My name is Stela Valasi. I was born in Athens, Greece, in 1981.
My first musical steps involved Keyboards in "Philippos Nakas Conservatory", from where I graduated in 2002 with an 'Electric Organ Diploma, Grade 5 from Yamaha Music Foundation'. That first experience will always follow me in my music path.
During my schooling in the "Experimental Music High School of Pallini" I became familiar with different styles of music (traditional Greek music, Byzantine music, introduction to Arabic and Jazz music) and I learned various musical instruments, including the Recorder (soprano, alto), Flute, Piano and Tembur (saz).
That time also found me studying 'Classical and Jazz Theory of Music' and 'Jazz Analysis' with bassist, Kostas Konstantinou and guitarist, Gregoris Batsis; additionally, I had a great time studying close to two excellent flutists: Stella Gadedi and Katerina Zenz, trying to discover the flute beyond limits.
Starting from 2003 and for two years, I managed my own Department of Music at the Municipality of Cholargos, where I was teaching keyboards and theory of music to kids; during that time we staged various performances and musical plays. Although the department is no longer active, I'm still teaching various instruments as well as theory to young children.
In 2005 I graduated from "Atheneaum Conservatory" with a 'Diploma of Classical Harmony and Solfège' and three years later, it was my graduation from "Philippos Nakas Conservatory" with a 'Diploma of Jazz Analysis; a Study of Miles Davis'.
I have taken part in several jazz concerts and since December 2012, I'm an active member of Athens' Jazz Scene. Currently, I'm developing my skills into jazz groups in Malmö, Sweden, where I live since July 2013.
Finally, apart from musical stuff, I study French literature and I enjoy dancing Lindy Hop, painting, jogging, swimming and walking in the countryside.
