Chris W Posted January 1, 2020 Share Posted January 1, 2020 Hey Everyone! Happy New Year to everyone - I hope you all have a great 2020 and to kick off this new year, the well deserved PWJ member spotlight for January goes to...... Anthony Malizia!! Anthony really has been a positive influence and inspiration in the Facebook member community and also the PWJ forum - he constantly encourages other pianists and gives support and help to those who need it. Thank you Anthony for all you do in the group!! Please show your appreciation for Anthony and his member spotlight! Where are you from? I am from the ole great Constitution State of the United Here States Of America, where the children of the past have paved the way for the children of the present. Where piano’s had what they have today, a universal language- and where the first congregational congressman has been invited to the galla ball, no I’m kidding about that, but the rest is true. When did you start playing piano? When I started taking lessons, I was about 5. I remember my sister first taking lessons but then stopped. So I figured why not, we have a piano, and if she’s not going to play, I will. So, I did! What got you interested in learning music? What got me interested? Well, when it first crossed my mind, it became a dream. A dream that I would one day become a big name, which unfortunately did not happen. BUT WHAT DID is I became the DUKE! That’s pretty awesome, and sorrry, but I take it to heart, it’s a big thing! WOW! THE DUKE, what? YES, that’s right? Let it sink in for a minute… What is your favorite style of piano music? My favorite style? I really don’t have one. I like all kinds of music. I was classically trained growing up and through college, but nothing I played would really- well… do it. It never got people to get up- well hold on now, I got a standing ovation in college for rhapsody in blue, so yeah, I kinda did- LOL, but not like what the KING does. Man, I even got up and started dancing when I first heard him play! Well, that’s what I wanted- I don’t, but it’s still something to strive for, right? Do you have any favorite pieces to play? I do. Jonny’s arrangements. LOL. All of them are SUPER awesome to play especially when you memorize them. My plan is to start playing at church so I get some experience playing for people again. What has helped you most in improving as a pianist? By being a part of this family- Every aspect of every single level of anything that has to do with growing musically. Knowing Jonny is at the helm and the fear that Yannick, if you drop the ball ONCE, will help you out, if not throwing you out. I remember when I first started this Italian dude ruined it, or tried to- for all of us, I mean he was really annoying, but anyways. Didn’t help, that’s the point. Do you have any tips for other PWJ members? Tips? Yes. Learn as much as you can, and be open to explore all the musical pathways because this is the real deal. I mean, you can come out a professional from here, and it’s literally a college degree. And not only that, but you interact with everyone on here on a daily basis, so besides this being like a family, you may end up making lifelong friends here and going back and forth with them on a daily basis on your own accord. Some advice I have, is if you are scared to record yourself, and you think you can’t because you might mess up, and you will end up doing it anyway because you might do well and you DO mess up, just remember that this is what we all want to see. Look, if you want perfection, go watch one of Jonny’s videos, it’s near perfect. You don’t need to be perfect, you don’t even have to sound like you know what your doing, cause that right there will be the difference in you progressing, or you staying where you are. SO, get used to feeling uncomfortable, that’s the only way to grow. Thank me later. What is your favorite part of the PWJ Membership? My favorite part? Hmm, let’s see…. Being able to witness the growth that comes from taking a lesson or a quicktip from the other members. Being with the same encouraging, motivating group all throughout the year and climbing alongside the same mountain. I especially like the FACT- that no one thinks they are better than anyone here, I mean we are on different levels, but that’s ok. We all reach for that same glistening star up above. We work as a team and see each other’s progress, hardships, and victories. Everyone respects each other, which is a big plus. Yannick comes out of the dark in a full out SPRINT if something goes down, he finds the problem, and if the prince got to get his fingers dirty, you better WATCH out! LOL What are your future music goals? My goals have always been consistent throughout my entire life. To be a performer. To sound awesome and be the best I can be. To get a gig playing on a piano in a mall or a retirement home, something low key. I’m not asking for much, believe me, maybe santa will grant my wish this year- who knows! That mall Ive been talking about is completed but doesn’t have a piano yet. Maybe THAT’S what the plan is- it won’t come until I have a few more songs memorized! LOL Do you have any words you try to live by or a favorite quote? YES. Rome wasn’t built in a day. 11 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe S Posted January 1, 2020 Share Posted January 1, 2020 YES!!! DUKE!!! DUKE!!! DUKE!!!💪🔥💪🎹 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ido B Posted January 1, 2020 Share Posted January 1, 2020 “Yannick comes out of the dark” 😂. Now I’m just imagining Yannick sitting in a dark room and his eyes light up as soon as a PWJ problem arises. Loved reading your spotlight, Anthony. So well deserved, Sir Duke! You constantly keep us motivated and on the path. Thank you for all that you do to make PWJ a brighter place. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💪💪🔥💪🔥🔥💪💪🎶🎶💪🔥🔥💥🔥 (Did I get that right)? 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony m Posted January 1, 2020 Share Posted January 1, 2020 1 hour ago, Ido B said: “Yannick comes out of the dark” 😂. Now I’m just imagining Yannick sitting in a dark room and his eyes light up as soon as a PWJ problem arises. Loved reading your spotlight, Anthony. So well deserved, Sir Duke! You constantly keep us motivated and on the path. Thank you for all that you do to make PWJ a brighter place. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💪💪🔥💪🔥🔥💪💪🎶🎶💪🔥🔥💥🔥 (Did I get that right)? LOL thanks ido! happy new year!💪🔥 He'll turn the corner in an ALL OUT SPRINT to find you too. And once he does, and you get that message, your heart drops! Mine does! It's like, well what's that? 15 strikes now? 😂 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yannick L Posted January 1, 2020 Share Posted January 1, 2020 1 hour ago, anthony m said: LOL thanks ido! happy new year!💪🔥 He'll turn the corner in an ALL OUT SPRINT to find you too. And once he does, and you get that message, your heart drops! Mine does! It's like, well what's that? 15 strikes now? 😂 Haha... that's too funny. Gotta do what I gotta do to keep the community & website going strong 🙂 Congrats Anthony. Love all your words of wisdom. Go get that gig this year! You can make it happen 👍 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annette T Posted January 1, 2020 Share Posted January 1, 2020 Congratulations, Anthony! Well deserved and thank you for all your enthusiasm and encouragement! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yvonne Y Posted January 2, 2020 Share Posted January 2, 2020 9 hours ago, Ido B said: “Yannick comes out of the dark” 😂. Now I’m just imagining Yannick sitting in a dark room and his eyes light up as soon as a PWJ problem arises. Loved reading your spotlight, Anthony. So well deserved, Sir Duke! You constantly keep us motivated and on the path. Thank you for all that you do to make PWJ a brighter place. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💪💪🔥💪🔥🔥💪💪🎶🎶💪🔥🔥💥🔥 (Did I get that right)? “Yannick comes out of the dark in full sprint”😂😂😂😂😆😆😆😆😆 Folks, I do believe we have our very own Jazz Ninja in the house! 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yvonne Y Posted January 2, 2020 Share Posted January 2, 2020 Congratulations to THE DUKE! I loved reading this- you are so encouraging and so entertaining. It’s really fun having you around to climb this mountain!💓 Your advice is spot on too, “Rome was not built in a day” and “Get used to being uncomfortable” .... I’ve only gotten better at anything when puttimg myself in “uncomfortable” situations. God bless ya and send me some gf cannolis from back east! Also, btw, you gotta watch those Italians...😂😂😂says the Spanish-Mexican-Sicilian😂. What a hoot. Congrats again, Tones! 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hiram L Posted January 2, 2020 Share Posted January 2, 2020 Congratulations and Happy New Year Anthony! You are the man, oops...I mean the Duke😊. I really appreciate all the positive energy and support that you bring to the PWJ community. I wish you all the best this year! Blessings, Hiram😃 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maeva L Posted January 2, 2020 Share Posted January 2, 2020 🔥💪🔥💪🔥💪 Congratulations, Anthony !! Well deserved !! Your passion is contagious !! 🔥💪🔥💪🔥💪 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonny May Posted January 2, 2020 Share Posted January 2, 2020 I second @Yvonne Y's congratulations to THE DUKE. A well-deserved recognition Anthony! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your responses, and love the advice you give. Especially this line: "SO, get used to feeling uncomfortable, that’s the only way to grow". And I think you can get that piano gig this year Anthony. I'm rooting for you! 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam A Posted January 3, 2020 Share Posted January 3, 2020 THE DUKE!!! Congratulations Anthony... this is so well-deserved! I would love to hear you play “Rhapsody in Blue” if you still remember it. Your description of Yannick cracks me up. When the PWJ movie is made, we need Robert DeNiro to play Yannick. Stepping out of the darkness to “whack” those problems when they arise. 😂 Seriously, your encouragement and humor is truly valued in the community. You’re the man! All the best landing that gig... I know it’s going to happen for you. 🔥🔥🔥 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony m Posted January 3, 2020 Share Posted January 3, 2020 thanks everyone for all the love! ❤️ YUP, rome was not built in a day.💪 Being uncomfortable is the BEST place to be if your looking to get better at anything. Mistakes are tiny bursts of success while a drop FACE FIRST (when you totally bomb out in front of others) to the ground is a wonderful addition to the reason 'WHY' you are where you are! . YOU WELCOME!🤣 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Novak Posted January 4, 2020 Share Posted January 4, 2020 Anthony! Congratulations on this most deserving accolade! How could I survive a new video or challenge or off the wall topic without all your Messenger checkins and daily contact. So much fun for me, you’ve become a great friend. I’ll be dropping in on you in 2020, for sure! Very proud of your achievements here at PWJ, and also very inspired and in awe of your tireless support of all the members, me included. Wishing you and your family the best of the best in 2020! GO DUKE!!! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony m Posted January 4, 2020 Share Posted January 4, 2020 2 hours ago, Brian Novak said: Anthony! Congratulations on this most deserving accolade! How could I survive a new video or challenge or off the wall topic without all your Messenger checkins and daily contact. So much fun for me, you’ve become a great friend. I’ll be dropping in on you in 2020, for sure! Very proud of your achievements here at PWJ, and also very inspired and in awe of your tireless support of all the members, me included. Wishing you and your family the best of the best in 2020! GO DUKE!!! Wow dr. Novak- 💪thanks man- 👌I appreciate the kind words! Yeah I wish u and ur family a prosperous new year as well!!❤️ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony m Posted January 4, 2020 Share Posted January 4, 2020 On 1/2/2020 at 1:02 AM, Hiram L said: Congratulations and Happy New Year Anthony! You are the man, oops...I mean the Duke😊. I really appreciate all the positive energy and support that you bring to the PWJ community. I wish you all the best this year! Blessings, Hiram😃 Thank u my man! Voice of god- I miss seeing ur posts... thanks for the well wishes!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony m Posted January 4, 2020 Share Posted January 4, 2020 On 1/2/2020 at 2:46 PM, Jonny May said: I second @Yvonne Y's congratulations to THE DUKE. A well-deserved recognition Anthony! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your responses, and love the advice you give. Especially this line: "SO, get used to feeling uncomfortable, that’s the only way to grow". And I think you can get that piano gig this year Anthony. I'm rooting for you! WOW thanks KING Disney!! I’m going for it- as soon as I see a piano there- I’ll Be all over it🔥💪💪💪🔥 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony m Posted January 4, 2020 Share Posted January 4, 2020 On 1/2/2020 at 2:03 AM, Maeva L said: 🔥💪🔥💪🔥💪 Congratulations, Anthony !! Well deserved !! Your passion is contagious !! 🔥💪🔥💪🔥💪 Thanks maeva- I think ur muscle fire is better than mine!!!👊💪🔥 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony m Posted January 4, 2020 Share Posted January 4, 2020 On 1/1/2020 at 11:08 PM, Yvonne Y said: Congratulations to THE DUKE! I loved reading this- you are so encouraging and so entertaining. It’s really fun having you around to climb this mountain!💓 Your advice is spot on too, “Rome was not built in a day” and “Get used to being uncomfortable” .... I’ve only gotten better at anything when puttimg myself in “uncomfortable” situations. God bless ya and send me some gf cannolis from back east! Also, btw, you gotta watch those Italians...😂😂😂says the Spanish-Mexican-Sicilian😂. What a hoot. Congrats again, Tones! Wait a minute- ur Spanish Mexican AND Sicilian?!!! Wow- well no wonder y then! Makes complete sense!😅. It’s the head shake and raised eyebrow time! (. Is he serious, or just kidding?)🤣👊. Thank u for ur constant encouragement and ur daily posts about ur hand- ? WHAAAAT? LOLOLOLOL. ❤️👌😅. No really though- I hope it’s nothing too serious !!! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony m Posted January 4, 2020 Share Posted January 4, 2020 On 1/1/2020 at 5:44 PM, Annette T said: Congratulations, Anthony! Well deserved and thank you for all your enthusiasm and encouragement! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Thank u annette!!❤️ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony m Posted January 4, 2020 Share Posted January 4, 2020 On 1/1/2020 at 4:26 PM, Yannick L said: Haha... that's too funny. Gotta do what I gotta do to keep the community & website going strong 🙂 Congrats Anthony. Love all your words of wisdom. Go get that gig this year! You can make it happen 👍 PRINCE!!! Thank u!! Full on sprint! Ussain BOLT sprint- that’s the kind I’m talking about! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry H Posted January 4, 2020 Share Posted January 4, 2020 Well done The Duke. Everything about you Anthony is full of sincerity and good humour. May our friendship continue to blossom. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony m Posted January 4, 2020 Share Posted January 4, 2020 8 hours ago, Terry H said: Well done The Duke. Everything about you Anthony is full of sincerity and good humour. May our friendship continue to blossom. absslutly will commodore! Thank you. 💪❤️ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiddlenfish Posted January 4, 2020 Share Posted January 4, 2020 The Duke of PWJ, I want to thank you too for all the encouragement that you've shared with me personally over the years...Congrats. We all appreciate the positive comments you give to the community. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony m Posted January 6, 2020 Share Posted January 6, 2020 thanks man, it's only gonna get more intense as time goes along.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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