Born: June 12, 1975 Primary Instrument: Piano
DAVID SHENTON is one of the most versatile and in demand musicians today. David studied violin and piano at the Royal College of Music in London from where he graduated with the highest of honours.
David taught himself jazz piano in 1998 after hearing Oscar Peterson playing on the radio and began studying with jazz master Garry Dial after moving to NYC. His love of jazz is equal to that of his love of classical music. David’s proficiency of jazz was fully recognized when he was asked to open for the legendary Tony Bennett at the St. George Theatre, New York. In April 2007 David was awarded the prestigious Back Stage Bistro Award for best piano player/entertainer in New York.
David recorded his first solo piano jazz album of original pieces, “Sunnyside Blues”, which won accolades from critics and was runner-up for the National Grand Finals of the DiscMakers/Billboard Magazine IMWS competition.
David has worked as an orchestrator/arranger for Abbey Road & CTS Studios (London), Hollywood movies, West End, Broadway & Off-Broadway shows and for British TV celebrity Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. David was personal assistant to Oscar-nominated composer Howard Blake OBE for 7 years and renowned conductor and musicologist John Wilson for 8 years. David’s arrangements can be heard onboard the QE2 and QM2 cruise ships and his jazz arrangements can be heard all over the USA. His arrangement of the classic “My Funny Valentine” paired with Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” caught the eyes and ears of world-renowned opera singer, Reneé Fleming, who now performs the song as an encore at recitals all over the world.
David teaches extensively and, as a coach and accompanist, has recently been added to the faculties of New York University, The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute and Andy Anselmo’s Singer’s Forum.
Awards:
Runner-up for the National Grand Finals of the DiscMakers/Billboard Magazine IMWS competition 2007 Back Stage Bistro Award for best piano player/entertainer in New YorkPrimary Instrument:
Piano
Location:
Sunnyside, NY
Willing to teach:
Beginners
Credentials/Background:
Piano & Voice
Call for hours
$80/hr
