I have 20 years of playing experience, playing rock with a bit of jazz,
classical, funk, blues, and folk mixed in. I read music (notes and/or
chord charts), improvise, and can write tasteful/tasty parts. I have
pro gear and transportation, can sing lead and harmony vocals, and
double on acoustic rhythm guitar.
I'm organized and I do my homework. I expect the same from the projects
on which I work. I just need charts and/or reference CDs, and
information about the date, time, location, and pay for the gig or
session. I'll show up to the rehearsal/gig, knowing the tunes and ready
to play.
My ideal situations are either subbing in a well-organized jobbing/cover
band or studio/guest appearances with a fascinating and utterly unique
original band with amazing players, or some reasonable combination
thereof. For original bands, I'm especially interested in musically
challenging and progressive projects, and/or projects that challenge me
to play in styles in which I haven't done much work.
Piano Lessons for Beginning/Intermediate Students
In addition to performing as a keyboardist, I am an experienced, patient, and thoughtful instructor with experience teaching private lessons
and in after-school programs in Chicago Public Schools.
I teach piano lessons that not only train the fingers but the ears and the brain.
My students learn keyboard technique and
to read music - but not at the expense of their creativity.
I specifically work to give my students the skills they need to express themselves at the
keyboard, making piano practice fun, rather than a chore.
Whether or not my students become professional musicians or simply lifelong fans of music,
they will benefit from lessons with me.
Music lessons have benefits outside of the musical realm - cultivating listening skills, manual dexterity,
an intuitive understanding of applied math and physics, and generally opening cognitive pathways in
the human mind that no other endeavors can claim to do.
The best part about all of these benefits is that it is FUN to play music.
Recording:
Per-song rate: $100/song and liner-note credit
Per-hour rate: $40/hr and liner-note credit, 2-hour minimum
Block rate: $100 for 4 hours and liner-note credit, my home studio
only
Performance on projects I record is included with my hourly recording rate
Live:
$100-150/gig minimum for Chicago-area covers bar gigs
$200+/gig for Chicago-area corporate/private events
$50/gig for Chicago (in-city) 1-set (45-60 minutes) original music gigs.
Per-song and per-gig rates include one (1) rehearsal and/or my own
practice time. Additional rehearsals are at hourly/block rates.
Piano Lesson Rates/Terms:
30-minute lesson: $35
60-minute lesson: $60
Cash or check.
24 hours' notice for cancellation/re-scheduling - otherwise you owe for the lesson.
Young students must have a responsible adult present.