Piano with Jonathan S.

I am a professional musician based in the Tarzana area of Los Angeles, having recorded and performed in a wide variety of styles and projects. I am best known for my work in contemporary music styles that combine classical, jazz and pop sensibilities. Jonathan is perhaps best known for working with Alan White (Yes, John Lennon, George Harrison, Plastic Ono Band), a member of the band 'White' since 2008, and with a number of music's leading lights, including Mike Keneally (Frank Zappa, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai), Joe Travers (Zappa Plays Zappa, Duran Duran, Billy Idol), and Turn On Red – a jazz fusion collective dedicated to the music of bass legend Jaco Pastorius, featuring such luminaries as Grammy winning guitarist Frank Gambale (Chick Corea/Return to Forever), Mike Keneally, Spencer Campbell (Wynonna/Lee Ann Womack/Kenny Rogers), Chris G (Pamela Moore, Mike Keneally, Nick D'Virgilio). Additional collaborations between studio and stage include members of Heart, Queensrÿche, Blues Traveler, Zappa Plays Zappa, Marc Bonilla, Kris Meyers (Umphrey's McGee), John Ziegler (Volto), Lee Oskar, Tracy Bonham, Neal Morse, Randy George (Neal Morse Band, Ajalon), Chris Quirarte (Redemption), Dave Meros (Spock's Beard), and Geoffrey Castle. My background in music education and studies at the University of Oregon range in experiences steeped in the classical tradition (piano performance, composition) to jazz improvisation, songwriting and electronic music. Lessons are tailored to an individual's abilities, interests and goals. I teach the value of listening as an effective approach to practicing. With the aim of encouraging students to explore their own musical voice, I create personalized road maps with the guidance of musical examples and exercises. The benefits prove to become keys to directly opening doors into the joy of improvising, or simply "making music"!