TALIA

Alicia Martinez
September 2004

past the following link in to your browser to see this article on line:

http://www.flyingcardboard.com/flypaper/archive/vol3/feature.html

During my years of working in an art school in the Pacific Northwest, I met some extremely talented kids. Nevertheless, none seemed so dedicated, motivated, and well rounded as the teenager featured in this month’s edition.

Talia is not your average teenage girl. Well, yes she does the typical hanging-out and giggling with her girlfriends. However, Talia is a 13-year-old with long-term goals and drive. By the way, she is also a pianist, composer, arranger, songwriter, and singer. How cool is that? Talia's music genre: jazz, pop, classical, and rock – soft and new age. Ok, perhaps it’s a “Talia Genre.” According to Talia, “There’s a song for everyone and I want to play for all audiences.”

Talia along with her sister was encouraged to try different things when she was younger. Talia started playing the piano at the age of four and composing at nine. She reads, writes, and transcribes her music. This talented musician also writes and sings her own lyrics. These talents have already created a media stir. She has been interviewed on TV (ABC) and featured on CNN's Connie Chung Show. Local government agencies and celebrities have also recognized her talents. It would be hard not to

The entire family encourages and assists Talia towards her success. Talia’s father is her manager, her mother is the assistant, and her sister is her confidant. This nurturing along with a rigorous rehearsal schedule is sure to help take her skills even further. Talia hopes future success will allow her to give back, by helping others.

She practices playing the piano every day for four hours and the rest of the day she is a ninth grade home-schooled student. She has been home-schooled for the past two years. Her schedule would be impossible in a traditional school. This particular home schooling takes place online. Students learn at an individual pace, and must be focused to succeed. It’s a bit more challenging than regular high school. Students have little face-to-face contact with teachers, and all communication is done electronically. Talia is dedicated to her education as well as her career.

When Talia first started performing, many professionals in the industry told her to keep practicing and to return in three to five years because she was “too young”. Apparently, to be a successful child musician/performer your chances improve at ages 15 to 16. When asked if that frustrated her, Talia replied, “I don’t take it personally. It just makes me more motivated, and persistent to progress towards my goals. I keep working to keep it all together.”

When asked how she would deal with the fame of being like other young girl performers she said, “I don’t want to get into that stuff. Some of those girls are not well respected. I want to be respected as a musician, as a person, and by what I do. I want to be respected as a composer and among other professionals in the business.” When did teenagers start to think this way?

Her first album was recorded at Capitol Records in Hollywood live to two tracks. She has recorded with many professionals and some who are part of the Hollywood Studio Symphony. Talia will be at Borders (the intersection of Scottsdale Road and the 101 Freeway) on October 9 promoting her recently released second CD, "Whispers of the Wind". You can meet Talia and purchase her CD. The album contains twelve original tracks. Again, how cool is that? Who knows she might even sign it for you. If you can’t make it, the CD can also be purchased online at http://cdbaby.com/cd/TaliaWorks. You can also listen to a small sound byte of each track at the same web address.

Not only is this teenager talented and driven she has a beautifully large heart. I wonder where she keeps it, she’s so petite. She wishes to develop her skills and assist with her time those in poverty and with illnesses. This is a very well rounded and levelheaded young woman. We wish her luck in everything she does.
By: Alicia Martinez
Photos by:Doug Wynn



- Fly Paper

Mark Sheveton
June 2006

Talia is a local artist who plays weekly at the Cave Creek Coffee Company and Wine Bar. Her compositions combine jazz, world music, and hard beats with pop and classical to create her unique sound. All these musical directions can be heard on her past CD releases: Talia (2001) and Whispers of The Wind (2004). She also co-arranged and co-produced her most recent release, this year's My Notes.
Talia's music can be heard on Clear Channel Radio Station in Arizona. She has been interviewed on ABC and was featured on CNN's Connie Chung Tonight. She has worked with Grammy-winning producer Jeffrey Weber and musicians David Benoit and Maxi Anderson on her first album; and has recorded with Sid Page, Becky Bunnel, Larry Corbett, and Dave Stone, all members of the Hollywood Studio Symphony.
This is quite an impressive resume for anyone in the music industry; but in Talia's case, it's phenomenal: She is 14 years old.
North Valley Magazine caught up with Talia recently and had a chance to discuss her latest accomplishments:

North Valley Magazine: When did you finally decide to make music and performing your career?
Talia: I started playing piano at age four, and started to experience my own feelings into music around eight. I had my first CD completed by age ten.

NV: Could you give us a quick update on your career, and what you are currently up to?
T: I just released my third original CD. Half of the CD is vocals and half is instrumentals. It is pop rock and jazz, all combined into one genre. I was recently showcased at a legendary venue in Hollywood called the Mint, where well-known artists such as Mick Jagger, Stevie Wonder, and Bonnie Raitt have played. My music has been played on KYOT-FM 95.5. So I keep busy, and have started to work on my fourth CD. It usually takes me two years to start and finish a CD. I compose all my own original compositions, including writing the lyrics and helping with arrangements. I have been very fortunate to work with many talented people around the valley--my piano teacher, Mr. Dan Walker, who has helped me with many things; Mr. Dominic Amato, who played the sax on my third CD; Mr. Mel Brown, one of the best bass players; and Mr. John Herrera, the percussionist for the band Turning Point, who also mixed and mastered my CD. I want to thank them all.
NV: What do you enjoy most about playing locally in Cave Creek?
T: I like the relaxed atmosphere, (and) the people who work at Cave Creek Coffee Company. Also, the owners Anita and David Anderson are fantastic.

NV: Could you give us your short- and long-term goals?
T: One of my definite long-term goals is to have a career within a profession to help people. I feel so fortunate and blessed, so I definitely want to be in a position to be able to help people in any way I can. As far as my short-term goals, I want to continue with my music career as well as graduate from high school and get a music and business degree from a university.

NV: Sounds like you are quite busy with your musical career and school; but do you have any other projects on the side?
T: Aside from my music, I am working to crack into the modeling and acting field. I am on the roster of Cunningham, Escott, Slevin and Doherty for print and commercials. They are located right in the heart of Hollywood. I also love to play tennis, hiking and spend time with family and friends.

NV: The music industry can be a very tough and competitive field, especially for someone so young. Can you give us some insight on how your music distinguishes you from other local artists looking to make a jump from local to international success?
T: My music is truly a translation of my feelings. I write music for myself and hope that others will like it. Music is a universal language—that’s the beauty of it.

NV: What’s the best way to find out more information about you and your work?
T: My Web site at www.TaliaWorks.com. Here, you can find my calendar, bio, audio, and press releases. It’s constantly updated, so anyone can check it for my latest information and concert dates.

NV: I want to thank you, Talia, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk with us. We’ll be checking back on your Web site so we can keep track of all the projects you have planned for 2006 and beyond.
T: Thank you so much for speaking with me.

A concert and release party featuring Talia’s new CD takes place 8 p.m., June 10 at the Cave Creek Coffee Company and Wine Bar, 6033 E. Cave Creek, (480) 488-0603. For tickets, call (888) 512-7469, or visit www.frontgatetickets.com and search for “talia.” Talia’s music is available for download and purchase at most online outlets.


- North Valley Magazine

Nigel Spence
August 2008

From the darkest corner of the Cave Creek Coffee Club Wine Bar, over a soft compilation of perfectly played piano key strokes, came the most beautiful, ethereal voice. As the song continued, the already hushed crowd of diners looked on in a somewhat hypnotic state. A few eating as usual, they had obviously seen her before, but those who were first timers sat transfixed on the young singer. With a look of amazement still showing on their faces, the crowd applauded as the song ended as gracefully as it began. The collective question going through their minds - "Who is this girl"?

The girl is Talia. Born in Santa Barbara California, Talia moved to Scottsdale with her family at the age of four. Trained in classical piano since that age and performing from the age of nine, Talia is now a seasoned professional at age seventeen. Possessing a tremendous ability to hold your attention, Talia demonstrates her composure, maturity, and unbridled passion for music. As a singer, songwriter, composer, arranger and recent producer of her third album, My Notes, she is the complete package in the music industry. Her hard work and talent has not gone unnoticed by those in music business. She has been opening performer for Linda Ronstadt as the Little River Band, she has performed as famous venues such as the Viper Room, The Mint and On the Rox, and last year, her music was included as part of the Official 2008 GRAMMY Awards ballot.

This summer she was invited with sixty-two-other high school students from across the United States to attend a two-week GRAMMY Camp. The camp exposed Talia to many Grammy award wining nominated professionals covering the full spectrum of the music industry. “GRAMMY Camp was an amazing experience,” Talia Says. “The GRAMMY Foundation is an incredible organization; It was an honor to be a part of the event. I learned a lot from the experience of being in an environment where everyone shares the same passion for music.”

Talia’s passion is continually expressed through each new song that she writes. “To me, my music is unique and unlike any other type of music today. I feel it is diversified and I insinuate a lot of emotion into my music, with hopes that it reaches to others. I haven’t been influenced musically. I do listen to a good amount of music, but haven’t really been influenced by it in my writing.”

With original compilations that fall into Pop Rock, Jazz, New Age, and Classical genres, and covering songs from artists as modern as Maroon Five to as old as Louis Armstrong, Talia is an artist that crosses all boundaries. “I enjoy doing all types of cover tunes. From Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five,” to Journey’s “Faithfully,” “White Flag” by Dido, Sting… I enjoy performing a mix of different artists,” Talia added.
.........
- IMAGES AZ

Michelle Hoffman
Special for the Scottsdale Republic
Jun. 4, 2005 12:00 AM

past the following link in to your browser to see this article on line:

http://www.azcentral.com/community/scottsdale/articles/0604sr-hoffman04pianoZ8.html

SCOTTSDALE - Talia Ghafarri sits behind her Yamaha keyboard and plays Van Morrison's Moondance above the din of conversation and fork tines clinking against plates. The jazzy '70s tune elicits smiles of recognition from diners who occasionally peer over their wine glasses and nod.
With a repertoire of nearly 100 songs, including 20 she wrote herself, Ghafarri can play anything from Pachabel's Canon in D to Dave Brubeck's Take Five. And she's just 13 years old. Music lovers can hear the young Scottsdale pianist sing and play at the Cave Creek Coffee Company and Wine Purveyors every Wednesday and Saturday evening from 7 to 9. Taking advantage of 21st-century technology, her only accompaniment is an iPod that she plugs into her keyboard. Neither a case of nerves nor the late hours deters her from performing. "I love the crowd," Ghafarri said.
Her parents enrolled her in piano lessons at age 4 when they noticed how much she listened to music. Their intuition paid off. "After two years, I surpassed my first teacher," Ghafarri said. Her motivation and inspiration, she added, came from herself. "We never told her to practice," her father and manager, Mak Ghafarri, said. "She does it all on her own."
At 9, she began to perform as well as write, compose and arrange her own songs.
"She was so eager to learn," said Maryla Tiran, a former instructor who teaches piano at Steinway Hall in Scottsdale. "She was a very hard worker and very determined. She absorbed the information really well." Ghafarri's parents decided to home-school her for two years, enabling Ghafarri to practice four hours every day. "There was so much to learn musicwise that I had to take time off from regular school and really focus," she said. "I really benefited from that." In the span of those two years, she was featured on CNN with Connie Chung and recorded two CDs at Capitol Records, working with two-time Grammy-winning producer Jeff Weber, who also has worked with Jackson Browne, Luther Vandross and Sarah Vaughn.
Last October, with a propensity toward science and math, Ghafarri enrolled in Stars Prep Academy, a charter school. The drawback? Her practice time has been cut considerably. In addition to her schoolwork, she still takes piano and voice lessons, and averages four gigs a week, playing fund-raisers, corporate parties and charity events. That's in addition to her twice-weekly stint at the wine bar in Cave Creek. As if she wasn't busy enough, Ghafarri said she takes time out of every day to work on songwriting.
"After everything else, it's pretty late at night. I'll sit down somewhere really quiet and work," she said. Writing is a release of sorts, and she said if she has something on her mind, she goes to her notebook and puts it down. "I love when you have so much feeling in you, you go and write it down," she added. When she's not working on her music, she likes to shop, hike and play tennis.

Ghafarri is not drawn to any one genre of music. "I have two sides to me. I like having the jazz and I like the MTV-type of pop. It's good to have a wide variety," she said, although admitting that classical music is not exactly her favorite.

Nevertheless, she favors Beethoven over Mozart, fancies her acoustic piano to her keyboard, and prefers to write in minor keys. But even with a sophisticated knowledge of music, she's still a teenager. She has Ashlee Simpson on her iPod.

Ghafarri's immediate goal is to take music courses at Arizona State University as soon as her SAT scores meet the entrance requirement. She's also focusing more on her songwriting skills and hopes to tour the globe one day promoting her CDs. "I want my music to touch people," she said. "When they listen to it, I want them to (be able to) relate to it."
- Scottsdale Republic

Michelle Hoffman
Special for the Scottsdale Republic
Jun. 4, 2005 12:00 AM

past the following link in to your browser to see this article on line:

http://www.azcentral.com/community/scottsdale/articles/0604sr-hoffman04pianoZ8.html

SCOTTSDALE - Talia Ghafarri sits behind her Yamaha keyboard and plays Van Morrison's Moondance above the din of conversation and fork tines clinking against plates. The jazzy '70s tune elicits smiles of recognition from diners who occasionally peer over their wine glasses and nod.
With a repertoire of nearly 100 songs, including 20 she wrote herself, Ghafarri can play anything from Pachabel's Canon in D to Dave Brubeck's Take Five. And she's just 13 years old. Music lovers can hear the young Scottsdale pianist sing and play at the Cave Creek Coffee Company and Wine Purveyors every Wednesday and Saturday evening from 7 to 9. Taking advantage of 21st-century technology, her only accompaniment is an iPod that she plugs into her keyboard. Neither a case of nerves nor the late hours deters her from performing. "I love the crowd," Ghafarri said.
Her parents enrolled her in piano lessons at age 4 when they noticed how much she listened to music. Their intuition paid off. "After two years, I surpassed my first teacher," Ghafarri said. Her motivation and inspiration, she added, came from herself. "We never told her to practice," her father and manager, Mak Ghafarri, said. "She does it all on her own."
At 9, she began to perform as well as write, compose and arrange her own songs.
"She was so eager to learn," said Maryla Tiran, a former instructor who teaches piano at Steinway Hall in Scottsdale. "She was a very hard worker and very determined. She absorbed the information really well." Ghafarri's parents decided to home-school her for two years, enabling Ghafarri to practice four hours every day. "There was so much to learn musicwise that I had to take time off from regular school and really focus," she said. "I really benefited from that." In the span of those two years, she was featured on CNN with Connie Chung and recorded two CDs at Capitol Records, working with two-time Grammy-winning producer Jeff Weber, who also has worked with Jackson Browne, Luther Vandross and Sarah Vaughn.
Last October, with a propensity toward science and math, Ghafarri enrolled in Stars Prep Academy, a charter school. The drawback? Her practice time has been cut considerably. In addition to her schoolwork, she still takes piano and voice lessons, and averages four gigs a week, playing fund-raisers, corporate parties and charity events. That's in addition to her twice-weekly stint at the wine bar in Cave Creek. As if she wasn't busy enough, Ghafarri said she takes time out of every day to work on songwriting.
"After everything else, it's pretty late at night. I'll sit down somewhere really quiet and work," she said. Writing is a release of sorts, and she said if she has something on her mind, she goes to her notebook and puts it down. "I love when you have so much feeling in you, you go and write it down," she added. When she's not working on her music, she likes to shop, hike and play tennis.

Ghafarri is not drawn to any one genre of music. "I have two sides to me. I like having the jazz and I like the MTV-type of pop. It's good to have a wide variety," she said, although admitting that classical music is not exactly her favorite.

Nevertheless, she favors Beethoven over Mozart, fancies her acoustic piano to her keyboard, and prefers to write in minor keys. But even with a sophisticated knowledge of music, she's still a teenager. She has Ashlee Simpson on her iPod.

Ghafarri's immediate goal is to take music courses at Arizona State University as soon as her SAT scores meet the entrance requirement. She's also focusing more on her songwriting skills and hopes to tour the globe one day promoting her CDs. "I want my music to touch people," she said. "When they listen to it, I want them to (be able to) relate to it."
- Scottsdale Republic

Scott O'Brien
2007

She's a cute, petite fifteen year old who plays like she was thirty, has a beautifull voice, writes and arranges her own material, and has already just released her third album, MY NOTES. Talia is amazing...talented, focused, and motivated. This young Santa Barbara-born women started playing piano at age four, was composing at nine, and recorded her first album when she was ten. In the eleven years since she first started playing music, Talia's recorded with members of the Hollywood Studio Symphony, worked with Grammy-wininning producer Jeffery Weber and David Benoit on her first album, has appeared on ABC, been featured on CNN's Connie Chung Tonight, and gigs regulary in the Phoenix area where she now lives. WOW! MY NOTES contains eight Talia originals and one cover (Ray Obiedo's "La Samba"). Five of the tracks are instrumental, four are vocals. She writes beautifully...compleling melodies and intelligent, mature lyrics..... - SmoothJazz.com 2007

Scott O'Brien
2007

She's a cute, petite fifteen year old who plays like she was thirty, has a beautifull voice, writes and arranges her own material, and has already just released her third album, MY NOTES. Talia is amazing...talented, focused, and motivated. This young Santa Barbara-born women started playing piano at age four, was composing at nine, and recorded her first album when she was ten. In the eleven years since she first started playing music, Talia's recorded with members of the Hollywood Studio Symphony, worked with Grammy-wininning producer Jeffery Weber and David Benoit on her first album, has appeared on ABC, been featured on CNN's Connie Chung Tonight, and gigs regulary in the Phoenix area where she now lives. WOW! MY NOTES contains eight Talia originals and one cover (Ray Obiedo's "La Samba"). Five of the tracks are instrumental, four are vocals. She writes beautifully...compleling melodies and intelligent, mature lyrics..... - SmoothJazz.com 2007

June 24, 2008
For Immediate Release

http://www.grammy.com/press/

GRAMMY FOUNDATION SELECTS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM ACROSS THE UNITED STATES FOR
FOURTH ANNUAL GRAMMY CAMP®

Unique Summer Program — Held At University Of Southern California —Brings Youth Together
With Outstanding Artists And Music Industry Professionals

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (June 24, 2008) — The GRAMMY Foundation® announced today that 63 talented high school students from across the United States have been selected as participants in the fourth annual GRAMMY Camp®. From July 12 – 26, students will work with GRAMMY® Award-winning and -nominated professionals and industry specialists affiliated with The Recording Academy® to experience an immersive, interactive and highly collaborative residential summer music experience. Focusing on all aspects of commercial music, GRAMMY Camp provides instruction by industry professionals in a creative environment with cutting-edge technology in professional facilities. GRAMMY Camp is sponsored in part by Epiphone.

"Through the GRAMMY Foundation's GRAMMY in the Schools® programs, we have the ability to influence young people's lives by opening the windows of opportunity that music can provide for their futures," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy and President of the GRAMMY Foundation. "GRAMMY Camp is a perfect example — with dynamic instruction across a broad range of career tracks and access to cutting edge technology, we're educating through music and helping to cultivate the next generation of artists and music industry professionals."

The list of guest artists and music industry professionals participating in the 2008 GRAMMY Camp will be announced shortly. Past teaching artists include: recording artist Brandi Carlile; GRAMMY-winning songwriter/producer/recording artist Lamont Dozier; multi-GRAMMY Award-winning group Earth, Wind & Fire; DJ Faust; multi-GRAMMY-winning producer David Foster; multi-GRAMMY-winning producer and Recording Academy Chair Jimmy Jam; singer/songwriter Josh Kelley; saxophonist and radio host Dave Koz; songwriter/producer/recording artist Jeff Lorber; Minor Productions Inc. President/CEO and "American Idol" musical director Rickey Minor; DJ Shortee; GRAMMY-winning guitarist Steve Vai; Sublime bassist Eric Wilson; and GRAMMY-winning film composer Hans Zimmer.

The curriculum engages students in the technical aspects of creating, performing and recording and emphasizes new and emerging music technologies. The program offers 12 music career tracks: Audio Engineering; Music Journalism; Music Production; and performance tracks in Bass, Drums, Guitar, Keyboard, Saxophone, Songwriting, Trombone and Trumpet. A new track this year, Concert Promotion/Production, is being coordinated by AEG Live. All tracks culminate in either media projects, CD recordings, and/or a showcase performance. The showcase concert will be held this year on July 25 at the El Rey Theater in Los Angeles. GRAMMY Camp will be held at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music and other professional venues throughout Los Angeles.

GRAMMY Camp will kick off for the selectees with their attendance at Starry Night — the GRAMMY Foundation's annual signature gala — held on July 12 at the University of Southern California. This annual benefit raises funds for the GRAMMY Foundation, and this year it will honor Sir George Martin, a Recording Academy Trustees Award recipient, six-time GRAMMY Award winner and one of music's most successful and influential producers, with the Foundation's Leadership Award, which salutes noteworthy humanitarians whose charitable work and contributions align with the mission of the Foundation.

2008 GRAMMY Camp Selectees And Tracks

Ian Arnold Bethesda, Md. Music Production
Jessica Aycock San Rafael, Calif. Singer/Songwriter
Grahm Bailey Michigan City, Ind. Keyboards
Taylor Barner Houston Music Production
Julia Berlin Montclair, N.J. Music Journalism/Concert Promotion
Tadjh “iTALY” Brooks Cincinnati, Ohio Audio Engineering
Vincent Camerano Belingbrook, Ill. Drums
Jordan Carillo West Covina, Calif. Audio Engineering
Edwin Carranza San Fernando, Calif. Bass
Kamari Carter Los Angeles. Music Production
Daniel Clark Mableton, Ga. Drums
Scott Cohen Pacific Palisades, Calif. Music Production
Natalie Cressman San Francisco Trombone
Joshua Crumbly Palmdale, Calif. Bass
Parker Davis Walla Walla, Wash. Music Production
Jef Derderian Dinuba, Calif. Trumpet
James Dieffenbach Pleasantville, Pa. Singer/Songwriter
Nicholas Diiorio Petaluma, Calif. Bass
Gregory DiMartino Sherman Oaks, Calif. Bass
Doron Dina Beverly Hills, Calif. Audio Engineering
Sam Doniger Los Angeles Guitar
Andrew Ecklund Lake Villa, Ill. Music Production
Toby Ellis Wellfleet, Mass. Drums
Kwasi Fordjour Houston Music Journalism/Concert Promotion
Adam Gertner Englewood - Grammy Foundation

June 24, 2008
For Immediate Release

http://www.grammy.com/press/

GRAMMY FOUNDATION SELECTS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM ACROSS THE UNITED STATES FOR
FOURTH ANNUAL GRAMMY CAMP®

Unique Summer Program — Held At University Of Southern California —Brings Youth Together
With Outstanding Artists And Music Industry Professionals

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (June 24, 2008) — The GRAMMY Foundation® announced today that 63 talented high school students from across the United States have been selected as participants in the fourth annual GRAMMY Camp®. From July 12 – 26, students will work with GRAMMY® Award-winning and -nominated professionals and industry specialists affiliated with The Recording Academy® to experience an immersive, interactive and highly collaborative residential summer music experience. Focusing on all aspects of commercial music, GRAMMY Camp provides instruction by industry professionals in a creative environment with cutting-edge technology in professional facilities. GRAMMY Camp is sponsored in part by Epiphone.

"Through the GRAMMY Foundation's GRAMMY in the Schools® programs, we have the ability to influence young people's lives by opening the windows of opportunity that music can provide for their futures," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy and President of the GRAMMY Foundation. "GRAMMY Camp is a perfect example — with dynamic instruction across a broad range of career tracks and access to cutting edge technology, we're educating through music and helping to cultivate the next generation of artists and music industry professionals."

The list of guest artists and music industry professionals participating in the 2008 GRAMMY Camp will be announced shortly. Past teaching artists include: recording artist Brandi Carlile; GRAMMY-winning songwriter/producer/recording artist Lamont Dozier; multi-GRAMMY Award-winning group Earth, Wind & Fire; DJ Faust; multi-GRAMMY-winning producer David Foster; multi-GRAMMY-winning producer and Recording Academy Chair Jimmy Jam; singer/songwriter Josh Kelley; saxophonist and radio host Dave Koz; songwriter/producer/recording artist Jeff Lorber; Minor Productions Inc. President/CEO and "American Idol" musical director Rickey Minor; DJ Shortee; GRAMMY-winning guitarist Steve Vai; Sublime bassist Eric Wilson; and GRAMMY-winning film composer Hans Zimmer.

The curriculum engages students in the technical aspects of creating, performing and recording and emphasizes new and emerging music technologies. The program offers 12 music career tracks: Audio Engineering; Music Journalism; Music Production; and performance tracks in Bass, Drums, Guitar, Keyboard, Saxophone, Songwriting, Trombone and Trumpet. A new track this year, Concert Promotion/Production, is being coordinated by AEG Live. All tracks culminate in either media projects, CD recordings, and/or a showcase performance. The showcase concert will be held this year on July 25 at the El Rey Theater in Los Angeles. GRAMMY Camp will be held at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music and other professional venues throughout Los Angeles.

GRAMMY Camp will kick off for the selectees with their attendance at Starry Night — the GRAMMY Foundation's annual signature gala — held on July 12 at the University of Southern California. This annual benefit raises funds for the GRAMMY Foundation, and this year it will honor Sir George Martin, a Recording Academy Trustees Award recipient, six-time GRAMMY Award winner and one of music's most successful and influential producers, with the Foundation's Leadership Award, which salutes noteworthy humanitarians whose charitable work and contributions align with the mission of the Foundation.

2008 GRAMMY Camp Selectees And Tracks

Ian Arnold Bethesda, Md. Music Production
Jessica Aycock San Rafael, Calif. Singer/Songwriter
Grahm Bailey Michigan City, Ind. Keyboards
Taylor Barner Houston Music Production
Julia Berlin Montclair, N.J. Music Journalism/Concert Promotion
Tadjh “iTALY” Brooks Cincinnati, Ohio Audio Engineering
Vincent Camerano Belingbrook, Ill. Drums
Jordan Carillo West Covina, Calif. Audio Engineering
Edwin Carranza San Fernando, Calif. Bass
Kamari Carter Los Angeles. Music Production
Daniel Clark Mableton, Ga. Drums
Scott Cohen Pacific Palisades, Calif. Music Production
Natalie Cressman San Francisco Trombone
Joshua Crumbly Palmdale, Calif. Bass
Parker Davis Walla Walla, Wash. Music Production
Jef Derderian Dinuba, Calif. Trumpet
James Dieffenbach Pleasantville, Pa. Singer/Songwriter
Nicholas Diiorio Petaluma, Calif. Bass
Gregory DiMartino Sherman Oaks, Calif. Bass
Doron Dina Beverly Hills, Calif. Audio Engineering
Sam Doniger Los Angeles Guitar
Andrew Ecklund Lake Villa, Ill. Music Production
Toby Ellis Wellfleet, Mass. Drums
Kwasi Fordjour Houston Music Journalism/Concert Promotion
Adam Gertner Englewood - Grammy Foundation

Ambria Hammel
Nov. 9, 2005

ANTHEM - One of Cave Creek Coffee Company's regular musicians is coming to Anthem for a special concert Nov. 18. Fourteen-year-old pianist Talia Ghaffari, a staple at C4 for the last year, will perform a mix of covers and her own compositions at the Community Center. "I think Talia will attract everyone", said Amy Newby of Community Perk, the coffee shop inside the Center. Newby wanted to hold monthly music events for the community featuring musicians, such as Talia, skilled in classical and pop. Newby thought this combination of music would help appeal to the whole family. Talia certainly has the potential for that. Her set list includes jazz, classical, pop, roc, new age and original compositions. She plays anything from "Maple Leaf Rag" to "What A Wonderful World" to "Smooth Operator."
"it's all about variety with me," Talia said. For the young musician, it is hard to have favorite style because she plays pieces based on the vibe she gets from her audience. Anita Anderson, co-owner of C4, is not only amazed by Talia's intelligence, but her professionalism and manners as well. Although Talia is only 14, she has five years of performance experience, has released two all-original albums and is working on a third due out early next year. Her career began at age nine, but Talia has been surrounded by music her entire life. She said her parents always played music at home and when they noticed her jamming to it, they decided to let then four-year-old Talia further her enjoyment through piano lessons. Her skill was evident and by age 11, she released her first album.
Talia's uniqueness is what encouraged Anderson to bring her in as one of the two regular performers. Talia plays from a set list of over 100 songs for two hours every Wednesday night and three hours every Saturday night in the wine bar at C4. She has played for many grand openings, corporate events, parties and weddings including one at Wrigley mansion.
"We have been totally, totally blessed to be where she is." Talia's father and Manager Mak Ghaffari said. She also played at the Mint supper club in Los Angeles (www.theMINTla.Com) Oct. 29 Stevie Wonder, Macy Gray, Taj Mahal and the Rolling Stones once performed.
Talia has enhanced her image in the last year by taking voice lessons. Her rich, beautiful voice already accompanies some of her pieces. Music is definitely something she wants to continue to pursue as a career. Talia knows nine different chords for the piano and loves the instrument's rich sound. "It's the best instrument for me to express what I feel," she said. Her music comes from the heart and generally stressed peace. So far, this strategy has worked as Anderson says she gets call from all over the Valley asking when Talia will perform. "Not only are you mesmerized by Talia, but her charm and her performance are just incredible." Anderson said.
Tickets for her Nov. 18 performance in Anthem are on sale at Community Perk for $10 with $2 from each ticket benefiting Anthem Starlight Community Theatre. Groups of eight or more cost $7 per person, children under age ten are $5 and admittance for children under five is free. The concert is at 8 p.m. For more information about the performance call Amy at (602) 989-0567 or visit www.TaliaWorks.Com
- Desert Advocate

Ambria Hammel
Nov. 9, 2005

ANTHEM - One of Cave Creek Coffee Company's regular musicians is coming to Anthem for a special concert Nov. 18. Fourteen-year-old pianist Talia Ghaffari, a staple at C4 for the last year, will perform a mix of covers and her own compositions at the Community Center. "I think Talia will attract everyone", said Amy Newby of Community Perk, the coffee shop inside the Center. Newby wanted to hold monthly music events for the community featuring musicians, such as Talia, skilled in classical and pop. Newby thought this combination of music would help appeal to the whole family. Talia certainly has the potential for that. Her set list includes jazz, classical, pop, roc, new age and original compositions. She plays anything from "Maple Leaf Rag" to "What A Wonderful World" to "Smooth Operator."
"it's all about variety with me," Talia said. For the young musician, it is hard to have favorite style because she plays pieces based on the vibe she gets from her audience. Anita Anderson, co-owner of C4, is not only amazed by Talia's intelligence, but her professionalism and manners as well. Although Talia is only 14, she has five years of performance experience, has released two all-original albums and is working on a third due out early next year. Her career began at age nine, but Talia has been surrounded by music her entire life. She said her parents always played music at home and when they noticed her jamming to it, they decided to let then four-year-old Talia further her enjoyment through piano lessons. Her skill was evident and by age 11, she released her first album.
Talia's uniqueness is what encouraged Anderson to bring her in as one of the two regular performers. Talia plays from a set list of over 100 songs for two hours every Wednesday night and three hours every Saturday night in the wine bar at C4. She has played for many grand openings, corporate events, parties and weddings including one at Wrigley mansion.
"We have been totally, totally blessed to be where she is." Talia's father and Manager Mak Ghaffari said. She also played at the Mint supper club in Los Angeles (www.theMINTla.Com) Oct. 29 Stevie Wonder, Macy Gray, Taj Mahal and the Rolling Stones once performed.
Talia has enhanced her image in the last year by taking voice lessons. Her rich, beautiful voice already accompanies some of her pieces. Music is definitely something she wants to continue to pursue as a career. Talia knows nine different chords for the piano and loves the instrument's rich sound. "It's the best instrument for me to express what I feel," she said. Her music comes from the heart and generally stressed peace. So far, this strategy has worked as Anderson says she gets call from all over the Valley asking when Talia will perform. "Not only are you mesmerized by Talia, but her charm and her performance are just incredible." Anderson said.
Tickets for her Nov. 18 performance in Anthem are on sale at Community Perk for $10 with $2 from each ticket benefiting Anthem Starlight Community Theatre. Groups of eight or more cost $7 per person, children under age ten are $5 and admittance for children under five is free. The concert is at 8 p.m. For more information about the performance call Amy at (602) 989-0567 or visit www.TaliaWorks.Com
- Desert Advocate

Thanks to Talia
An Amazing Performer,
An Unforgettable Evening.
Practicing yoga under the stars can be an incredible experience.
It’s even more so when the evening includes another “star” — the 17 year-old, Arizona-based musician, Talia.
And that’s exactly what happened for 120 lucky Life Time Fitness members and team members on a magical night this past March. As part of a special series of events promoting the new Toyota Venza, Life Time Fitness hosted Talia for several special performances, including a starlit, private performance of music for an outdoor yoga class.
“Personally, it was a moving class for me,” said Life Time Fitness Master Yoga Instructor Daina Boeschenstein. “The combination of Talia’s incredible gift for music with our passion for yoga was magical. It was a class our members will not soon forget.”
Born in Santa Barbara, California, and introduced to piano at age four, Talia now is a seasoned singer, songwriter , pianist, composer and arranger who performs a unique fusion of jazz, hard beats, pop and classical styles. She has recorded at Capitol Records in Hollywood with famed American jazz musician David Benoit, has opened for performers such as Linda Ronstadt and the Little River Band, and has performed at legendary venues such as the El Rey Theatre and the Viper Room in Los Angeles. Her music has received airplay on radio stations in U.S. and abroad.
Talia has been a voting member of the GRAMMY’s in 9 categories since she was 15 years old and her music was on the 2008 official ballot in 4 categories. Talia is currently a member of the GRAMMY Foundation’s GRAMMY eTeam. The eTeam was recently created by the GRAMMY Foundation to promote programs such as GRAMMY in the Schools.
Talia is about to begin working closely with the National Association of Music Education
(MENC) to promote music.
“It was an honor and pleasure to have Talia perform for our members and team members,” said Dave Campbell, Vice President of Athletic Events, Life Time Fitness. “Her music was the perfect complement to our events, and the audience was captivated by the beauty of her songs and her talent. Many members told me how much they enjoyed having a private Talia concert and how special they found the experience to be. On behalf of Life Time Fitness members and team members, thank you, Talia, for sharing your gift with us!” Talia has three commercially released CDs to her credit and a fourth in the works. Her latest release, which she co-produced, is My Notes (2006). Her previous releases are Whispers Of The Wind (2004) and TALIA (2001). Her music is currently available at CDBaby.com, Apple iTunes, MSN Music Store, AOL Music Store, YAHOO Music Store, Sony Connect, Buy Music, MusicNet, Napster and many other outlets. “Inspiring, motivating and simply heaven,” said Life Time Fitness Master Instructor Trainer Tonya Brueggemeyer. “That’s where Talia’s music takes you.”
You can learn more about Talia and her music online at www.taliaworks.com.
- Experience Life Magazine June 2009 Edition

Thanks to Talia
An Amazing Performer,
An Unforgettable Evening.
Practicing yoga under the stars can be an incredible experience.
It’s even more so when the evening includes another “star” — the 17 year-old, Arizona-based musician, Talia.
And that’s exactly what happened for 120 lucky Life Time Fitness members and team members on a magical night this past March. As part of a special series of events promoting the new Toyota Venza, Life Time Fitness hosted Talia for several special performances, including a starlit, private performance of music for an outdoor yoga class.
“Personally, it was a moving class for me,” said Life Time Fitness Master Yoga Instructor Daina Boeschenstein. “The combination of Talia’s incredible gift for music with our passion for yoga was magical. It was a class our members will not soon forget.”
Born in Santa Barbara, California, and introduced to piano at age four, Talia now is a seasoned singer, songwriter , pianist, composer and arranger who performs a unique fusion of jazz, hard beats, pop and classical styles. She has recorded at Capitol Records in Hollywood with famed American jazz musician David Benoit, has opened for performers such as Linda Ronstadt and the Little River Band, and has performed at legendary venues such as the El Rey Theatre and the Viper Room in Los Angeles. Her music has received airplay on radio stations in U.S. and abroad.
Talia has been a voting member of the GRAMMY’s in 9 categories since she was 15 years old and her music was on the 2008 official ballot in 4 categories. Talia is currently a member of the GRAMMY Foundation’s GRAMMY eTeam. The eTeam was recently created by the GRAMMY Foundation to promote programs such as GRAMMY in the Schools.
Talia is about to begin working closely with the National Association of Music Education
(MENC) to promote music.
“It was an honor and pleasure to have Talia perform for our members and team members,” said Dave Campbell, Vice President of Athletic Events, Life Time Fitness. “Her music was the perfect complement to our events, and the audience was captivated by the beauty of her songs and her talent. Many members told me how much they enjoyed having a private Talia concert and how special they found the experience to be. On behalf of Life Time Fitness members and team members, thank you, Talia, for sharing your gift with us!” Talia has three commercially released CDs to her credit and a fourth in the works. Her latest release, which she co-produced, is My Notes (2006). Her previous releases are Whispers Of The Wind (2004) and TALIA (2001). Her music is currently available at CDBaby.com, Apple iTunes, MSN Music Store, AOL Music Store, YAHOO Music Store, Sony Connect, Buy Music, MusicNet, Napster and many other outlets. “Inspiring, motivating and simply heaven,” said Life Time Fitness Master Instructor Trainer Tonya Brueggemeyer. “That’s where Talia’s music takes you.”
You can learn more about Talia and her music online at www.taliaworks.com.
- Experience Life Magazine June 2009 Edition