Jodi DiPiazza is a bright and up and coming star in our community! Jodi who was diagnosed with autism at 2 is a musician whose main studies are in voice, piano and composition. She also studies music theory, guitar, clarinet and ukulele. Jodi is also an autism advocate and motivational speaker. You can learn more about Jodi and having her at your next event here.
We recently got to chat with Jodi about everything that she’s been up too.
Kerry: Hi Jodi! Can you tell our readers when you first found a passion for music?
Jodi: I have liked music for as long as I can remember. My parents said I was singing before I could speak. I taught myself to play piano when I was 4 by studying a light up keyboard.
How were you first able to collaborate with a Night of Too Many Stars?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX-xToQI34I
The producers of Night of too Many Stars asked me to record a video of me playing the song “Firework” by Katy Perry. They sent it to her and she agreed to perform with me. We met at the Beacon Theatre and had a great time together.
Why is being an autism advocate important to you?
I was able to receive an excellent education and not all people with autism are so lucky. So I hope if we all bring a lot of attention and awareness then everyone might be able to get the proper education they deserve.
Can you share with us some of your favorite events you’ve been able to be a part of since becoming an autism advocate?
Well since the first Night of too Many Stars in October 2012 I have performed at over 80 charitable events, mostly to help children’s organizations. That is more than 2 every month. They have all been great but some of favorites were the Night of too Many Stars with Katy Perry and then with Weird Al. I sang the National Anthem at the NNJ Autism Speaks Walk at Met Life Stadium and I sang the National Anthem at the Red Bulls Stadium too on autism awareness day. I performed at the Cutting Room in NYC. I played a show in Newtown CT for an organization called F.U.N. I closed the National Autism Conference at Penn State and performed at an autism awareness assembly at The Woodbine School in Avenel, NJ all of the audience sang along, it was great!
What advice would you share with other teens on the autism spectrum?
I would say don’t think autism can stop you from achieving your dreams. If you work hard and believe you can accomplish anything.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? What would you like to be doing in your life?
I would like to be on Broadway performing in a show, or maybe playing in an orchestra, or going on a world tour! But my favorite thought is to be working for Disney writing songs for movies!!!
