Piano Performance Arts Academy
The Art of Teaching at its Finest
IN-PERSON AND ONLINE LESSONS
IN-PERSON AND ONLINE LESSONS
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 currently serves 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.
JOANNA XIMENES
Co-Founder
Ms. Ximenes, a native of Kentucky, studied early in her life at the Conservatory of the Royal College of Music of London in Zimbabwe. After graduating from Georgetown College, with bachelor’s degrees in piano and music education, she taught music privately and in schools from the elementary level to university for 28 years in Brazil.
Ms. Ximenes returned to Kentucky in 2000 and earned her master’s degree in piano and music education from Campbellsville University, where she then served on the faculty. She also taught at Lindsey-Wilson College and the Community Music Program at the University of Louisville.
Prior to joining Piano Performance Arts Academy, Ms. Ximenes maintained a private studio since 1972, in Brazil, Kentucky and since 2016 in Tampa Bay. She has performed in Brazil, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina, and Florida as a soloist, an accompanist, and chamber music ensembles.
Ms. Ximenes is a member of the Music Teachers National Association, Florida State MTA, Mid-State MTA, and The National Guild of Piano Teachers (Teacher Division of the American College of Musicians).
