Rania Toli

What do you teach at Loudlands?

Voice, piano

When did you start playing?

I began piano at age 8, and a few years later, singing naturally became part of my musical expression.

What's your favorite aspect of music or your instrument?

One of my favorite aspects of music is its ability to tell stories and connect people across cultures, emotions, and experiences. When it comes to my instrument, I find singing to be deeply healing and fun!

Who are some of your favorite bands/musicians and why?

Aaaah what a difficult question! My favorites change with time but the last couple of years I have been obsessed with Agnes Obel. I think she is an amazing artist. I also love and have been listening to all the famous jazz singers like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and many more, for years. You will definitely catch me listening to a lot of Brazilian and Latin music. Sometimes Greek music too!

What are some of your current and/or past music projects?

I have worked with many bands in Greece since 2010. The last few years I was part of various vocal ensembles at Berklee and New England Conservatory and worked with many friends on their projects and recordings. Currently my new project is working on my original music. I released my first single on March 2025 and getting ready for the next one very soon!

How would you describe your music and playing style?

My music is definitely Jazz influenced but also has some world music elements to it. I try to combine sounds from my region in Greece with Jazz and other genres. I take inspiration from different styles of music and I love combine them together in my concerts and original music.

Can you please describe your gear of choice?

For singers the standard microphone has been the Shure Beta 58. I happen to prefer the Shure Beta57 instead because it works so well with my voice. There are also some great Sennheiser mics that I like. As for keyboards, I have a Nord electro 5D and a small midi keyboard.

Any general advice you'd like to give to beginner musicians or someone looking to get started?

Start your musical journey with an open heart and an open mind. When you approach learning this way, it won’t feel like a chore, or a competition. Trust yourself and trust the process. Every musician you admire once started from zero, and step by step, they built their way up.

Aside from playing/making music, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?

I love cooking, watching movies/series, going for walks and I love traveling a lot. I also love hanging with my dogs and my friends and family.

If you were battling a physically identical but evil android version of yourself on top of a skyscraper during a thunderstorm and someone miraculously intervened, how would they know which one was the real you?

You would never find me on the top of a skyscraper during a thunderstorm, I'm afraid of heights !!! Unless I had a superpower! Then you would totally see me fighting something on the top of a skyscraper (the android wouldn't be able to cook Greek food).