Pianist and coach John Arida has cultivated relationships with some of classical music’s most esteemed performers both on and off the stage, including Julia Bullock, Patrick Carfizzi, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Samantha Hankey, Christian Van Horn, Isabel Leonard, Golda Schultz and Jack Swanson. Arida has appeared as a collaborative pianist across the U.S., Canada and Mexico at notable venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Aspen Music Festival and Tanglewood.

Beyond the concert stage, Arida has assisted conductors including Harry Bicket, Daniela Candillari, John DeMain, Christian Reif, Speranza Scappucci and Emmanuel Villaume. Arida has been a member of the music staff of the Santa Fe, Washington National, Central City and Virginia operas; the Lakes Area Music and Castleton festivals; and Juilliard. A strong supporter of grassroots festivals, Arida was the music director for the inaugural seasons of the Emberlight Festival in Ironwood, Michigan, and the Creede (Colorado) Musical Arts Collective.

Arida has recorded two albums with his frequent collaborator, mezzo-soprano Megan Marino. Their first album, The Traveled Road (Ravello Records), featured the music of Evan Mack. Their second, It’s You I Like (Lexicon Classics), contains songs that celebrate childhood.

Arida has held fellowships at the Aspen Music Festival and Music Academy of the West. He earned the Master of Music degree in collaborative piano from Juilliard and a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from SUNY Purchase.