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.

Samples of my playing:

ESB
Tautologic
Michael Carlos
Bob Sass

Keys for Hire Rates/Terms:

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.

All material copyright Ethan Sellers unless otherwise indicated.
ethan@ethansellers.com