Dr. Charles B. Davis

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Where are Lessons Offered

About Me

I have been a teacher for over 3 decades, and blues and jazz piano player for even longer. My past students have usually been teens or adults who wanted to learn the blues or jazz improvisation. My PHD is in Theatre. I have taught drama to every age group from 3rd Grade to College. As a dedicated jazz pianist I have always worked music into my teaching and composed many scores for theatrical productions and ballet. I have played in rock bands, funk bands. Latin bands, fusion and straight-ahead jazz. I am currently performing with the Howard Conn Jazz Ensemble.

My Musical Education Background

I have a PHD in Theatre, and much of my activity in the field was concerned with music and with improvisation. My piano and organ lessons go back to childhood, but as an adult I learned mostly on the bandstand playing in various groups and at jam sessions. I also studied with famous jazz pianist Jessica Williams, mostly informally over the years. I took a master class from the great Jaki Byard, too at the University of Washington in the 1990s.

Genres and Subjects Taught

I am best at teaching blues and jazz idioms and theory. I have helped classical players approach jazz improvisation and the "wrong fingerings" necessary in blues idioms! I have a good knowledge of harmony and can teach that in a way that is immediately useful for songwriting as well as improvisation. I can teach organ and anything else with a keyboard.

Lesson Rates

Lessons 40.00 per hour, once a week. No free first lesson, but no minimum or contract either.

Ages / Skill Levels Taught

Teen and Adult. Beginning to Advanced Jazz Piano

My Musical Influences

Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Jaki Byard, Ray Bryant, Chick Corea, Jessica Williams, Cedar Walton, Hank Jones, Bernie Worrell, Richard Tee, Mississippi Slim, Dr. John, Count Basie, Duke Ellington.

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