Biography of Jodi DiPiazza

B i o g r a p h y

About Jodi

Jodi DiPiazza, born October 3, 2001, is an American musical prodigy, composer, vocalist, singer-songwriter, and dedicated autism advocate. Diagnosed with autism before her second birthday, Jodi has inspired audiences worldwide with her extraordinary talent and resilience. Recognized for her absolute pitch, she began playing the piano at age three, reproducing songs by ear with remarkable precision. A multi-instrumentalist, Jodi excels at piano, guitar, clarinet, and ukulele, creating and performing across genres including classical, jazz, pop, rock, Broadway, and opera. Currently, Jodi is pursuing a career as a singer-songwriter and is set to release her highly anticipated debut album, Believe, in late 2025.

Education

Jodi is a graduate of Rollins College in Orlando, Florida, where she studied music and was inducted into the prestigious music honor society Pi Kappa Lambda. She also graduated from the Mannes College of Music Preparatory Division in New York City, where she was accepted into the composition honors program at age 10.

Early Achievements

At age 9 in 2010, Jodi wrote and performed the original song “Heroes of Autism” for Toys R Us in support of a fundraiser for Autism Speaks, which raised over $3 million. Her compositional talent earned her recognition as a four-time finalist in the ASCAP Young Composers Awards, showcasing her exceptional ability to craft music across multiple genres.

Notable Performances and Media Appearances

Jodi’s international breakthrough came in October 2012 when she performed a duet of “Firework” with Katy Perry at Comedy Central’s “Night of Too Many Stars” at New York City’s Beacon Theatre. The televised event raised over $4 million for autism education and went viral, leading to features in newspapers, magazines, radio, and television worldwide, including Bop and Popstar magazines. Jodi received thousands of emails, letters, and cards from parents of children with autism, inspired by her performance. Since then, she has performed at over 200 fundraisers for organizations such as The Arc, AutismNJ, Autism Speaks, Children’s Aid and Family Services, and The Special Olympics.In October 2012, Jodi sang “Tomorrow” from Annie on Good Morning America. She returned to “Night of Too Many Stars” in February 2015, performing “Yoda” with “Weird” Al Yankovic and the Action Play Chorus, a group of autistic children, in another viral performance. In 2017, Jodi appeared on the HBO special of “Night of Too Many Stars,” delivering a powerful duet of “Rise Up” with Cynthia Erivo to a standing ovation.

Recent Activities

Jodi is currently focused on her burgeoning career as a singer-songwriter, with her debut album "Believe" slated for release in late 2025. The album showcases her versatility across genres and her deeply personal songwriting, reflecting her journey and advocacy. Based between NYC-NJ and Orlando, Jodi continues to balance her music career with her advocacy work.

Advocacy and Impact

Diagnosed with autism at a young age, Jodi uses her music and platform to advocate for autism awareness and support. Her performances and story highlight the potential of individuals with autism when provided with opportunities and encouragement. Through her music, Jodi inspires hope, demonstrating that with dedication and belief in oneself, anything is possible.