Music has always been a part of Manny Perez's life, from the Latin rhythms of his native Cuba to the world of opera and classical music that he became immersed in as an adolescent. Music transcends borders and language, and for Manny, who immigrated to the United States at age 5, it was an outlet and a respite that would become his lifelong career.

Manny's interest in music began at an early age, and he was encouraged by his teachers at Coral Gables Senior High School, where he was extremely active in the music department, playing tuba and as student conductor in the marching band, singing in the chorus and performing in the drama department musicals. A tuba scholarship took him to Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas but after two years he returned to Miami to complete his music studies at the University of Miami, receiving a Bachelors degree in Music Education.

Manny had always dreamed of becoming an opera singer, so while still in college, he joined the opera chorus of the Greater Miami Opera, performing alongside his idols Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti. His pursuit of an operatic career took him to New York City to continue his vocal studies. To supplement his income while pursuing his performing career, Manny put his musical background to good use and took a job at Ostrosvsky Yamaha Pianos in Manhattan. Manny quickly discovered he was not only a musician, but also a salesman, and eventually, one of the most sought after piano salesmen in the business. After seven years of selling Yamahas, Manny was asked to manage the Frank & Camille's piano department at Macy's Herald Square, which eventually became the sole Yamaha dealer in New York City. While working at Macy's, he shipped pianos to all ends of the world.
Longing to return to Miami, Manny accepted an offer to manage Hale Piano on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. Hale Piano was a fixture in South Florida, and Manny was just the person to bring new life and a fresh perspective to the business. When Mr. Hale retired and Hale Pianos closed, Manny was determined to use his expertise to create a new and original business, combining fine art and the artistry of music and pianos. Piano & Art Galeria was conceived and is now housed at the old Riviera Cinema building on South Dixie Highway in Coral Gables.

Some of the world's most talented visual artists and world renowned performers are featured at the store in monthly art shows and musical soirees. The Music Trades recently featured Manny for being one of the most innovative retailers in the country for his use of fine art and pianos by Baldwin, Bosendorfer, George Steck, Petrof, Schimmel, Vogel, Young Chang and used Yamaha's.