Jazz & Latin Piano & Music Theory lessons with Bob Karty (oakland hills / mills)

Study piano and music theory in Oakland or on Zoom with an experienced teacher, performer, composer, and recording artist.

I offer lessons in-person and over Zoom.

I'm in Oakland's Laurel District, close to highways 580 and 13.

I offer private instruction in

● jazz, salsa/Afro-Cuban, and Brazilian piano and related styles

● beginning piano

● piano basics for non-pianists

● keyboard harmony for anyone

● music theory and more.

Blending experiential exercises with just the right amount of music theory, I'll help you improve your piano skills and deepen your enjoyment of music whether you're a beginner, in recovery from creativity-numbing childhood piano lessons, an aspiring professional, or a working pro seeking to expand your horizons.

While my instruction is rigorous, my personal style is informal. I aim to create a fun and supportive atmosphere for your musical growth.

For Zoom lessons, I have a 2-camera setup with professional-quality video and audio. Check out my tips for getting the most of video lessons, including gear recommendations and the best settings for Zoom: bobkarty.com/video-lessons-1/

● Faculty member at The California Jazz Conservatory since 2002, where I've taught both in the Community Music School (a.k.a. "The Jazzschool") and in the B.A. degree program. My Jazz Piano 1 and 2 classes are popular core classes in the Community school, and I've also taught Beginning Music Theory, Comping, Salsa/Afro-Cuban Piano (group class), and Salsa/Latin Jazz Ensemble.

● Seasoned performer with renowned artists on the Bay Area jazz and world music scenes since 1996 including Latin jazz legends Pete Escovedo and Ray Obiedo, Santana percussionist Karl Perazzo, and Latin & Brazilian percussion master Michael Spiro.

● Currently in production of my debut album as leader and composer featuring members of world-renowned jazz bands Oregon and the Pat Metheny Group: drummer Mark Walker and 13-time-Grammy winner, bassist Steve Rodby.

● Co-founder of world-jazz group Tanaora. For sound clips from our CD 'Dia Real', visit bobkarty.com/with-tanaora-dia-real/ .

● Founding member of Cuban charanga group Orquesta La Moderna Tradicion, with whom I recorded three critically-acclaimed CDs and toured nationwide for over 15 years. For sound clips from our CD 'En Canto', visit bobkarty.com/with-lmt-en-canto/ or the iTunes store.

● Background includes extensive training in classical piano from age 5 and music theory from age 6; private lessons with jazz piano masters including Art Lande, Mark Levine, Chucho Valdes, and Andrew Hill; college coursework in jazz performance, harmony and counterpoint, and composition; and in-depth studies of world music traditions including Afro-Cuban folkloric percussion and Javanese Gamelan.

Testimonials

"Bob has a gift for meeting his students at their level. He provides structure where I need it, but also follows my interests so that I grow as a musician in the ways that are most important to me. He has a wealth of musical knowledge that he shares generously."

----Unsolicited comments from Jenn G., a private student studying jazz and salsa/Afro-Cuban piano since 2018

"This class is teaching me exactly what I need to know in order to move forward...I am breaking old habits, and learning new ones...I am gaining the building blocks to move forward."

----Unsolicited email from Chad D., a student in Jazz Piano 1 at The Jazzschool, 2020.

"Thanks again for the great class -- I learned so much! You're an inspiring teacher and pianist."

----Unsolicited email from Jon W., a student in Jazz Piano 1 at The Jazzschool, 2021.

From anonymous student feedback at The Jazzschool:

"Great teacher -- material was inspiring and presented in a way that was accessible."

"Bob is an excellent teacher and was very good at explaining concepts."

"Iʼm amazed at how much I learned from Bob. Heʼs clear, organized and teaches in a systematic way."

"Bob was organized and explained the concepts without jargon and made them very simple to understand."

Visit my web site bobkarty.com for more info, including discography, resume, performance schedule, and sound clips.

For rates and availability, reply to this ad or use the contact form at my web site.

Bob

bobkarty dot com