Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Stein.
Hi Carol, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Florida – where I began my classical piano studies at the age of four. I learned very early the impact music can have on people. Being blessed to share my passion for music with others is something I never take for granted – I realize how fortunate I am to have had the opportunities to do what I love, travel around the world and touch people.
I grew up here in central Florida and attended South Seminole Junior High, Lyman High, Palm Beach Community College, and University of Florida.
After graduating with my Masters at UF, I moved to Switzerland.
I enjoy composing as well as spontaneous arranging of pieces during a live performance. I may take a child’s melody and turn it “inside-out” in the style of Mozart, and then into a bossa nova, and end up with a Duke Ellington swing.
I spent many years traveling and living abroad in Europe and Asia, with home base in Switzerland and Hong Kong.I returned to the USA to perform at Walt Disney World, where I have been performing in various shows on Disney property since 1990. I was the house musician with the incredibly talented Improv troupe at the Comedy Warehouse at Pleasure Island for many years until it closed in 2008.
I then became “The Hat Lady, pianist, singer and entertainer, musician at the world famous Rose and Crown Pub at the United Kingdom Pavilion in EPCOT. I was then known as the resident EPCOT Pianist at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida until 2022. I now continue to perform in various venues for the Disney Entertainment Company.
Performing with orchestras in an absolute joy! I was the guest solo artist with the Space Coast Pops Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Richard Hayman performing my own compositions and orchestral arrangements. I was also the pianist with the Jacksonville Symphony performing for a special Marvin Hamlisch Tribute concert.
The Carol Stein & Friends Jazz Band with Eddie Marshall, Charlie Silva, and Barry Smith have performed together over 30 years. All of these musicians all perform on my Jazz Lady CD.
Although I love performing solo Cabarets and concerts, I really enjoy creating musical experiences together on stage with other artists.
I love sharing my passion of music and enjoy entertaining and volunteering for many charitable organizations such as The Jewish Pavilion, Hadassah, Jewish Family Services, Give Kids the World, The Steinway Society and many others. The best part about being a musicians is when someone lets you know you have brought joy into their life with music.
When not practicing and performing, my favorite way to spend time is traveling all over the world with her amazing husband, Lee Wolfson of Lee’s Ice! We also love discovering the beautiful USA with our RV together!
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?
I have been incredibly fortunate to travel and perform all over the world. Certain venues certainly had their challenges, but the experience was always filled with the excitement of learning new cultures, languages and meeting people from around the globe!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am most known for my energy and passion when performing. The piano is my tool for expressing my joy of life, or the intimate emotions we all go thru in life. One of my specialities is my ability to play various styles of music and blend them together – such as classical and jazz. I also freestyle with lyrics and create songs on the spot for people making each performance a unique and one of a kind experience.
I am most appreciative that I have been able to share my talents to help others by performing for events that raise money to help those in need! The Steinway Society, for example. Our mission is to stimulate and nourish the musical knowledge and artistic talents of disadvantaged youth by providing pianos and piano lessons! I am lifetime Board Member and produced and performed in concerts to raise money for this fabulous organization!
Any big plans?
My future plans are to continue to grow as a musician, composer and entertainer and travel around the world bringing my love of music! I have concerts lined up performing right here in Orlando at Judson’s Live and various venues at Walt Disney World, as well as intimate theaters for cabarets.
However, I always want to be sure my schedule is mostly filled with being with my husband, traveling and enjoying life together.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carolstein.com
- Instagram: CSJazzlady
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carol.stein
- Twitter: cspianolady
