Meet Alessandra Volpi | Pianist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alessandra Volpi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alessandra, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Music and I grew up like childhood friends and just like any relationship, we had and still have our ups and downs: sometimes we lift each other up, sometimes we are sad, other times we fight and get frustrated but through it all, there is always a story to tell, an emotion to share and a communal and sincere love for each other.
Music is many different things to many different people but it always has a point, it has meaning.
It makes me happy that, through my performances, I can invite people to just feel, whatever that feeling might be.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started playing piano when I was four years old. I still remember my first teacher’s studio in Italy, near a park I used to go play at with my mom. Every time we went, I would hear the sound of beautiful music coming from the office’s window and I’d run over and spend my time watching these lessons take place. One day my mom helped me find the courage to walk through the door of that studio- I was a very shy child- and that’s how it all started for me.
My first piano teacher was an incredibly important figure in my development. He was nurturing and funny and he knew so much about music. He was from Naples, in Southern Italy, so of course he loved food. His office was always stocked with tasty treats, hidden away in a small cupboard by the piano but those were reserved for special occasions, important milestones and especially good lessons. I loved getting those treats!
He taught me so much about music and life but, above all, he made me feel like I mattered, like he was invested in me and believed in me so in return, I wanted to do my best and show him that his work was not in vain.

I was fortunate enough to have excellent teachers in my life and they made all the difference. From them I learned what sacrifice means, that hard work is essential, that I should always strive to better myself and keep going, even when things get tough. I learned that giving up is not an option, that immediate rewards don’t always happen, that patience is key.
From working alongside so many other wonderful musicians, I found comfort in knowing that we all face challenges but that we can rely on one another, lean on one another and try and get to that finish line together.

Music has given me the opportunity to meet many incredible people, visit beautiful places and make lovely friends. I am so grateful for the way it’s shaped my life and me as a person and my wish is that I can continue to give back to those around me and whoever wishes to give me a chance.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I recently had some of my Italian relatives visit Nashville!
First and foremost I had to take them to Nashville Symphony and Nashville Ballet, two organizations I often work for and love dearly. Their concerts and shows are always top notch and such an integral part of the Nashville scene and community. Unfortunately Nashville Opera had just finished their production of Magic Flute or else they’d have been one of our stops as well!
But Nashville has something for everyone so I wanted to give them a taste of all the different types of adventures you can experience here therefore Broadway was a must. They just couldn’t believe all the live music that was taking place and had such a blast walking in and out of all the bars.
We also visited Rudy’s Jazz Room where you can hear live Jazz six night a week!

The weather was beautiful during their visit so we took a hike to Burgess Falls, kayaked around the lake, visited Cheekwood and saw their beautiful tulips and flowers, walked all over downtown Nashville, the beautiful campuses of Belmont and Vanderbilt University and did some shopping at Green Hills.

You can’t take Italian food out of an Italian so of course we stopped at some of our favorite Italian restaurants including Il Forno, Penne Pazze, Luogo and Bella Napoli.
Some other restaurants favorites included Common Ground, Dumpling House and of course 400 degrees for the famous Nashville Hot Chicken!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many people that have helped me (and still help me!) become who I am today. First and foremost my family- my biggest cheerleader, support team and immense source of help. Also, my teachers spread across the world that always had my best interest at heart and were willing to share their time, knowledge and experience with enormous generosity. Finally my friends, old and new, that support and walk alongside me this crazy thing we call life.

Website: https://www.alessandravolpi.com

Instagram: @alevolpita

Facebook: Alessandra Volpi Jenson

Youtube: @alessandravolpi624

Other: Chamber Groups I am part of:

@aliaschamberensemble
@intersection_music

Image Credits
@guenduh
@Angeleaphoto