Tony Silva is an adjunct faculty member of the Five College consortium in western Mass, where he has accompanied dance classes since 2003. Before that he was himself a dancer for 20 years.

The son of two artists, Silva was born in NYC in 1962, and has been involved with music and dance since childhood. He earned a BFA in dance from the University of Massachusetts in 1994, then moved back to NYC to choreograph, perform and teach dance for the next nine years. This experience left him uniquely qualified to accompany dance classes as he understands the needs of the dancers and the teacher.

Tony has been greatly aided by mentors Peter Jones and Mike Vargas in his development as an accompanist. He has played master classes for David Dorffman, Lisa Race, Liz Lerman, Darrell Jones, Tommy Neblett, Keith Thompson, Paul Matteson, Adele Myers, Marjorie Folkman (Mark Morris), Adisa Weeks, Paul Dennis as well as many long-time Five College faculty members.

Tony blends electronics with acoustic instruments to produce a punchy mix that motivates dancers. He creates rich sonic atmospheres with a wide variety of instruments, from synthesizers, percussion and chimes, to guitar and flutes. Having gone through professional dance training himself, Tony is very tuned-in to supporting the class structure created by the teacher.

Silva Music for Dance Class CD series is in the works.
For a history of Tony Silva's dance career, click here.

Liz Lerman master class at Hampshire College Spring 2010