Toni C. Stanley has more than 30 years of guitar performance and education experience. Her passion for music began at the young age of 10 when she began taking guitar lessons in Columbus, Ohio.
At 12-years-old, she started playing for church services and school talent shows with her brother, Bill, accompanying her on drums. Today, Toni excels in guitar, bass, banjo, harmonica, and vocals.
Toni graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Her degree in education combined with her vast guitar performance experience gives Toni a solid foundation in teaching beginner and advanced guitar skills to children and teens.
Even though Toni’s heart belongs to music, she wanted to pursue a career that would provide stability for her family while still allowing her the flexibility to follow her musical pursuits. After spending some time as a substitute teacher and playing in bands, she began a career at IBM Corporation where she worked as a computer operator, systems analyst, and technical writer over a 15-year period.
During that time, Toni never let her dream of becoming a musician die. She continued to write music and sing country, bluegrass, classic rock, and contemporary rock. After work hours and on weekends, Toni performed at many venues in the San Francisco Bay area including The Great America Theme Park, and San Quintan Prison. She was also asked throughout her career at IBM to perform at company functions.
When Toni and her husband, Chuck, moved to Florida, she performed a variety of gigs including the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) events at the Morosso Race Track in West Palm Beach where Chuck raced. Later, Toni, Chuck, and their daughter, Laci, moved to the Raleigh, N.C. area where Toni currently teaches guitar.
In 1984, Toni received honorable mention from Billboard Magazine for her remake and arrangement of “Johnny One Time.” On this record she was honored to have Grand Ole Opry star, Roy Drusky, sing a cameo recitation with her.
In 1991, Toni participated as a recording artist at the annual Country Music Association (CMA) Fan Fair Celebration in Nashville, promoting her original album “Now I’m A Lady.” This CD was recorded on the Nashville independent label, Round Robin, with producer, Jim Pierce.
Now I’m A Lady
You Are The Light Of My Day You Are The Light Of My Day
Don’t You Listen Don’t You Listen
In 1995, Toni was humbled to perform on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry; and in 1996 entertained at the new home of the Grand Ole Opry.
In 1996, Toni decided to pursue her dream full-time and began her own guitar-education program.
Her business, Toni’s Guitar Studio, quickly flourished and she now teaches several students six days a week and continues to perform, write music, and record original material.