Musician is Eager to Share Knowledge
By Gretchen Schmidhausler: Correspondent for The
Islander
June 2, 2000
Even
before her first music lesson, 4-year old Nicole D’Angelo could play
television theme songs and jingles on her family’s new piano.
When she started her formal training soon after, it became obvious that
her ability was not just a fluke.
“I
had an ear for music at an early age. I
found I had something called ‘perfect pitch,’ a rare, unexplained
phenomenon,” said D’Angelo, 22.
Today,
the resident of East Hanover and Belmar is focused on a career in music.
A senior at William Paterson University, D’Angelo will be graduating
Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Music Education.
Her goal is to teach music to children in kindergarten through fifth
grade.
As
she prepares for a teaching position, D’Angelo keeps herself busy with her
business, Music by Nicole. She
performs regularly at restaurants throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties playing
keyboards, guitar, and harmonica. In
Ocean county, D’Angelo is scheduled to play at Manchester Day, from 5:30 to
6:30p.m. July 1.
D’Angelo
also plays private parties for both adults and children. Her act is a mix of soft rock, jazz, and Broadway tunes.
“I
perform songs from all different eras and decades.
I try to stick with songs that are classics.
If there are children in the audience, I’ll do a few Disney songs.”
“My act is always different. The
music fits the venue. If I’m
playing in a bar or tavern, people are dancing.
If I play at a restaurant, it’s more background music and I do a lot of
ballads,” she said.
D’Angelo
said she tries to play familiar songs and encourages people to sing along.
She also enjoys taking requests. Music
has always played an important part in her life.
Once
in elementary school, D’Angelo began adding to her musical repertoire.
In addition to piano, she learned how to play the harmonica from her
grandfather. She discovered her
singing voice in middle school and realized the combined instrumental and vocal
skills would open many doors.
By
high school, D’Angelo was performing in musicals and assisting the Musical
director at Hanover Park High School in East Hanover.
A highlight of her high school years was being chosen as a member of the
All Eastern Chorus.
“That’s
when things really took off,” she said.
At
17, D’Angelo played her first gig at Stollo’s Italian Ices in Belmar, where
her family has a summer home. She
found the area was filled with businesses looking for fresh entertainment.
Two
years ago, D’Angelo started playing guitar because she felt if would add
versatility to her performance.
Although
her heart is in teaching, D’Angelo also loves performing.
“I
kind of lead a double life,” she said. “The
most important thing my parents have drilled into my head is to get an education
first.”
After
graduation, D’Angelo will continue looking for a fulltime teaching position
and continue her hectic schedule of playing 3-5 times a week.
“I
like the way things are now in my life. I’m
having fun and making people smile.”
A
schedule detailing D’Angelo’s area performances is available by calling
(732) 280-1499. D’Angelo can be
seen at the following locations throughout the summer.
At
Morgan’s Food and Spirits located in the Holiday Inn in Tinton Falls on 700
Hope Road on June 16 and 23.
At
Jack’s Tavern at 703 10th Avenue in Belmar on June 3 and 10, July
1, 22, and 29.
At
Amici’s Family Style Restaurant at 507 Main Street in Belmar on June 11, 18,
and 25, July 2, 19, and 26. At
Pat’s Tavern on 8th Ave. and Main Street in Belmar on June 2, 9,
17, 30, and July 22.
During
the New Jersey Seafood Festival at the Silver Lake Gazebo on 5th and
Ocean Avenue in Belmar on June 10th and 11th.
During
Manchester Day at the Bandstand at Harry Wright Lake Park in Whiting on July 1.
During
“Lunch on the Lawn,” a kids
program, at the Englewood Public Library, 31 Engle St, Englewood, on July 26.
During
the Belmar Concert Series June 28, Avon Concert Series Aug. 1, 15, 22, and 29,
Spring Lake Concert Series Aug. 8 and the Howell Concert Series Aug. 14.
All dates are
subject to change. Please call to
verify show locations and times.
