I watch students overcome challenges every day and make music alongside them!”
Be sure to see Nicole’s next performance in Philadelphia on Friday, November 17th!
Triad Concert Series Info
Friday, Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m.
Wesley Enhanced Living Pennypack Park
8401 Roosevelt Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19152
