Annie O’Neill grew up in a large, musical family in Spokane, Washington where she was very active in school choirs and high school theater. She found a love of music at a young age, singing with her siblings to their barber shop quartet songs and listening to her older sister playing guitar. She got her first guitar at age 6 underneath the Christmas tree- and she’s been playing, singing and writing since then.
Annie studied Vocal Jazz for a couple years at Cornish College Of The Arts in Seattle during the late ‘80’s . Her love of jazz is still going strong- and so is her love for acoustic guitar and songwriting. She was also a busker at Seattle’s Pike Place Market during the ‘90’s , as well as teaching preschool for many years, and exploring different musical genres along the way as a solo artist.
Recently, Annie was commissioned by the University Of Washington Early Childhood Education Department to write 3 original songs for a new Washington state teachers curriculum project- a compilation album for teachers and children . Here she wove together her extensive experience working with youth, her unique songwriting skills and creative writing imagination .
Annie performs regularly around Seattle and surrounding areas… including some acoustic performances last year in Ireland with fellow songwriters there . Whether it’s an Irish ballad , or a rock song- she’s got the chops and happy to share her passion for music and years of experience with others. Her two main Seattle- based projects are ‘Steve Aliment & Annie O’Neill Band’- Americana, Soul & Rock, originals- and her Jazz Trio with Beth & Jim Wulff- piano, drums & vocals-jazz, blues & originals. She is also called to be a special guest vocalist with many bands throughout the year on a regular basis. Annie is comfortable as a lead singer in the spotlight- as well as being able to blend in with vocal harmonies and being part of a band .
She has always taken a very organic approach to her acoustic guitar and songwriting- learning songs by ear quite often-while also understanding the importance of regular practice and rehearsal. No matter what age we are, there are always new things to learn. Her approach is joyful and non- judgmental.
Whether it’s on stage performing- or in your own living room practicing your favorite song- Annie aims to encourage a love of music & the arts through self - expression , while building up our skills and community along the way.
Tip Your Teacher! Venmo @Annie-ONeill-77267
