Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Volpe
Hi Rob, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Piano has always been a part of my life. I never thought I would do it professionally. I moved to Orlando in 2005 and began working for Disney. I soon found I had a knack for piano bars playing and started at Howl at the Moon.
As I grew as a musician, I found there were many opportunities in this town. In one of the few players who worked at all 3 full time piano bars from Howl at the moon, to Jellyrolls, and now Pat O’Brien’s.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Is the road ever smooth? There are always things to deal with, lessons to be learned, and all the things you could never predict. The pandemic is a great example. I worked full time at Disney when it happened. Luckily, I had a great fanbase and was able to entertain many through song requests online.
This was never something I could have imagined but I adapted well. It led to more opportunity down the line.
I also worked at a piano bar called Babygrands in downtown Orlando. It only lasted 14 months and I was out of a job and I had a newborn at home. My skills and networking kept me from being unemployed for long but it was another life lesson about the unpredictable.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At my core I am a Piano Man. I love singing and playing songs. After 2 decades of this kind of work, my repertoire is extensive and is the basis. I record music, I do shows, I play weddings and corporate events.
The beauty is I can use my skills in so many different forms which is important to me to feel fulfilled. This is probably what I’m most proud of. I’ve gotten to play in and around all the theme parks.
I think what sets me apart is that I won’t stop. I have to keep moving forward to see what I can create. I will always push the limits.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson is you have to be careful who you trust and ultimately have to have faith in yourself. People will take advantage or tell you all the reasons you can’t do something. If you are passionate for something, you have to go for it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piano_rob
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/pianorobb
- Twitter: https://Twitter.com/Rob_Volpe
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/piano_rob
