Refiye Tappan

Biography

Refiye is a pianist hailing from the U.K. and is now working in both the D.C. and Hampton Roads, VA areas. She trained at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and at the University of Reading.

Alongside being a freelance music director and pit musician, Refiye is a collaborative pianist and coach for an arts school vocal department and university music theatre department.

Recent theatre credits as MD/Pianist/Associate MD and Conductor:
Fiddler on the Roof; Henry V; A Merry Little Christmas Carol 2021 & 2022 at Virginia Stage Company, VA.
Seussical at Keegan Theatre, D.C.
Max and Willy’s Last Laugh at Mosaic Theater Company, D.C.
Once On This Island at Constellation Theatre Company, D.C.
Always Patsy Cline at Creative Cauldron, VA.

Refiye has also worked as a pianist with the following institutions/organizations: Hub Opera Ensemble, MD; British International School Of Washington, D.C.; Arlington Public Schools, VA; Norfolk Public Schools, VA; Prince George’s County Public Schools, MD; Children’s Choir of Washington, D.C.; Arts Fairfax, VA; Friday Morning Music Club, D.C.; M Institute for the Arts, D.C.; American University, D.C.; Synetic Theater, VA; Anderson House, D.C.; Virginia Opera, VA; 1st Stage, VA.

She is a two-time nominee for a Helen Hayes award for Outstanding Music Direction for her work in “On Air” at Creative Cauldron, VA, and “Once On This Island” at Constellation Theatre Company, D.C. in 2020 and 2023 respectively.