Piano with Richard S.

I am a Professional recording artist, in the field of Jazz and World music. I have multiple CDs out that have been played and sold internationally. In my performing career I tour internationally performing both original music and World music. In my own music, I for a very long time have been interested in the meeting of rhythm and beautiful harmony. Growing up in 60s and 70s I had the very good fortune to hear many of the legends of Jazz ( and to study with a few of them-Victor Feldman, Clare Fisher, and Mike Garson were some of my teachers). I have bachelors degree in music, and a Masters degree in Film Composition from the Grove Music Conservatory in LA. Along with my own musical interests, I have also always loved to teach music. I enjoy helping to grow others musianship- whatever this means. I teach all levels and ages. I think that the fundamentals of music, such as piano technique, theory and music reading are all important; but I also think all musical subjects should be taught in a way that allows for the growth of the student's own creativity and personal self expression. I have taught Jazz improvisation to many students, along with music composition, song writing, applied music theory , and music production. I also have coached many professional music careers to advance in new creative ways in the musical world. Also , I have worked with special needs kids, teaching them music and helped them to open up to the world of musical possibilities. I believe that each person has their own unique song to sing, and that music is the tool to release this song and let it fly. It is only a matter of hewing away through the layers to release the diamond that is hidden inside.