Rich played piano from age 6 but dedicated himself to the study of Jazz later in life. In his late 20's he hooked up with NJ teaching legend Luciano Salvatore (Father of GRP recording artist and child prodigy Sergio Salvatore) and began a lifelong study of improvisation heavily influenced by the approach of artists such as Chick Corea, Bill Evans, Eliane Elias, Kenny Baron, and especially Keith Jarret. Rich has since had the chance to study with other Jazz luminaries such as Chris White (Bass), Kenny Werner (piano), and Haim Cotton (piano). Rich played in a trio setting for several years behind Newark vocalist Emilio Cruz, culminating in an appearance at the Newark Jazz Festival as the opening act for Joe Henderson. Rich has taught, written, and studied Music and Piano as his primary passion, for most of his adult life. He has performed as both a solo pianist, Dancer, and a vocalist, and also has a background in musical theater performance with several NYC appearances in off Broadway musical theater.
Rich has also had a 20+ year career as a Software Developer and Technology manager most recently for the Intel Corporation. From this Rich brings a love of technology and computers, a mature understanding of business and the people who make it work, and his tendency to be a bit of a gadget head...
Rich's goals at this point are to expand his teaching and playing circle. To find a gang of sympatico, laid back, musical souls who want to jam regularly to improve their art and experience the occasional joy of performing. Rich hosts a Sunday afternoon Jam session at his home in Boonton Twp. and all who love the music are welcome to come down and sit in.
Primary Instrument
Piano
Willing to teach
Beginner to advanced
Credentials/Background
I teach Piano to children and adults in the Montville, Mountain Lakes, Boonton
and Denville area. You can come to my studio or I can come to you if you live
within 5 miles of my home.
Playing professionally for over 30 years, I Have studied Jazz and Classical piano,
Vocal technique, and improvisation. Have coached and helped direct musical theater,
and cabaret. Most importantly, my approach gets kids and adults to play with
whatever practice time they can afford, while making them want to practice more
Read more
Primary Instrument
Piano
Willing to teach
Beginner to advanced
Credentials/Background
I teach Piano to children and adults in the Montville, Mountain Lakes, Boonton
and Denville area. You can come to my studio or I can come to you if you live
within 5 miles of my home.
Playing professionally for over 30 years, I Have studied Jazz and Classical piano,
Vocal technique, and improvisation. Have coached and helped direct musical theater,
and cabaret. Most importantly, my approach gets kids and adults to play with
whatever practice time they can afford, while making them want to practice more.
My lesson plans are tailored to the personality of each student and they will balance
song playing with technique in a way that is fun and motivating. Your children will
NOT study with me for 6 months and be unable to read music or use their left hand!
Lessons are $30/half hour. 3 and 6 month packages are available.
Call Rich @(201) 396-3406
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