We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rob Volpe. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rob below.
Rob, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
It is so important for people to know they can make a living in the arts. I’ve been a student of music since a young age. Piano has always been my primary instrument. I went to college for Marketing and after graduation I moved to Florida and began networking in the entertainment industry. I started with a job at Disney which got me on a microphone in front of guests daily.
I slowly got into Dueling Piano world. I worked for major brands like Howl at the Moon and Jellyrolls. These types of jobs offer full time entertainment work. You have to work at your craft. There are jobs like this out there!
I am currently an owner of Orlando Dueling Pianos. We can bring the live music experience to any event now whether it be big or small. Like any career, it’s one step at a time. You have to find ways to grow, be prepared, and then seize opportunities.
When you’re starting out, say yes to everything. Learn how to do it. Find where you need to grow. If it is your passion, it is up to you to make it happen. It’s not like hitting the lottery, it’s a slow process that builds over time.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I got into the industry really with a simple audition at Howl at the Moon. I had prepared 100 songs. Now I can provide live entertainment for any events.
What sets my colleagues and I apart is attention to detail and quality of entertainment. We only work with people who have reached a certain level of musical talent, singing quality, and ability to entertain in a variety of situations.
I’m most proud of the ability to bring joy. I like to think everyone is in a better place because of the entertainment we provide. Music is a magical thing. It has the ability to unite us for brief moments. What’s better than that?
How did you build your audience on social media?
The pandemic changed things. I was furloughed from my job and began to simply “Go Live” on Facebook and Instagram to start. I started playing and people started showing up. It grew into a community.
The best advice I have is to Post!! You have to do it to see results. Don’t just talk about it or think about. We all have stuff to share. If you share yourself, you will find people who appreciate you and are like you. We have a gift to connect like never before with social media.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect is simply being appreciated. Any artist wants to know they’re making a difference. We are servants in that sense. When someone tells me why a certain performance made a difference for them, my heart is full. That’s why I do it. Making someone else feel better makes us feel better. People want to find a secret to happiness……Do something nice for someone else!! It’s fulfilling and addictive.
Contact Info:
- Website: Orlandoduelingpiano.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piano_rob/?hl=en
- Facebook: Facebook.com/PianoRobb
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-volpe-b2561328
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/rob_volpe?lang=en
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/DisNerdyNetwork
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@piano_rob?_t=8Uo0j4xKVzS&_r=1