Walter Bland was born into a family of artists in Springfield, Massachusetts. Bland studied at Emerson College, Berklee College of Music and the Springfield Conservatory of Music in Massachusetts. While studying at Berklee College, Bland was introduced to the music of many cultures, and met musicians from around the world, which reflects in his work today. It was during his time at Emerson that Bland was introduced to Steve Hemingway, the first black writer in television history, for CBS Playhouse 90. Bland composed the music for producer Hemingway’s show “Brother love,” which was the first African American sitcom produced by African Americans in the history of television. Bland continued to work with Hemingway and wrote the music for the first black news program, fittingly called ‘Black News’ on Channel 7. Bland composed music for television commercials, dance companies and the New African Theatre.
Awards
Bland won the “Action for Children’s Television” award for his
work on the PBS series “Infinity Factor” and an Ohio State award
for music composed and used in the NPR special “Lola Leroy.”
Bland has even composed soundtrack music for the hit HBO
television series “OZ.”
Gear
Keyboard for on line classes with cameras
“It is always encouraging as a musician, to be inspired by the
works of other musician's...Walter Blands new album “Sweet
Gumbo” did just that! His improvisation warms the heart and
soothes the soul. Thank you Walter” ... Jazz vocalist Carmen
Bradford, singer for the Count Basie Band
“Walters inspiring music is truly saturated with all musical
genres, infused with a magical, memorable element that many
of today’s composer’s don’t explore, and that is melody...Sit
back, relax and sail with Walter Bland through moments of
love, laughter, sensuality, tears and joy. The genius of
creating unforgettable music is Walter's forte”....Jazz vocalist
Rita Graham, former Ray Charles Raelette, featured with The
Harry James Orchestra, Mercer Ellington Orchestra,Duke
Ellington Orchestra, Oscar Peterson, and Kenny
Primary Instrument
Piano
Willing to teach
Beginner to advanced
Credentials/Background
$40 for piano
$50 for composition
On-line classes only