John Connolly "Piano/Voice Instructor"  E-mail this product to a friend

Raised in a family household in which classical music was always an integral part of his upbringing, John Connolly attended concerts by the Minneapolis Symphony [now Minnesota] Orchestra, opera nights at the U of M when the Metropolitan Opera was in town, weekends listening to the Firestone and Bell Telephone Hours, as well as the Met's radio broadcasts and daily classical music programs on the University station. He started piano lessons at the age of five -- but his biggest influence was an uncle, who played Fats Waller, Teddy Wilson and Jess Stacy-style piano whenever he came by.He started writing when he was six or seven, playing his little tunes in piano recitals. When he was in the third grade his classmate and best friend joined the school band so, of course, he did too. Continuing in music through high school, he switched from trumpet to horn, occasionally playing piano in school dance combos.After several years in the broadcasting business, he decided to pursue a full-time career in music. He had joined the Union in 1957, so he carried his card out west to the 'coast -- and have never looked back. He now composes, arranges and transcribes music for various ensembles - from trios to orchestras, barbershop singers to choral sociaeties. In addition to performing as a "jobbing" keyboardist, he lead his own jazz groups as pianist, Hammond organist and vocalist.He has been teaching for nearly thirty years. Although grounded in the Classical Repertoire (both piano and brass), he specializes in Theory and improvisation, with solid jazz roots. He has diligently promoted ensemble performance for young students in both Rock and Jazz workshops.