About Me

StanJo Music began over 2 decades ago. It has constantly evolved with various incarnations and always improving. My name is John Stanley and I am the Owner of StanJo Music. Clever name, yes? Out of the mouth of babes… one evening, with dozens of possible names for the business being tossed around, my daughter says, “I like StanJo. It rhymes with banjo!” I tell you this story as a reminder—as The Beatles sang, “Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends.” … a small spark or a big push.

Music is a tool that can soothe the soul. Studies show that certain chords can bring about certain feelings. I use that power in my music through happy tempos, joyful chords, and soothing tones. I use the knowledge gained while obtaining my bachelor’s degree in Sociology and the 20+ combined years of musical engagement and work with the mentally challenged.

One of my first summer jobs was a junior camp counselor. In addition to the usual responsibilities, I would perform in the annual musical production. I quickly noticed that when I asked the audience sing along with me, there was excitement and joy. After college, I began working with autistic children. When the students had difficulty with their lessons, I would sing instructions to them. The results were both astounding and heart-warming! When entertaining the elderly, the result was humming, nodding of heads, tapping of feet. I found the response equally heart-warming.

Well, I didn’t know it at the time, but looking back, I experienced a “moment,” an epiphany of sorts. I’ll explain–While working in a high school with autistic children, I was performing a holiday concert sing-a-long. Fifteen years later, at a different venue, one of the students from that high school recognized me and said, “I remember you! You used to play that white piano in the cafeteria.” The POWER OF MUSIC had such an effect on him, that over 15 years later, he remembered me and the music!! It seems that it influenced me, too.

Being passionate about my love for enhancing lives through music would be an understatement. Happiness, increased self-esteem and memory, fine and gross motor skills can all be enhanced by engaging in music. Music is a HEALING experience.

In closing, yes, there is a non-professional side to me—I truly love spending quality time with my family, and I find great fun and pleasure in playing tennis!