Piano with Peter S.

I've been playing jazz professionally in the Chicago area since 1979. I have loved the sound of the piano since hearing it on jazz records as a teenager. I grew up in Michigan and after spending a year at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, I started playing in jazz clubs around Lansing. Since coming to Chicago, I've played in all its major clubs including the Jazz Showcase, the Green Mill, Pops for Champagne, Leslee's, Green Dolphin Street, Pete Miller's, Rick's Cafe Americain, and others. I recently released my first CD, which includes two of my own jazz compositions. *** Lesson Details *** My approach to teaching is based on my experience as a performer. Performance, to me, is basically communicating. The performer has something he or she wants to get across to a listener. To communicate musically you don't have to be a genius or virtuoso, though you do need some basic skills. I can help you figure out what you have to say at the keyboard and how to say it. If we're studying jazz, I can help with improvising or deciding which chords to play. If it's classical music, we can discover pieces that fit your talents as well as pieces that challenge you. *** Studio Equipment *** Home Studio- Lessons in large room with grand piano, electronic keyboard, sheet music collection, record player *** Travel Equipment *** If it is their home, a piano should be on the premises. I am often happy to provide lead sheets if, for example, we are working within the standard jazz repertory. *** Specialties *** I specialize in jazz, and teach mostly adults. I teach all styles of jazz piano including boogie-woogie and other older styles, though my main focus is on modern jazz.