Meet Our Team

Lori Michaels

Title: International Recording Artist and Performance Coach (Artist Development & Artist Management)

Lori Michaels grew up in Fairview, New Jersey studying piano and dance from a very young age, being the only girl on the BOYS baseball team, and leading her congregation in song at her local church. Her “professional training” began in her youth at Broadway Dance Center in New York City. She attended River Dell High School in Oradell, NJ – played basketball and even Varsity Softball for 4 years while taking a few leaves of absence to perform on tour as the opening act for major recording artists including New Kids on The Block. She later graduated from New York University with a pre-law degree.

Lori’s career began to take off in 2006, following her official “Coming Out” party at the House of Blues’ Club Worship in Atlantic City, NJ. It was a House of Blues first, and a turning point for Michaels in her evolution to in-demand solo artist and nationwide headliner with her head-turning Me & The Girls shows – prompting Curve Magazine (the nation’s best-selling lesbian magazine) to proclaim: “Her live shows are the stuff of lesbian legend”.

In a time when coming out has evolved from something equated with fear to something much more about freedom, Lori freed her artistic soul to deliver her first full-length album in 2008 “Living My Life Out Loud”. She has been officially dubbed “THE Dyke Diva” in part because of her complete command over any audience, and because simply, she IS the whole package. Hailed “Lesbian Superstar” (by Bravo TV mogul Andy Cohen), Lori has certainly struck the right chord with mainstream media and an even bigger international buzz has been surrounding this sexy, soulful, in-demand solo artist, and headliner.

Joining forces with acclaimed dance/pop producer Giuseppe D., Lori hit hard in 2010 with the Billboard Dance/Club Play Top 15 smash “Rebound” (LMP/Monitor Sound Recordings), starring in her own television show (Me & The Girls) on Here TV (an American premium television network targeting LGBT audiences) taking her LIVE Me & The Girls shows coast-to-coast to headline at LGBT Pride Festivals, music festivals, club shows, benefits, high profile events (and even hosting, performing, AND producing events with major sports franchises that has included chilling renditions of “The National Anthem” – performed by Ms. Michaels) is just a testament to above all else, Lori’s love of the song; whether that means writing, arranging, and performing the vocals (lead and background), showcasing her talents on piano/keys, or overseeing the full production with the best in the business. She currently runs Lori Michaels Music (www.lorimichaelsmusic.com) – a full-service production company and label imprint.

Countless couples know Michaels for “Unconditionally”, her love song heard & performed at many weddings (and is a song complimented personally by Andrea Bocelli) and also featured in various animal shelter/adoption videos. Lori Michaels (and her music) has graced stages, magazine covers, been all over the radio, internet, tv, and even the big screen. In the midst of all she does, she is the CEO of PEAK Performing Arts Center (an 11,000 square ft. state-of-the-art center for performing arts, wellness & fitness located in Bergen County, NJ) and remains excited to not only continue to provide performance instruction and entertainment to kids, teens, and adults but to have a place where people are able to enjoy dance, music, and fitness as much as she does! Her joy comes from being able to work with her elite team to teach and train her students- and over the years, they have even been invited to perform at various high-profile events such as the US OPEN and other major sporting & entertainment venues.

What remains in the heart and soul of all that she does? Lori Michaels is the Founder and President of the noteworthy, non-profit charitable organization REACH OUT, Inc. (an organization she started when she was only 16 and still in high school). Lori started this labor of love by bringing people together and by providing unique programs & projects to educate, entertain, and empower people (especially today’s youth) to reach out & help others. Although the entity itself has been dissolved, Lori continues to travel, produce & perform, and speak about enjoying life & reaching out, making better choices, and being the best that you can be (by being who you are). Her song “Reach Out Together” is an anthem for New Jersey L.E.A.D. (formerly New Jersey D.A.R.E.) and she was the force behind the scenes (and on the microphone in arenas & stadiums) creating REACH OUT WITH THE NETS (with the NBA) and
REACH OUT WITH THE JETS (with the NFL), and much, much more.

Lori Michaels is an amazing entertainer & well-seasoned performer, an innovative & savvy businesswoman, and an activist for causes that she truly cares about. With numerous awards and accolades, hundreds & hundreds of events (most of which she organized/helped produce & still performs herself), and various projects on Lori’s upcoming calendar, she continues to show no sign of slowing down anytime soon. www.lorimichaelsmusic.com

Suzanne Gonzalez

Title: Music Director – Speciality in Vocal & Piano

Ms. Suzanne’s musical journey spans just beyond four decades, beginning at a young age with her initial foray into singing and piano at her local church. Ms. Suzanne then pursued a comprehensive music education at Kean University, further enhancing her pedagogical skills. With over 25 years of teaching experience, she has imparted her knowledge and passion to individuals of all ages, while also honing her craft.

Her musical reach extends beyond the classroom, as she has graced both local and international stages with captivating performances. Notable appearances include a solo performance at The Vatican in Rome for Pope John Paul II (at the young age of only 17), being personally asked to sing at various high profile memorial events, and directing/performing for theatre productions. Such diverse engagements reflect her versatility and ability to adapt to a wide array of musical genres and settings.

In addition to her extensive teaching experience, Ms. Suzanne has also made a significant impact as a music teacher for young children within local school and community settings, especially those individuals with unique abilities. Her ability to engage and inspire young minds through music has been instrumental in fostering a love for music and creative expression in her students.

Drawing upon her expertise and passion, Ms. Suzanne designs engaging and age-appropriate music lessons that nurture the musical development of her young (or first time adult) learners. She creates a dynamic and inclusive environment that allows her students to explore their musical abilities, develop foundational skills, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for music.

Ms. Suzanne’s dedication to teaching music to young children reflects her commitment to fostering a lifelong love for music and helping the next generation discover the joy and benefits of musical education. Her warm and patient demeanor, coupled with her exceptional teaching abilities, creates a nurturing learning environment that supports the growth and development of each student.

Nixida Ansolone

Title: Assistant Music Director & Virtual Piano Instructor – Speciality in Classical Piano, Music Theory & Audition Preparation.

Nixida Ansolone, an esteemed pianist, educator, and collaborator hailing from Bergen County, NJ, embarked on her musical journey at the tender age of three, fueling her lifelong passion for music. Her commitment to her craft led her to pursue a minor in Piano Performance at Purchase College, where she further refined her skills and knowledge.

As an experienced music educator, Nixida dedicates herself wholeheartedly to nurturing the musical abilities of her students. From early beginners to intermediate and advanced players, she embraces students at all levels, providing guidance in various aspects of piano playing, including technique, musical interpretation, and performance skills. Nixida’s expertise, combined with her patient and supportive approach, empowers her students to reach their full potential.

Specializing in classical piano, Nixida highlights the rich traditions and repertoire within this genre. Alongside piano performance, she imparts comprehensive music theory instruction, establishing a solid foundation for her students’ understanding of music’s structural and mechanical elements. Nixida also offers invaluable assistance to students preparing for auditions, equipping them with the necessary skills and confidence to showcase their abilities effectively.

While Nixida primarily conducts virtual lessons, she also provides seasonal availability for in-person sessions, ensuring a flexible learning experience tailored to each student’s preferences. Virtual lessons offer convenience and accessibility, while in-person sessions provide a more traditional and personalized approach, fostering a deeper connection between student and teacher.

Beyond her private lessons, Nixida Ansolone’s dedication to music education extends to the community. On occasion she teaches educational music classes at local libraries such as the Fairview Public Library and Cliffside Park Library. These classes create an inclusive and welcoming space for individuals of all ages to explore their musical interests in a group setting. Nixida’s engaging teaching style and interactive approach enable participants to discover the joy of music while developing fundamental skills and knowledge.

By offering educational music classes at local libraries, Nixida Ansolone fosters accessibility to music education, enriching the cultural fabric of her community. Her commitment to sharing the gift of music extends beyond private lessons, as she strives to cultivate a broader appreciation for the arts and inspire a love for music in individuals of all ages within our community.

Through her remarkable talent, dedication, and passion for piano and music education, Nixida Ansolone stands as a beacon of inspiration, empowering her students and contributing to the vibrant musical landscape of Bergen County and beyond.

Meet Our Team

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