It all begins with her idea…

Versatile and celebrated pianist, AnnaMaria Mottola served for twenty years as Lead Pianist for the United States Marine Band (“The President’s Own”) in Washington, D.C. As exclusive pianist for the White House Residence, she had the honor of performing for all living American first families and worldwide heads of state during the presidencies of George W. Bush (who nicknamed her “Alaska”), Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden. She also served in administrative capacities as Piano Section Leader, Chamber Music Coordinator, Supply Requisition Officer and Latin Big Band Director (the first and only Latin music ensemble in the Marine Corps for which she was both the founder and pianist).

AnnaMaria Mottola‘s broad solo repertoire includes iconic works such as Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue (performed more than fifty times with the Marine Band on national tour and civilian ensembles), Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F, Liszt’s Totentanz, Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2, and Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 under the baton of Leonard Slatkin. Her versatility extends to countless performances with smaller ensembles which showcase her proficiency in diverse styles, including classical chamber music, contemporary prepared piano, jazz, rock, gospel, country, Latin, top 40, hip hop, and free improvisation. AnnaMaria also served as Music Director, Choir Coach and Accompanist at Christ Crossman United Methodist Church from 2005 to 2017, and shared her talents as piano teacher of both classical and contemporary styles for students of all ages.

AnnaMaria was privileged to study and receive mentorship in classical piano from Robert Hamilton, James Johnson and Susan Starr. For jazz and contemporary styles, she honed her skills under the mentorship of Chuck Marohnic, Mike Crotty, Evgeny Chemonog, Fred Hersch, Dave Frank and Barney McClure. AnnaMaria has garnered numerous awards, including Second Prize in the Jacob Flier International Competition, Alaska state representative for the MTNA national competition, winner of the school-wide concerto competition at Arizona State University, and the Ravenscroft Jazz and Music Performance full scholarship award at ASU. She is also an alumna of the Banff Center for Creativity under the guidance of the renowned Jens Lindemann (lead trumpet of the Canadian Brass from 1996 to 2001).

Currently, AnnaMaria Mottola serves as Founder and Board Member for the Blue Ridge Center for Music and the Arts which contributes to the management and design of musical programs for students of various age groups. Her commitment to musical excellence, leadership and educational outreach continues to make a lasting impact within the wider musical community. When not performing, AnnaMaria can usually be found volunteering at local animal shelters, fishing in her native Alaska, antiquing in Virginia, or oil painting in her backyard.