Professional New York City musician teaching students of all ages worldwide how to play pop and jazz piano by ear!

Find out more about Chris

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favorite instrument?

  I've always loved music, ever since I was a little kid. I started taking piano lessons when I was 5, but it was learning how to play songs I heard on the radio by ear that really made it fun for me. Then I started writing my own songs and soon I was out playing gigs by the age of 12. I haven't really looked back since. I am so thankful because I knew from a young age what I wanted to do with my life, and I know it's not that easy for everyone. As I have pursued a career in music, I have learned and grown a lot. It didn't always turn out the way I planned, but it turned out exactly the way it was supposed to. And the story is not over yet! I have had the chance to play music all over the world. Now I get to play music in the greatest city in the world, NYC, while also teaching music to others. It's a great life and one big adventure!

• Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  I love hip-hop and jazz, but I'm also a big fan of R&B/soul, classical and opera. When I get into an artist, I tend to listen to them a lot without ever getting sick of them. Currently I have been listening to a lot of Horace Silver and McCoy Tyner, but my favorite piano player is Bill Evans. I never get tired of listening to him. His creativity is endless. I am also a big fan of Michael Franks, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. Those never get old!

• Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  I believe music should be fun, but that doesn't mean it doesn't take a lot of work. I really like to make the lessons fun by focusing on the specific goals of my students. I don't have one set thing I make all my students do. I like to create a lesson plan that will help people achieve their goals - whether that is playing jazz or classical piano, or learning to sing songs they love, performing at a wedding, or pursuing a career in music. As long as we have a goal we are shooting for, it makes the work totally worth it!

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  I think piano is the best instrument to learn because of the way it is laid out horizontally. You can really see how the scales and chords work on the piano and you can then transfer that to any other instrument. The hardest instrument I think is the human voice. The biggest challenge with singing is you are responsible for singing on pitch, where a piano is already tuned for you. The good news is with practice this is something we can all keep getting better at!

• What are your keys to success?

  Be flexible. Make plans, set big goals, and then be flexible. If you follow the opportunities that come your way, you will end up exactly where you are supposed to be. Don't fight it, embrace it.
  
  Read a lot of books and listen to a lot of music. Both will inspire you to keep going and teach you what to do next.
  
  Be quiet and just listen to those who are successful in doing what you want to do. Learn from the best and get some great mentors in your life.
  
  Hang out with believers - people who are trying to achieve things too. If you hang out with people who think life sucks, your life will suck too. Hang out with people who will lift you up and who you can cheer on as well.

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  Stevie Wonder. He is one of the best songwriters of all time. Truly a musical genius who took jazz harmony and made it pop accessible. He is an amazing singer and a great piano player. It would be a dream to play with him someday.
  
  Herbie Hancock. One of the legends of jazz who has influenced so many generations. I would love to ask him a million questions about how he approaches tunes and chord voicings.
  
  Michael Franks. He is by far my favorite artist of all time. An incredible songwriter who has written such beautiful and moving songs. He was also friends with Antonio Carlos Jobim. I have met him before but would love the chance to just hang out and talk music.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  The musical path is not always an easy one, but a worthwhile one. I have had to be flexible over the years, but doing so has allowed me to make a good life in music. I'm very thankful for that. I get to perform and teach music for a living in NYC! In 2021, I sold all my stuff, sold my house, my car, and my business in St. Louis and moved to New York City. I love New York and I wanted to be a part of the music scene here, so I just did it. And I have never regretted it. Don't be afraid to dream big and take action. Don't overthink it!

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  I love music. I love people. And I love New York City. Anytime I can combine those three things, I am so thankful! I really love the beauty and magic of music. I want to help people experience that for themselves.
  
  Music has changed and saved my life so many times, and I really believe it has the power to do that for anyone. I want to use music to encourage others to see what is possible in their lives. As a teacher, I am also a counselor, motivator, and mentor. And I learn so much from my students as well!
  
  I video every lesson so students can watch back later. I give a detailed lesson assignment after each lesson so the students know exactly what to practice. I have recitals throughout the year that my students get to perform in for free. But most of all, I make sure my students know that anything is possible for them if they just keep trying. We are in it together!