Piano Performance Arts Academy
Building Confidence Through Music
Professional Members of the Music Teachers National Association
"Our mission is to educate, guide, and inspire the students of the future."
About Us
ALINE GIAMPIETRO TRIFONOV
Founder and Artistic Director
Aline Giampietro Trifonov is a Brazilian-born pianist, educator, and performing artist dedicated to exploring the transformative power of music. She is the founder of Piano Performance Arts Academy, a premier piano studio where she mentors students of all ages in developing artistry, confidence, and their unique musical voice.
Aline holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Piano Performance and has built an internationally recognized studio whose students have received top honors in competitions and examinations, including invitations to perform at Carnegie Hall and consecutive Highest Honors in the Royal Conservatory of Music program. She is a sought-after adjudicator for music festivals and competitions and has served as Vice President for the Florida Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Competitions.
Beyond the studio, Aline is passionate about sharing music with the broader community. She created the “From the Piano Bench” Concert Series, bringing live music to concert halls, hospitals, retirement communities, and public spaces. Her work often explores the connection between music, mindfulness, and mental wellbeing, a topic she presents on nationally through her keynote lecture “The Powerful Connection Between Music and Mindfulness.”
Aline’s artistic projects frequently blend music with other art forms. Her program “Art in Motion: Midnight Summer Dream” combines piano performance with poetry by Portuguese poet Luís de Camões, and her creative work continues to bridge music, storytelling, and visual art.
In addition to her musical career, Aline is also an aerialist and performing artist who promotes the arts through multidisciplinary performances.
She is the author of the children’s book “Maya and the Magic Piano Keys,” created to inspire young musicians to discover the magic of music.
Originally from Fortaleza, Brazil, Aline believes that music has the power to inspire resilience, connection, and positive change in the world.
Mrs. Trifonov is an active member of the Music Teachers National Association, as well as the Florida and Tampa Music Teachers Associations. She is a Steinway Teacher and Educational Partner, and she was awarded the Steinway & Sons 2024 Top Piano Teacher Award.
Lauren Vaccaro
Fellowship Teaching Associate
Ms. Lauren Vaccaro, Fellowship Teaching Associate at Piano Performance Arts Academy, studied music and art at Florida State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2017. Since 2018, she has combined her passions for music, creativity, and education to serve her community through innovative piano teaching in Atlanta, GA, and Tampa, FL.
In 2020, Lauren witnessed the profound impact the pandemic and quarantine had on her elementary-aged piano students and felt a deep sense of responsibility to help uplift them through musical connection and creativity. This experience inspired her to further explore diverse repertoire and study underrepresented composers so she could provide a more inclusive and meaningful musical education for the next generation of students.
Lauren went on to pursue a Master of Music degree in Piano Pedagogy at Georgia State University, where she studied under Dr. Sergio Gallo. Her previous teachers include Dr. Joel Hastings, Dr. Christina Lai, Christina Toole, and Mary Wendelken.
As a graduate assistant, Lauren taught five levels of Group Piano and was recognized for the care, dedication, and encouragement she brought to her students. She also served as secretary of Georgia State University’s Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Collegiate Chapter and exhibited at the 2024 MTNA National Conference in Atlanta.
In the summer of 2023, Lauren received scholarship funding to participate in the Chopin Academy of Atlanta and the Chopin Academy of Vienna. These one-week festivals provided transformative opportunities through masterclasses, lessons, and lectures with internationally acclaimed pianists and educators.
After completing her graduate studies, serving as pianist at Conyers Presbyterian Church, and performing at various venues throughout Atlanta, Lauren returned to her hometown in Florida. She currently teaches and writes for Vaccaro Piano, where she develops creative teaching tools and resources for music educators. She is also the pianist for Bayshore Ensemble, a local chamber music group.
Since returning to Tampa, Lauren’s accomplishments include developing and directing two summer camps (2025), creating a gamified recital experience (2026), and attending the National Chopin Competition in Miami (2025). She is a member of the Tampa Music Teachers Association and a Steinway Teacher and Educational Partner.
Lauren is honored to join Piano Performance Arts Academy as a Fellowship Teaching Associate, where she will continue growing as an educator while inspiring students through creativity, artistry, and a lifelong love of music. She looks forward to contributing her passion for innovative teaching, thoughtful mentorship, and meaningful musical experiences to the PPA Academy community.
Kayla Reed
Fellowship Teaching Associate
Kayla Reed is a dedicated music educator and current Music Education student at the University of South Florida. She is passionate about helping students discover the joy of music while building confidence, creativity, and a strong musical foundation in a positive and encouraging environment.
Her educational journey began with studies in Music Education at the University of North Florida before earning her Associate of Arts degree from Hillsborough Community College. She is currently continuing her studies in Music Education at the University of South Florida, where she is expanding her knowledge in music pedagogy and performance.
As an instructor, Kayla has experience teaching both piano and voice lessons and enjoys working with students of all ages and abilities.
She has also served as a summer camp counselor, accompanied students during recitals, and supported recital performances, further developing her skills as both an educator and collaborative musician.
Kayla believes every student deserves a safe, welcoming space to learn, grow, and express themselves through music. '
Her goal is to inspire a lifelong love of music while helping each student reach their fullest potential through patient, individualized instruction. She is excited to continue growing as an educator and is honored to be part of the Piano Performance Arts Academy faculty.
