Participant Biographies and Project Descriptions

Dyana Preti
Dyana began performing in piano recitals at age five and had mastered classical piano pieces by age ten. For several years she produced musical theater for the City of San Marcos and performed lead roles, she has been a professional vocalist at various venues, taught piano and vocal lessons since 1987, and designed a music curriculum for preschooler’s that is widely utilized today. She opened her own music studio in 2004 which has grown to serve over 100 youth and adult students. She also directs show choirs and children’s chorus in the local schools. Dyana holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication.

Dyana plans to share her love of music with those less fortunate. She will teach piano and voice, group music, preschool drum circles, and choir to families pulling themselves out of homelessness. Dyana is enthusiastic about the year ahead and states, “The feeling of isolation can be progressively dissolved through the steady mentoring of a partnership between the student and the artist. This will lead to greater self-esteem and self-confidence. Music engages!” Dyana hopes to “open the door to a life-long love of music” with families working to create a stable home base. She has chosen the North County Solutions for Change as her nonprofit venue. The Solutions for Change programs provide housing, employment, and educational opportunities to over 180 homeless children and their families on a continual basis. They are very excited to be offering music lessons to a population that has few opportunities for any creative experience or outlet. The staff at Solutions for Change is planning to set up and decorate a special room designated for Dyana’s music classes.