Rising Stars: Meet Rob Volpe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Volpe.

Hi Rob, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I took piano lessons from a young age because my grandmother was a teacher! I grew up in New York and always played music. I ended up graduating St. John’s University with a marketing degree when I decided to do a Disney College Program.

Needless to say, I never went back to NY. I love Disney and everything about the weather here. I started in the Dueling Piano world at Howl at the Moon. I eventually moved around to different venues including a few at Walt Disney World.

I am now co-owner of Orlando Dueling Pianos. We play any type of event you can imagine from bars and restaurants to weddings and corporate functions!

Music is my life and I adore it. There is nothing more beautiful than bringing people together this way!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There’s never a smooth road. It takes passion and hard work. There was a lot of practice to get up to speed and a lot of being told, “you’re not good enough.”

I’ve had bars close in a moments notice and had to find more work. Luckily, I have a good reputation in this business and I will always be reliable. Show up on time and work hard. Someone will always want to employ you.

Baby Grands was a bar on church street I worked at. It closed when I had a new baby. That was scary but it always manages to work out.

The pandemic brought new challenges but it was amazing to connect with people more personally virtually!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Piano Man! I take requests of all times and perform them. That’s the easiest way to put it. I’ve mostly been known for performing at Disney. Disney people love Disney things!!

I like to think it’s my attention to people that set me apart. I care about people. I want them to enjoy themselves. I want to be the break from their lives that is pure enjoyment. If I can create that experience, I’ve succeeded.

I’m proud of my ability to not settle and keep moving forward. I’ve played Half Time at the Amway Center. I’ve done all types of charity events, some with some fun celebrities. Those are always so rewarding. To be able to do what I love to help others, what can be better than that?

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I never had any formal singing lessons of any kind in my life!

Contact Info:

• Email: Rob.j.volpe@gmail.com
• Website: Orlandoduelingpiano.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piano_rob/
• Facebook: Facebook.com/PianoRobb