Lisa is a highly accomplished musician, vocalist, songwriter, and mentor with a diverse range of experiences in the music industry. She earned her bachelor's degree in Vocal Jazz Performance from NYU, where she studied with some of the greats in the jazz industry, including Joe Lovano, Marion Cowings, and Kim Kalesti. Lisa had the honor of singing with Harry Connick Jr., at The Knickerbocker Saloon in New York City.
One of Lisa's most notable achievements is her pioneering work in the jazz for kids movement, which she accomplished through her award-winning CD series, Jazz for Kids. Her efforts have been recognized worldwide, and she currently hosts the jazz for kids show on WETF The jazz station in South Bend, Indiana.
As a singer and songwriter, Lisa has released over 10 albums of original music across various genres. Her work has been featured in numerous TV shows, including Blue Bloods, The Young and the Restless, and Dolly Parton's Heartstrings on Netflix. Additionally, Lisa was a finalist in the 2004 Boston Pops search, where she performed with Keith Lockhart at Symphony Hall.
Lisa is a dedicated mentor to her students, providing guidance and support for musical theater auditions, American Idol, college applications, and other music-related endeavors. Many of her students have gone on to attend prestigious schools such as Berklee College of Music.
Currently, Lisa is working on three new musical theater projects. One is a musical called Me, Myself, and Jill with playwright Craig O'Connor, which will be a part of an Off-Broadway developmental series in New York City this October, where she will serve as both the musical director and creator. One, a docu-play with music called Painting Life in Pictures, about the life of her sister, Yochi Yakir Avin, a professional artist, which will make its debut in South Florida September 2024, and one with her three collaborators which will be in workshop soon.
Lisa also manages the career of legacy jazz vocalist Shawnn Monteiro.
Overall, Lisa is a talented and accomplished musician who continues to make significant contributions to the music industry while inspiring and mentoring the next generation of musicians.
Here's a fun fact: Lisa attended NYU- Tisch School of the arts with Adam Sandler and even performed in a coffeehouse together at Brittany Hall in 1985.