Meet Valentina

Director and Founder of Mondo Music School

Singer-songwriter, recording and performing artist. 
Piano, guitar and voice coach. 

- Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Vocal Jazz Performance - The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, New York City

Diploma in Jazz voice and Piano, University of Music, Rome

- Specific academic courses and credits achieved: Alexander Technique, Voice Pedagogy, Music Therapy. 

With decades of experience in music education, Miss Marino brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her teaching style. She is passionate about helping students of all ages and skill levels discover their musical potential and achieve their goals.

After graduating from Italy’s esteemed University of Music in Rome, Marino embarked on a journey to Vienna, Austria, to commence performing internationally as a bandleader. 
Following her live success playing alongside pianist Johannes Thoma (with whom she released “Color of Voices” on ATS Records) and bassist Carl Hodas, Marino embarked on a journey west to pursue her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Vocal Jazz Performance at the renowned New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City. Under the guidance of the legendary bass player and music maestro, Reggie Workman, Marino took on the lead vocal role and served as the arranger for The New School’s John Coltrane Ensemble. 

Marino soon began performing all over the metropolitan area, alongside such formidable jazz voices as Ray Blue, Cameron Brown, Anthony Pinciotti, Ray Gallon, and Marco Panascia. She performed at Carnegie Hall with the Havasi Symphonic Orchestra, and the most iconic New York City clubs and music venues.
 
After signing with the “Jazzheads” Record Label, Marino released her first US album, “In the Name of Love,” and later her single, “The Peacocks.” She then started touring across the United States, performing at the most renowned jazz venues.

While performing, teaching her talented students and growing the Mondo Music Community, Valentina keeps channeling her evolving synergy in the recording studio.
 
The album “Quarantine Covers” and the single “Heart of Glass”, which both mark Valentina’s latest experimentations with rock, pop and indie sounds were released in 2021.
She’s currently working on a new jazz album.