About
Patrick Morehead
Pianist, Guitarist, Composer/Arranger, Instructor
Phone 415-724-1641
Email [email protected]
Patrick Morehead was born in San Francisco, CA and raised in a traditional Irish Catholic family with a powerful love for the arts which they instilled in their son. Patrick grew up expressing his creativity throughout his academic years which culminated in his graduation from San Francisco’s famed School of the Arts (SOTA) where his emphasis was theatre.
While at SOTA Patrick performed in a variety of local rock bands where at an early age he was exposed to the challenges of a professional musician performing at local venues. During his senior year and after a master class given by famed vocalists Weslia Whitfield and pianist Michael Greensill, he was profoundly inspired to learn jazz and delved deeply into the discipline required of jazz. He has studied with pianist Mark Little, the late-great Smith Dobson, Sr. and with renowned percussionist Louis Romero. Additionally, his private studies in classical harmony and composition with Gerald Mueller have served to strengthen Patrick’s professional acumen.
Patrick has recorded with a wide spectrum of musicians ranging from the soulful, jazz vocalist Gail Dobson to multi-Grammy recording artist Karl Perazzo (Carlos Santana band) to folk artist Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star). He performs with top-artists such as Sheila E, Steve Turre, Jerry Gonzalez, Louis Romero, Orestes Vilato, Bobby Allende, Johnny Rivera, Poncho Sanchez, Giovanni Hidalgo, John Santos, Bobi Cespedes and Benny Velarde (Cal Tjader), and is currently a member of the group Generation Esmeralda, Benny Velarde y Su Super Combo, and The Josh Jones Ensemble and Mazacote. He is currently working on the release of his debut recording his own Latin-jazz group, Mas Cabeza, featuring Smith Dobson, Jr., Steve Herrara, Julio Perez, Carlos Caro, Dave Flores and Karl Perazzo. Patrick is the founder of Mas Cabeza and has led the group for nearly a decade. Mas Cabeza show cases Patrick’s original compositions and arrangements. Patrick currently plays with Foreverland, the 14 piece tribute to michael Jackson.
As an instructor, Patrick has great facility teaching students ages 5 to 95 years of age. He is adept at tailoring a personal lesson plan for each of his students while cultivating the skills necessary to become accomplished pianists from the outset of their studies. He is versed in traditional repertoire and specializes in contemporary forms of popular and latin music with his more accomplished students. Patrick has worked as a piano and guitar teacher at the New Mozart School in Palo Alto, CA (since 2007). He also taught at the community music center in SF (since 2015) and gives master classes on vocalist and accompanist techniques alongside Gail Dobson at the Jazz School in Berkeley, CA.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I Usually take it at the pace of each student. Some of my students have a great deal of time to dedicate to their music studies while others want to enjoy and move at a slower rate which is fine.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
First and foremost I am a professional musician with 20 years experience in the Bay Area which means I love what I do
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I have a standard price but I am willing to lower my rates for students who will come to my studio in pleasant hill.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching at the new mozart school in Palo Alto 10 years ago and then started teaching privately shortly therafter
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all levels of students from beginners to advanced.