Marissa Pontecorvo

Marissa was discovered by her kindergarten teacher who asked her to sing at her kindergarten graduation. She didn't take that discovery seriously, because she thought she would be a classical pianist. She won the Lucy Moses concerto Competition at the age of 8 and debuted with the Julliard Orchestra at Merkin Hall in New York City. At the age of 9, she won a Young Artist Competition and received a concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City. She always sang, but just for fun.

She started to take her voice seriously at 12 years old. She needed a break from the intensity and pressures of classical piano, and began singing for relaxation. She started to get noticed more and more because of her vocal ability. This eventually led to a meeting with songwriter/teacher Tina Shafer, who developed her and had the idea of combining both of her talents into something truly unique.

Marissa has been heading music ministry by leading her church in worship since the age of 14. She feels called to spread the word of God. It was what felt right to her and to everyone who has heard her music.

She's been invited to open for Jessie McCartney, has performed with Grammy winner song writer Gordon Chambers, and recently performed at the Bitter End with Vanessa Carlton (5 time Grammy nominee) and Jessie Harris, Grammy winner (Songwriter of the year 2003). She has also been featured in this year's Disney's Jingle Jam. In addition to writing and performing her music, Marissa has been featured in several top Teen magazines, and has used her voice on numerous national spots. She recently graduated from the College of Staten Island with a Bachelors Degree in Music. Last year, she auditioned to be a contestant on the hit reality show American Idol and made it to the Top 60 contestants.