Profile
Has solid background in several keyboard styles including (but not limited to): Classical, Jazz, Latin, Rock, Funk, R&B, Musical Theatre, Reggae, Hip-Hop, Country, Ragtime, Pop, and Stride. A great reading ability, amazing memory, strong technical proficiency and a refined ear combine to consistently deliver enjoyable performances and accompaniment in each of these styles. Has several years of professional singing experience.
Education
- B. Mus. (Jazz Studies), British Columbia Open University (2004)
- Diploma (Jazz Studies), Humber Institute of Technology (2003)
- Grade 9 Royal Conservatory Classical Performance (Piano – 2000)
Experience
Alt Vox (http://AltVox.ca) Apr 2017 – Present
- Select and arrange music for entire season
- Teach music from week to week to singers of every ability and experience
- Produce bi-monthly “Pub Night” events, arranging for a band to accompany choir rehearsal
- Record sung training tracks for each section (SATB) in preparation for public performances
- Produce end-of-season concert
- Direct/Conduct choir (and band) at final concert
Randolph College for the Performing Arts (http://RandolphCollege.ca) Sep 2012 – Aug 2018
- Teach basic and intermediate Theory classes
- Arrange music for and Direct Women’s Chorus class
- Music Direct various 2nd- and 4th-term Cabaret performance classes
- Teach parts to all singers of levels of experience and ability
- Accompany Music Theatre Presentation Classes
- Provide one-on-one coachings with a singer to ensure they have learned the song properly and are engaging all the elements of music in order to better perform it
- Accompany students for in-class performances
- Accompany graduation services
Newchoir (accompanist/Assistant conductor) Jan 2011 – Jun 2016
- Accompany the choir from week to week
- Sight-read open score of SATB, Soloist(s), and accompaniment part
- Lead small group and sectional rehearsals
- Teach parts to all singers of levels of experience and ability
- Help fix trouble spots and be the choir director’s second set of ears
- Lead the band in accompanying the choir for the end-of-season concert
Statler’s Oct 2010 – Present
- Host weekly Open Mic Night performances on Thursday evenings
- Sight-read sheet music given
- Play accompaniment parts from memory for those that do not have sheet music
- Sing background vocals
- Entertain the crowd when there are no guest performers
- Fulfill musical requests
- Maintain a positive, upbeat, and welcoming environment for performers and non-performers alike
Dueling Pianos (Various establishments) May 2010 – Present
- Sing and play piano in a variety of musical styles
- Learn new songs weekly to keep the show fresh for patrons
- Accompany novice & semi-professional singers in an “open mic” setting, often sight-reading music or performing from memory
- Entertain lounge patrons by telling stories between songs, involving them with sing-alongs, and taking requests as often as possible
Jersey Boys (2nd Keys Sub) Dec 2008 – Aug 2010
- Learn and perform music from Jersey Boys score verbatim
- Sing background vocals throughout the show while playing
- Learn and perform choreography while playing and singing on stage
- Memorize music/singing/choreography for several numbers
- Arrive promptly half an hour before show, prepared and presentable
Soular Dec 2007 – Jan 2012
- Learn, memorize and perform over 400 songs in several different styles (pop, rock, blues, funk, soul, rap, etc.) on Rhodes, Organ, Piano & Clavinet
- Learn specific horn/string/background vocal parts in addition to traditional keyboard parts
- Sing background vocals on 60% of songs
- Sing lead vocals for several songs a night while playing keyboards
- Maintain an attitude of courtesy and professionalism while performing club dates, weddings, parties, Bar Mitzvahs, etc.
The Slights Dec 2007 –Jun 2012
- Create and perform keyboard parts for original music project
- Produce and arrange tracks for album and live performances
- Rehearse band regularly to ensure a high-quality show
- Sing background vocals
Guest Entertainer, Regent Cruise Lines Dec 2005 – Aug 2006
- Memorize and perform music in several different idioms (classical, jazz, blues, rock, etc) and in the style of different piano entertainers (Billy Joel, Elton John, Jerry Lee Lewis, Liberace, etc.)
- Talk to the crowd and entertain them with stories in between pieces
- Maintain an attitude of professionalism towards cruise guests 24/7 while working on the ship for several weeks at a time
“Jack Squat” (http://JackSquat.ca) May 2005 – Present
- Sing lead vocals, play keyboards and act as front man for a four-piece rock band
- Act as Musical Director; arrange for rehearsals of the band, change keys to accommodate vocal range, create set lists, etc.
- Transcribe and learn keyboard parts for several different styles of songs
Esthero Feb 2005 – Jun 2005
- Transcribe keyboard parts from recordings and play them in ensemble
- Design sounds & program keyboards to mimic recordings
- Play live performances across North America (Toronto, NYC, Miami) to sold-out venues
- Transcribe and re-arrange horn charts
Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruise Lines May 2003 – Sep 2005
- Perform Vegas-style production shows to click and track several times weekly
- Accompany various fly-on entertainers (singers, jugglers, comedians) in various styles, with or without charts
- Play solo piano in various locations on the ship in various styles
- Play jazz sets in various combinations of players
- Back up musicians and non-musicians alike in guest talent shows
- Lead rhythm section in certain performance situations
Bandwagon/InConcert July 2001 – Present
- Teach kids ages 7-14 how to play guitar, drums, bass, keyboards and sing in a rock-band format
- Transcribe rock songs for the kids to play
- Make learning music fun and interesting to the children
- Teach kids how to create their own rock song
- Manage personality conflicts and deal with trouble-making behaviour with the ensemble
- Do all of the above with adults with the InConcert corporate team-building program.
References available upon request