About Andrew

Andrew James Safioleas is a pianist, violinist, composer, lyricist, music educator, and author, currently located in Quincy, Massachusetts.  A 2020 recipient of the Steinway and Sons Top Music Teacher Award and certified Steinway Teacher Educational Partner (STEP), he teaches piano and violin privately to all ages, and performs the instruments at weddings and special events.  Safioleas studied the violin with Massachusetts based educator, Marilyn Melanson, and subsequently, the late Robert G. Brink of the New England Conservatory.  He was introduced to the piano by educator Barry DeRossi, also based in Massachusetts.  He obtained academic certification in Advanced Professional General Music Studies at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts in Spring 2024.  In January 2020, Safioleas published his juvenile nonfiction work, “The Wonderful Gift of Music.”  The work empowers young readers to welcome music into their lives through learning an instrument.  It teaches them the importance of working hard to reach their goals, as well as supporting others in their pursuits.  Additionally, “The Wonderful Gift of Music” contains interesting facts related to music embedded within its story.  Safioleas's most recent publicity notes include presentations of his original solo and ensemble works at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on Friday, March 8, 2024, and Thursday, December 22, 2022. A radio interview in October 2016 was conducted by WGBH of Greater Boston to highlight his street performance in the "Play Me, I'm Yours" Art Project.  Safioleas was a violinist with the Fall River Symphony Orchestra of Fall River, Massachusetts, for several years.  He served as a member of its Board of Directors and as the Personnel Manager from 2016-2019. At the forefront of his interests are teaching and community involvement.  He founded, coordinated, and maintained the Pharmacy Flamingo Charity Fundraiser Concerts that took place in New Bedford, Massachusetts, from 2013-2019.  At least two concerts were held a year, and over $15,000 was raised by Safioleas and the Pharmacy Flamingo Team.  All proceeds raised were donated to the American Cancer Society.  

Safioleas has demonstrated versatility and variety throughout his compositional endeavors.  His musical studies, activities, and teachings have all contributed to the depth, beauty, and excitement of his compositions.  A classically trained violinist, he began to delve into the expansive range of music as the years progressed. His piano studies led him to perform jazz, swing, Broadway, and other genres of music.  He has collaborated with many of his colleagues and several of his former instructors in the presentation of his works.  Safioleas presented several of his works at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall in March 2024 and December 2022.  His opuses include lyric pieces and showpieces for solo instruments, dance pieces, songs, duets, trios, quintets, and even a piano concerto.  These inspirational and creative works explore an impressive array of musical expression.  They stimulate emotions, build confidence, and narrate absolutely unforgettable stories.  Year after year, audiences convey their appreciation and amazement toward Safioleas's original compositions.  They smile, they meditate, they dance, they rejoice, and they cry.  Music composition allows Safioleas not only to apply skills obtained from years of experience; but to enlighten and entertain musicians and audiences, and contribute to the well-being of humanity. 

Fun fact: Safioleas is also a licensed hospital pharmacist. He holds his Doctorate in Pharmacy from Northeastern University (2011), his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (2018), and his Graduate Certificate in Biopharmaceutical Domestic Regulatory Affairs from Northeastern University (2019). 

Check out our "Event Photos" section for memories from previous concerts, as well as our "Additional Links" page for a link to Safioleas's official YouTube page, which contains a variety of entertaining and educational material.