Music is a wonderful and special part of life. Whether or not it becomes one’s profession, there are so many opportunities to explore, friends to make, places to go, concerts to hear or participate in…….if you are fortunate enough to play an instrument. Playing the accordion is one of the most special instruments that a person can learn. The people who play it and the people who love it are a very unique group of individuals.

Dr.Anthony “Tip” Ciotti has enjoyed playing the accordion for his entire life! He was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware where he began his accordion studies at the Laravela Music School. He played on his first recital at the age of 5 at the Children’s Theater and there he met the famous Charles Magnante who was the guest artist.

Anthony completed his studies with Magnante’s friend and fellow premiere artist, composer, and director, Daniel Desiderio of Parkside, PA. Over the years “Tip” competed in and won several local and national competitions while also playing with his quartet in the Wilmington area.

After graduating from the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Dental Medicine, Anthony served a full career as a dentist in the U.S. Navy. During this time, he performed in a wide range of venues throughout the USA, Europe, and the Far East including solo concert work as well as television.

Since retiring from the Navy, Anthony has lived in Virginia Beach with his wife, Carol, also a retired Navy dentist, and their three children. He and Carol perform locally in the Tidewater Viginai area where she accompanies him on percussion instruments including a unique bass instrument called a marimbula.

In October 2007, a fellow local accordionist, Sid Sward, and Anthony established the Accordion Lovers Club of Virginia, an informal group who practice in his home once a month. It is a small but dedicated group which always welcomes anyone who shares the love of the accordion.

Anthony was a participant in the January 2010 Frank Marocco Accordion Event in Arizona where he performed several solos. On June 12, Anthony performed at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts as part of a fund raiser for Virginia Musical Theatre. The program featured twelve local musical and dance artists and groups who have performed both nationally and internationally. The Sandler Center, situated in the heart of Virginia Beach, is known for its impeccable acoustics and has hosted such luminaries as Tony Bennett, The Moscow Ballet and the Virginia Symphony among many others.

Tip also entertained his teacher, Daniel Desiderio, at his surprise 80th birthday party held on June 26th. Everyone greatly appreciated Anthony’s virtuosity and enthusiasm for the accordion.

For further information: ceciotti@cox.net