Keith Saunders

Specialties

Keith Saunders is a piano teacher and a jazz pianist with over 35 years of experience. In addition to his own studio he has had extensive experience teaching young students both at the Wagner School in Orinda, as well as Sacred Heart elementary school in Yonkers New York. Keith has worked and/​or recorded with a wide variety of musicians, including

Richie Cole, Joe Lovano, Tom Harrell, Eddie Harris, Roy McCurdy, Hank

Crawford, and Lionel Hampton.

«I have a relaxed patient style and am very passionate about the enrichment of life through music. Lessons are tailored to your tastes and include technique, repertoire, and theory. I specialize in jazz and classical music and can teach improvisation to all instrumentalists that play at an intermediate level. Beginning piano students of all ages are welcome.»

History

Established in 1994.

I have taught jazz improvisation privately for the past 20 years.

During the past ten years, before my move to the Bay Area, I taught piano at the Sacred Heart School in Yonkers, N.Y. I have found that patience, humor, and a willingness to impart my passion for music has been instrumental in forming a strong rapport with my students.

I have worked as a professional jazz musician for over 30 years, touring the U.S., Europe, and Japan, as well as performing at such New York Venues as Yoshi’s The Blue Note, Village Vanguard, and Alice Tully Hall.

Meet the Business Owner

Keith S.

Business Owner

Studied with Charlie Shoemake (1975 – 78) and Terry Trotter (1979 – 82). Saunders spent his formative years in Los Angeles where he studied with Charlie Shoemake and later, with Horace Silver. Keith worked extensively in L.A. with such well-​known artists as Eddie Harris, Roy McCurdy, and Bill Watrous, as well as recording with Dick Berk’s Jazz Adoption Agency, for which he was the arranger.

Moved to New York City in 1984 and worked and/​or recorded with a wide variety of musicians, including Richie Cole, Joe Lovano, Freddie Hubbard, Hank Crawford, and Lionel Hampton. In 1991, Keith became the leader of The HardBop Quintet, which recorded 4 CDs for the TCB label.

In 2010 Keith moved to the Bay Area where he has become a fixture in the jazz community, as well as offering piano and improvisation lessons.

Keith is also the Musical Director for Manhattan Tap, the nationally acclaimed tap dance company.

Recordings:

Dick Berk: The Rare One

NYHBQ Rokermotion

Keith Saunders Trio Lost In Queens