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Nick Ballarini

Nick Ballarini, accordionist, pianist, and bandleader is one of the area's most versatile musicians. Nick plays for weddings, corporate events and jazz festivals as a pianist and bandleader, as well as playing his accordion at Irish, French, Italian and German themed events. His repertoire ranges from classical to pop to the many ethnic styles associated with the accordion. During Nick's career he has played with many prominent musicians such as Luciano Pavarotti, Mel Torme and The Chieftans. He has become a favorite of accordion clubs around the country. Nick is available to play solo or with a band.

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The Dallas accordion great shares a gift honed over 50 years of playing. He teaches at accordion camps and has played with luminaries including Mel Torme and the Chieftains.

Luciano Pavarotti gave Mr. Ballarini some memorable advice.

"I wasn't used to working with a conductor, and I had a solo," Mr. Ballarini recalled. "The conductor lowered the baton at the rehearsal, and all of a sudden I played the opening solo twice as fast as it should have been played. So Pavarotti says, 'Hey, take it easy ��" it's-a your solo.' So I took it easy and I had-a my solo."

Primary Instrument

Accordion

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

Lyons & Healy Oakbrook IL accordion, organ, piano instructor Mueller Music Elmhurst IL accordion, piano, organ instructor Studied with Leon Sash, Armando Pizzi, Antonio Rosanova, US NAVY Musician. Jobbing musician over 50 years. $60.00/hr

Clinic/Workshop Information

Organizer/Instructor of Accordion Clinics: Frank Marocco-Ballarini 2005 Blue Springs FL 2006 Mesa AZ Mario Pedone-Ballarini 2008 Cruise TX 2014 New Braunfels TX Recreational Learning Jamboree

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