Rio Clemente began his career with a BMI Scholarship for musical theatre and subsequent studies at Julliard School of Music. Along with his classical training, Rio developed a style of embracing a diversity of music that makes him an expressive, versatile pianist.

After several television appearances, Rio advanced to playing at the JVC Jazz Festival, the Newport Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center. He has entertained audiences in Europe, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands, and Antigua. He has performed at the United Nations and has appeared with the Jefferson Symphony in Golden, CO, with the Livingston (NJ) Symphony and with ensemble groups like the Morris Choral Society and Orchestra. Rio performed at the White House representing the US Coast Guard and all Auxiliaries.

Rio has served as music director for the Generations of Jazz program of the New Jersey Jazz Society. He has recorded under contract for Melody Music, Satellite Records, Riff Records and Holland labels, Showplace Musik Productions and has published ten CDs under his own Etnemelc Music Productions label.

As a composer, he has written a number of selections ranging from Gospel to Latin, and orchestral arrangements. In collaboration with lyricist/author Carmine Lombardo, Rio has composed the music for four musicals including the family musical, “Dare To Dream.” He has also performed Dave Brubeck’s Mass “To Hope! A Celebration.”