Taunia, otherwise known as "Diva Taunia," is an award-winning professional vocalist and music educator, songwriter, choreographer, producer, director, and wears pretty much whatever hat is needed to get the job done.  She's a vocalist, trumpet player, and sometimes pianist and has had the great pleasure of performing with some phenomenal musicians like The Persuasions, Wayne Brady, Vox One, and many more.  Jazz greats Herb Pomeroy and Terence Blanchard described her as "A powerful vocalist with a warm, rich sound."

 

In 2008, Taunia weighed 320 lbs and it began affecting her music and career.  After numerous attempts to lose the weight on her own and with a growing list of co-morbidities and a family history that read like a death sentence, she decided to have gastric bypass surgery at Boston Medical Center.  The surgery was performed by Dr. Donald Hess and now, nearly eight years later, she is still maintaining her successful weight of 165 lbs (she's 5'7") and considered one of the weight loss surgery communities greatest success stories.

 

Through her weight loss, she was introduced to the world of fashion and pursued as a representative of many shapewear and fashion companies. Through her new "career" in fashion, she was able to work with SHAPE magazine, numerous television programs, and one of her dreams come true:  working with Tim Gunn of Project Runway fame on the ABC television program "The Revolution."

 

Taunia is also a passionate educator, and can often time be found working within the school systems teaching brass and woodwind sectionals as well as helping out with the middle school orchestras.  She teaches private lessons in voice, beginning piano and brass, as well as music theory, ear training, and her favorite program:  vocal improvisation.  Much of her teaching is now done online through the magic of technology!

 

Taunia is also a very passionate pet-owner and runs a successful dog-sitting business out of her home as well. (Truth be told, it's really just so that she can be around more dogs. Confirmed crazy dog lady!) She lives with her husband, also a professional musician, and their dog Julip in LA.