Today we’d like to introduce you to Luna.
Hi Luna, 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?
Being born in Rome, Italy, my musical journey began as early as I can remember. Surrounded by melody and rhythm from the start, music quickly became a natural part of my life. After moving to the United States, my passion for the arts only continued to grow during elementary school. Always eager to explore different forms of creativity, I tried participated in every artistic opportunity I could find.
At an early age, I began studying piano in Rome with Professor Teodora Ristic, who introduced me to the expressive possibilities of the instrument and inspired me to pursue music more seriously. The dedication she instilled in me earned me my First Prize in the National Competition Città di Viterbo “Giovani Musicisti” in 2014 at the age of eight, marking an early milestone in my musical path.
After moving to the United States, I continued to immerse myself in music. I attended the Magnet program at South Miami Middle Community School Center for the Arts followed by New World School of the Arts High School where I studied percussion simultaneously along with maintaining my long standing devotion to the piano. Playing both instruments became a meaningful extension of my musical growth, allowing me to experience music through a different lens.
In Miami, I continued my piano studies with Dr. Elena Fomicheva and Dr. Luca Cubisino. Under Dr. Cubisino, I joined the Frost Advanced Piano Program, part of the Frost Preparatory Program at the University of Miami in 2019, and graduated from it in 2024 before continuing as an undergraduate student at the Frost School of Music.
During these years, performing in solo and ensemble settings, participating in masterclasses, and competing in numerous events helped me develop as both a performer and collaborator.
As my journey from Rome to Miami continues, I strive for my music to reflect both cultures I was surrounded in: a blend of warmth, curiosity, and dedication shaping my approach to every note I play.
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?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, but each challenge has played an important role in shaping who I am today. Moving to the U.S. at the age of seven, one of the primary challenges I faced was navigating through the country’s new cultural landscapes. The shift to a dynamic city like Miami, with its vast cultures, traditions, and languages, presented both exciting opportunities as well as hardships. Adapting to a different way of life, understanding various customs, and learning to communicate effectively in a multicultural environment required a steep learning curve. However, this journey has also supplied me with a heightened cultural awareness, an ability to bridge gaps between different communities, and a deep appreciation for diversity.
What made the process easier was music; it became the international language that connected me to others even when words sometimes fell short. Whether in Italy or in the U.S., music provided a sense of belonging and a shared form of expression. Through it, I found a community that bridged borders and differences, helping me feel at home wherever I was.
This experience not only strengthened my appreciation for diversity but also taught me how to connect between different communities. In many ways, it has been the foundation of both my personal growth and my musical voice.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Studying at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami has been an immense opportunity to explore new dimensions of performance. I’ve developed a genuine love for connecting with audiences in both solo and collaborative settings, and have participated in many competitions throughout my journey, including: First Prize – MMTF Merit Scholarship (2023), First Prize – Greater Miami Youth Symphony Concerto Competition (2023), Second Place – FSMTA District Concerto Competition (2023), Third Prize (Category D) – Frost Young Artists International Piano Competition (2020), Third Prize – International Young Artist Concerto Competition (2023), Third Prize – New World Symphony Concerto Competition (2023), as well as earning superior ratings in National Federation of Music Clubs events.
I have had the pleasure of performing at various venues and festivals across Miami, including events for the Chopin Foundation of the United States (2019, 2022) and the Keys on the Key Piano Festival in Key Biscayne. Some of my most memorable collaborative experiences have been performing at the Grand Art Tour Concert with Dr. Elena Fomicheva and with the Sobe Arts Youth Ensemble Mixed Quartet under Robert Chumbley.
Beyond piano, my dedication to percussion has allowed me to only expand my musical expression by allowing me to participate in events like the Florida Bandmasters Association events, earning superior ratings in both piano and percussion, and performing at the Superintendent’s Honor Music Festival for Concert Band Percussion and Jazz Drum Kit. In 2021, I joined the Orchestra Miami for A Holiday Pops Extravaganza! and, in the summer of 2023, attended the Palmetto International Piano Festival at Erskine College, where I was able to work on my performance skills and also connect with other young musicians. Having just graduated high school, I participated in the University of Florida International Piano Festival in 2024, placing in the Adult Category of the Final Competition.
Throughout my studies, I have had the honor of working with a range of distinguished teachers and performers, including Anastasiya Naplekova, Roberta Rust, Amy E. Gustafson, Joonghun Cho, Jose Ramon Mendez, Evan Mitchell, Marion Scott, Ciro Fodere, Naoko Takao, Ana Ivanchenko, Tian Ying, and Victor Rosenbaum.
In everything I do, I try to do it with the best balance of dedication, curiosity, and artistry. I always value an open minded approach to music: embracing both by classical roots and multicultural background to create performances that are authentic, thoughtful, and deeply expressive.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Miami is its vibrant energy and the incredible variety of cultures that come together here. The city truly never sleeps, there’s always something happening, day or night, and I find that sense of constant life really inspiring. The people are dynamic, creative, and open, and that makes the city feel alive in a way I haven’t experienced anywhere else.
At the same time, there are a few things I sometimes miss. Miami can feel very dense and noisy, and I occasionally long for more calm, rural settings where it’s easier to slow down and reflect. The heat and humidity are also intense, and I wish the city experienced more distinct seasons so that I could enjoy cooler weather and the changing landscapes throughout the year.
Even with these challenges, Miami’s energy, diversity, and cultural richness make it a place that continues to inspire me every day.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @lunazannamusic
