About Me

Photo credit: Brandon Sartin
https://www.nikaink.com/

As a pianist, I find my role and responsibility in the music world to be fascinating.  The image of a pianist running his fingers through the keys is one that is romanticized and idolized. And while I love to bring out the Lisztian superstar in me, the most meaningful part of the pianist's life has always been collaborating with other musicians and music students, as well as being subservient to the composers' intention in creating the work.

As a soloist, my job is to bridge the gap between elite music culture and the common listener. With my understanding of the score and music theory, I ask myself the hard questions when learning repertoire, all leading to what the audience should be hearing at any given moment of the work. On top of that, I take joy in curating recital programs that combine different works together in surprising ways. Because of that, my multi-year ongoing series for the Beethoven sonatas is a dream come true! Every month, I take one of his piano sonatas and put it together with works that are all connected in some way to that particular sonata. During these recitals, I also speak during intermission to explain how each program was put together; to me, it feels more personal than program notes in written form.

When it comes to collaborating with (or "accompanying") other musicians, I make sure to always understand the part I play in the music. If needed, I make sure the other player(s) know what is going on in my part that may help them in some way. More often than not, the pianist is pivotal to setting the right atmosphere and general feel of the music, and I make sure I do my duty in those circumstances. This is especially important when accompanying beginner students, as it allows them to develop musicality and musicianship in a way that their teacher cannot provide. Even a simple gavotte from a Suzuki book should be treated like a dance, so that when the student is on stage and nervous, I can bring the dancelike character out in the accompaniment to remind them what it's all about. And as a result, they will remember that feeling internally for a very long time.

My regular performances are at the Eastman Community Music School (ECMS), Dryden Theatre at the George Eastman House, Payton Violins, and Sunday mornings at First Baptist Church of Williamson, NY and Brick Church Fellowship in Williamson, NY. You can also find me on YouTube under Nerdymusicks, with my violinist wife Cynthia under Kevin & Cynthia, and as an analyzer of pop music on ReacttotheK. I look forward to interacting with you soon!