“A computer can play the notes; only a person can play music”

I am a teacher of piano, improvisation and composition based in the San Francisco area.  I am accepting students of all levels above beginner; I am particularly well suited to working with adults, high school and college students, as well as budding professionals.

Original Compositions

Over the years, I have produced four piano solo CDs of original music; I am also the founder and resident composer of The Melanthium Ensemble, a Bay Area group with an eclectic style specializing in film soundtrack as well as live performance. The two original, semi-improvised audio tracks above demonstrate my compositional skills. The two tracks below are standard classical repertoire.

Classical Repertoire

My teaching methods reflect an intuitive whole body approach.  During the lesson I may use improvisation to develop relaxation and inner confidence. I have also written proprietary method books to teach fundamentals–finger strength and independence, rapid scale, arpeggio and chord execution, phrasing, and dynamics.

For improvisation and composition students, I teach harmony, chordal progression, composing software, as well as melodic development.  My improvisation style incorporates elements from a variety of musical traditions.  For all students, musicality is foremost.  A computer can play the notes; only a person can play music.

For further information and inquiries please use the Contact form on this website, or call me at 415 847 8778.

Thank you!

Lewis Richmond