FRANCESCO

ADDANTE

St. Petersburg & Tampa Bay, Florida

Every performer has a story. Mine began long before I stepped behind a DJ booth.

Growing up, I discovered my passion for performing through the North Shore Dance and Theater Company, where I was introduced to the stage at an early age. Around the same time, I began taking private piano lessons, opening the door to a lifelong love of music. As the years went on, that passion expanded into guitar, singing, acting, and choreographed dance, giving me an appreciation for every aspect of live performance.

As my interest in music continued to grow, I knew I wanted to turn that passion into a career. That journey led me to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where I earned my bachelor's degree in Music Technology. While studying, I immersed myself in audio engineering, music production, recording, live sound, and DJ performance, combining technical knowledge with artistic creativity.

Outside the classroom, I found another stage. I began performing across the University of Illinois campus before expanding into Chicago's nightlife scene, where I developed my identity as a DJ and entertainer. Performing in clubs, bars, and live venues taught me how to read a crowd, create unforgettable moments, and bring energy to every event.

After graduating, I brought that experience to Florida, continuing to grow as both a performer and an educator. Today, I perform at nightclubs, weddings, private events, festivals, piano venues, and live-band performances while also teaching aspiring DJs as an instructor at Beat Music Academy in St. Petersburg. Whether I'm behind the DJ booth, seated at the piano, producing music in the studio, or mentoring the next generation of artists, my mission remains the same: to create meaningful experiences through music.

Looking back, every chapter—from my first piano lesson to performing on stage, earning my degree, teaching students, and entertaining audiences—has shaped who I am today. And this journey is only just beginning.