About Danielle Grace

A Passion for Music Danielle Grace’s lifelong passion for music began at age six with formal piano lessons, where her natural musical ability quickly became evident. By age seven, she had added alto saxophone to her studies, earning a place in her elementary school’s top band at an unusually young age. Alongside her instrumental training, Danielle also discovered a deep love of vocal music that would continue throughout her life. Her musical talents flourished in high school. Danielle served as first chair alto saxophonist in the wind ensemble, performed in the audition-only Schola Cantorum, and was selected for the NJ All-State Choir both years she auditioned. She frequently accompanied choirs on piano and earned statewide recognition for her jazz saxophone solos. In her senior year, she was chosen as drum major, leading the marching band both on the football field and internationally at the Harrogate Music Festival in England. She also starred as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes, highlighting her love for musical theater and performance. Throughout these years, Danielle remained deeply committed to piano study, preparing for a career in performance. She trained under Ena Bronstein Barton at Westminster Choir College Conservatory and attended intensive summer programs at both Westminster and the prestigious Oberlin Conservatory. Her dedication earned her multiple competition honors, including first prize in the Merit Award Scholarship competition. Danielle was accepted to both Oberlin Conservatory and Ithaca College, where she received a performance-based scholarship, and later continued her studies in music education at the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. After completing her studies, Danielle built a multifaceted career in music. She served as music director for numerous community theater productions, and worked professionally in piano sales with a Steinway & Sons and Yamaha dealer. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Princeton Steinway Society.

Now based in Maryland, Danielle runs her Grace Note Studies, the piano studio she founded in 2003, where she enjoys working with students of all ages. With her children now grown and out on their own, she is able to devote even more time to teaching, performing, and collaborating in the community. She is a staff pianist at her Unitarian Universalist church, and an active performer in the region. Danielle plays for weddings and events, and has served as accompanist for the Frederick Chorale, where she was previously an alto section leader and vice president. Since 2014, she served as accompanist for the BC Singers at Buckingham’s Choice and will assume the role of Director beginning in fall 2026. Since 2023, Danielle has expanded her work with older adult musicians through Encore Creativity for Older Adults, where she serves as both Collaborative Pianist and Director for several choral ensembles. This work reflects her deep belief in the lifelong value of music-making and community. Danielle has also pursued conducting studies through mentorship with Elizabeth Schulze, Music Director of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, further strengthening her work as a choral musician and ensemble leader. In addition to her classical background, Danielle’s musical experience spans many genres. She has performed in vocal and instrumental ensembles, played keyboards and sung in pop and rock bands, and continues to write original music. Danielle’s musical tastes are eclectic, encompassing jazz, contemporary styles, and the rich piano repertoire of the Russian Romantic era. She believes that a strong musical foundation begins with the classics and is passionate about helping students develop both technical skill and a lifelong appreciation for music.