By Mark De Leon
Dean Aivaliotis is a talented pianist, performer and producer based in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) who found his passion for music at the age of 5. Growing up Dean would take piano lessons, but it wasn’t until High School that his real journey began. Over the years, he has performed and played a supporting role for many notable artists and helped produce many records.
“Our music teacher was the director for my High School band, who really pushed me as a musician,” says Aivaliotis. “It was great to have structure, with regular rehearsals and performances and being responsible on my part. It was a way to be formally introduced to being a member of a band.”
It was Film and TV that drew him to music, especially when watching Star Wars at the age of 6. He knew he had a connection with music when he found he was more attracted to the soundtrack over the force and lightsabers. Ever since, he found that music really helps bring stories to life.
From a High School jazz band, to performing at weddings and producing multiple records, the musician reminisces on his difficult start.
“It was difficult. I can’t lie about that, however, once you start rolling and building a reputation, eventually people will come to you. When you do get an opportunity, it’s important to build relationships and make the most out of your scenario. Apart from being a great musician, the intangibles are what makes you stand out – your reliability, being trustworthy and accountable.”
The musician continued his education in music, leading to a Master’s Degree in composition at York University. It was during his time at York where he began to understand the importance of music, learning the value of free improvisation and how the skills and knowledge you gain can be transferred into other mediums of art and life as a whole.
“I had a course that changed my life not only as a musician, but as a human being. We took an approach to view music as concepts and as a human experience. What we might perceive as limitations and confines, there is opportunity for variation and improvement. It is important to challenge yourself and grow”.
The journey in music was not without challenges.
As a beginner, it is important to recognize the value of learning and gaining experience. “Understand that there is a lot to gain and prove when starting out. Getting the experience and the chance to showcase your skillset is important. At an earlier stage of your career, building your reputation and getting recognized is more valuable than getting a higher pay.”
“The main wedding band I play with now, I subbed in for their keyboard player at the time in a Toronto bar called the Antler Room. I knew a lot of their songs, and eventually the keyboard player would call me for other events he couldn’t do. He decided to step down, and that was how I got the position.”
During the initial outbreak of COVID-19, he found it difficult as a musician to gain opportunities.
“It was rough,” he stated. “I took it as an opportunity to learn the world of production. Learning the basics of sound design, arrangements, and practicing. That was how I spent my time in the early days of quarantine.”
Aivaliotis continues to improve in his art every day and believes that music is essential for everyone. “Music is more than just a collection of theories, notes and rhythms”.
“Music brings people together,” he elaborates. “We’re all impacted differently. At a live concert environment everyone is listening to the same music from the same artist. However, we can all experience different feelings and remind ourselves of different memories. It can be as small as an icebreaker, to being something that saves people’s lives. There are people who used music to help them stay together. Those are rich human experiences that can’t be ignored. We take for granted how much music is a part of our daily lives, whether it’s on the news or our alarms in the morning.”
