About
I'm a jazz pianist, composer, band leader and recording artist with a passion for imparting knowledge about technique, phrasing, theory & improvisation. Basically 'how music works'...
I play/teach classical repertoire as well and have written a wide variety of compositions, including a string quartet that was performed by members of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra...
I started performing professionally through the 1980's in the San Francisco Bay Area. I have three albums of (mostly) original material.
BA music -- UC Berkeley - 1982,
Web site: https://www.tomreynoldsmusic.com/
https://www.tomreynoldsmusic.com/instruction for details about teaching... (links to introductory youtube clips, philosophy/approach, etc.)
https://www.tomreynoldsmusic.com/recordings for my CDs
https://www.tomreynoldsmusic.com/bands for detail on the ensembles I am currently associated with.
I enjoy nurturing the spark of learning/creativity.
Photos and videos
Reviews
Ray M.
Kyle K.
Aaron F.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
1) assess the student's level of development, interests, goals.
2) draft a teaching plan customized and appropriate for the student. Include short-term and long-term objectives.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
BA Music UC Berkeley, 1982
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Fees: $30 for a half-hour session, $45 for a 45 minute session or $60 for a full hour. If other arrangements need to be made, I am open to discussing options.
The first half-hour lesson is free of charge. Lesson fee is 1$/minute -- for beginners or very young students, typically this is in half-hour increments. For more advance students, lessons would typically be in one-hour session.
How did you get started teaching?
As an adjunct to performing.
What types of students have you worked with?
Kids and adults.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Imparting knowledge about Upper Structures and how they work.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Identify a set of desired goals. Order the set according to priority.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How can I articulate my needs clearly?