Kevin teaches music, drums, and many other things to a variety of students in Kitsap county, King county, Seattle, and many other locations all over the world.  He shares his performance and love with many others and has for almost all of his life.  Kevin has taught me so much about music, recording, and live music culture but also that some things never go away and in some cases you don’t want them to.  He is a moral and communication expert and has frequently inspired me to excel as well.

My mentor Kevin started helping me when I was in primary school and has continued to guide me through many challenges.  His ability to help others work as a team is prized by many musical managers.  Kevin knows how to find the right tools for the job and knows which people would work best together.  He is a maven of musical leadership and could coordinate any musical needs desired.  Kevin has also guided me by example and showed me how to wait until the right time for the musical magic to happen.

Mr. Blackwood has advised me and stood with me through my musical education, knows the importance of it, and shares it with others.  I also thank Kevin for his guidance and examples of how to coordinate the management and needs of live performance.  We have played so many gigs together that I will never forget the fundamentals he has taught me of brightening up the lives of others.  Thank you Kevin, I look forward to all of your help.

Mentors help and guide less experienced people.  It is the “informal transmission of knowledge” from one that is greater.  Leilani is a mentor in many ways including the way she leads by example.  Not only does she play live piano almost every day for much of her life but she continues to support and help her husband and family through very difficult and stressful times like every relationship has.  She encourages others who struggle in relationships to continue to fight for the right path and motivates musical students to practice and work to succeed.

Leilani show you how to do it.  She demonstrates in an easy way how to complete many challenging techniques on the piano and in life.  She can also demonstrate and educate others on many other aspects of music.  Mrs. Montagne is also an Accompanying expert.  She might join you and lead you to a new understanding in your musical ability.  As a mentor Leilani may also join you in life.  She has added so many small things over many years that have really made a difference in my life.  To learn to play piano well you need persistence which we can all work on.  Don’t give up, keep working on it, fight for what is right, enjoy what comes from yourself, and practice persistently before the game.

Thank you for all that you have helped me with for the last 20 years.  All the best with every new adventure.

This video was taken at “The Beach Bar” in the USVIs on St. John with Gregory Hillman performing live on keyboards.

1) Woodley Lakes Municipal Golf Course

This location has a full dining area and bar that is open to the public and run by the “City of Los Angeles”  There is an event area that can be rented for around $500 and can seat up to maybe around 70 people indoors and many more outside.  The piano or keyboard could be delivered to the indoor or outdoor location after the permits are in place.

2) The Japanese Garden

This location is on Woodley near lake balboa and can host many events weddings, and other community activities.  Gregory Hillman can be booked for this location anytime and the keyboard could be performed outdoors or indoors depending on your needs.  For a quote please email contact@gregoryhillman.com directly.

3) Westwood Tennis Center

The “Westwood Tennis Center” which is very close to Lake Balboa has an indoor gym which it used for youth basketball on some days during the summer but is empty most other times of the year.  Music and other community events could be hosted here for a small rental fee from the county parks department.  Gregory Hillman can manage the set up of carpets, stands, PA, and any needed musical gear for your event.

4) Hjelte Sports Center

This center has a medium size grass field and can easily manage accommodation for acoustic performance for an event or meeting here.  To book Gregory Hillman on acoustic instruments please email directly at contact@gregoryhillman.com or call (802)445-5626

Other Lake Balboa Jazz Artists

Amir Antar is a flutist that performs live in the Lake Balboa area.  I have listened to a few of his heads and solo improvisations over standard heads.  He can also be reached at (818)787-2820 for gigs in the San Fernando area.

If you know of another great location to listen to live Jazz near Lake Balboa please leave us your comments.  It would be lovely to hear from you.

The answer may be slightly complex but there are a few things that must be in place before you can begin.  If you follow these considerations before you begin playing live music it will go much more smoothly and the experience for your audience will be more gratifying.

You should have your instrument tuned up and sound checked before you start playing.

This means that anyone that you will be playing with including all of your instruments or voice should be warmed up, in key with the other musicians as well as their separate instruments, and sound checked through any amplification you will be using at the level you will be performing at.  This will insure fewer problems with sound once the live music begins.  Be sure that your seating, music stands if needed, and any other staging requirements are also set up when you are preparing to play.

Ensure your venue is stable.

To ensure that your live performance will go smoothly find out from the local authorities if your live music is permitted at the venue you are playing at.  Sometimes there are local restrictions as to the hours that live music can be played or the volume it can be performed at.  In many cases all acoustic music can be performed during normal hours outdoors.  Sometimes special permits are required and you will want to make sure your venue has these permits.  Also, if the venue is planning on paying you for the performance be sure this is worked out before you start playing live music.  So many new musicians do not mind waiting until the end of their performance to be paid but this causes extra stress and I have seen a few venues that have had problems paying even with a signed contract after a packed house has enjoyed a live performance.

Plan for audience interaction.

When performing live music, people tend to hear it from many locations, come near to the source of the music, and many times dance or move about.  They may want to eat, drink, or do a variety of other activities so be sure to plan for this.  If you want the audience to play your instruments with you then be on the same level as them with little barriers.  In just a few moments they will come right over and want to play with you.  If you want to perform live with your own group, it is best to separate the group in some way from the audience that is appropriate for the setting.

When you are ready, perform.

It is important to start playing when you are ready to play, the sound is where you want it, and the other parts of the environment are in place.  Do not be concerned if the audience is ready because they are always ready for your performance and will start listening as soon as you start playing.  Also do not be too concerned if the other musicians in your band are ready or available to start when you are.  In many cases a Jazz band will begin performing live before the leader is even on stage.  You can start a gig as a drummer, bass, or any instrument but be sure you are ready.

I hope you are enjoying performing live this year in 2011 like I have.  There are many opportunities to share your music and if you are looking for more, please contact me by leaving your comment or by calling (802)HILLMAN

Examples of Describing Jazz

You can use basic tonal theory words to describe how Jazz sounds when related to other traditional Jazz artists.  These examples cover almost every major category of tonal theory.

“His guitar was easily heard in the upper register, a higher pitch than I expected from John McLaughlin.”

“BB’s pentatonic scales filled the empty space while the keyboard player comped for the sax solos.”

“MMW and Charlie Hunter have a way of using frequent dissonance in much of every tune on this album except for tunes like Fine Corinthian Leather where it is used sparingly.”

“All Blues by Miles Davis was played in a 3/4 time signature but it is now covered by many artists in both 3/4 and 4/4.”

“The primary way that George Benson plays ‘On Broadway’ is with a two chord progression in different keys.”

“Many artists when you play a jam session will call the melody “the head” if you are playing Jazz.”

“The head of ‘All Blues’ by Miles Davis on the ‘Kind of Blue album’ is played in harmony by multiple instruments.”

“When George Benson solos, he uses many monophony textures with the same note duplicated at the octave in unison.”

“The twelve bar blues solo section of ‘Stolen Moments’ is normally played with an Ab Major 7 to G Augmented turnaround in his live performances.”

More General Words

Here are some words you might consider using the next time you are in the listening lab that are less technical:

• Soothing
• Calmness
• Adventurous
• Contentment
• Good nature
• Agreeable
• Joyful
• Grateful
• Peaceful
• Pleasant
• Soothing
• Gratifying
• Satisfying
• Pacifying

Of course we would need to create a very detailed organized report but sometimes it may help to think of words, feelings, or even colors when trying to describe Jazz.  A normal heavy, firm, stable, and steadfast way does not describe all types of music so be sure to consider other ways of explanation.

Another Example:

“The Pat Metheny Group, while performing live hand made Jazz in Seoul Korea in 2005 during their ‘Way Up Live’ tour, provided the anticipated traditional sounds from harmonicas, trumpets, drums, keyboards, bass, and guitar.”

Please let us know how you describe Jazz, write to us at contact@gregoryhillman.com or call/SMS (802)HILLMAN.

From Silent To Confident

Sometimes when I play piano it is for an audience that has not heard any live music that day or evening.  Some of the people in the audience may not have heard live music for years and frankly, at times, people seem to disassociate themselves from each other before the music begins if there is no opening tune.  Once the music begins I am able to see faces brighten up and start to look at the people close to them.  After a tune and maybe some applause the audience is suddenly talking to their neighbors and smiling.  About what?  Sometimes the music but it seems like the live music is almost more of a demonstration of communication which leads the example for the listener.

Real Life Communication

Last week I enjoyed playing at a private venue in Los Angeles for a large group of total strangers all looking towards the ground and not talking to each other at all.  No one at the location knew I play a little piano.  I almost saw it as low hanging fruit.  They were all waiting near the reception and there just happened to be a grand piano close.  I asked the security guard if I would be permitted to play one tune and after one tune the group all started talking!  No just to me but to each other.  The song was only a few minutes long but it helped everyone relate to their neighbors.  I only played one song that day but even the security guard asked if I would please continue playing for rest of the day.

All music is not meant to be like this.  Some music may not help with communication but, in general, I would say that my father was correct in the way that years of piano lessons can help people communicate but I don’t believe it will always help you find a date.  I did not meet my partner playing piano but she seems to enjoy it.

Gregory Hillman Live

Educational Tip:

One example a free piano lesson from a USC Phd Doctoral Degree in a piano performance related field granted me was to really focus on preparation just before playing the piano to ensure your complete ability and full range of motion to perform and communicate with your audience.

Jazz During The “Great Recession”

I have found many of the great Jazz clubs have recently had a hard time covering their expenses with the “Great Recession” in the United States since December of 2007 so they have elected to have musicians play for free or at a very low cost.  Many venues also force band members to charge their friends and associates a “cover” at the door when entering the venue.

The Great Depression which lasted for most of the 1930s created a hard time for many Jazz musicians so they took to the airwaves with many public broadcasts.  I suggest an alternate approach that was used similarly during the “Great Depression” and still brings people together.  Perform at your own location to save on fuel and time.  Promote your own performance by bringing friends and other Jazz musicians to your own location.  Then broadcast the performance on the Internet.  Broadcast the performance live if possible and even consider charging for live viewers much like many of the video sites do now.

I have started doing this and it has been working great.  It has saved plenty of energy, my friends always get in free, and there is no charge for drinks or food.  The online listeners also enjoy it much like they would have during the Great Depression but they now have Video, chat, and can become a part of the show online!

If you are interested in attending or viewing one of the next performances by Gregory Hillman please email contact@gregoryhillman.com and request a direct link for the live video with sound.  Performances normally happen on Sundays.

I hope it brightens up your day!

To an untrained ear you may believe Jazz has accents on 2 / 4 and uses tied triplets in each measure. You may have heard Jazz is performed by small groups with trumpets, saxophones, guitars, drums, bass players, maybe some vocals, and piano. It is true that there is Jazz that has characteristics like this but just because it has these components does not make it Jazz.

Greg Hillman

When you find music in categories Jazz comes from a tradition of many artists. You may find DJs performing on a Jazz albums or even spoken word artists but to be called Jazz the music must come from the tradition of Jazz.

Please leave your comments and I will help you understand more about the tradition of Jazz.

Most of this understanding comes from University of Washington Music professor Marc Seales and Olympic College Professor Kent Curris.

-Gregory Hillman
Life Long Student Of Music

Gregory Hillman at Canters Kibitz Room On November 14 2009

On Saturday, November 14, 2009 in Hollywood California Gregory Hillman performed live piano at Canter’s Kibitz Room on Piano with other live artists.  The show started at 10:45 PM. The music included originals and covers.

Canters Deli Kibitz Room History

Gregory has performed at Canter’s Kibitz Room for about three years on keyboards.  Each of the performance included originals and covers performed by local Los Angeles artists.  Many of the previous performance have been recorded and video taped.  Guests can contact Gregory directly to hear and see some of the previous performances at Canter’s Deli and Kibitz Room. This Saturday performance on November 14, 2009 was video taped and recorded.

Location of Canter’s Kibitz Room

The Kibitz Room is located right next to Canter’s Deli in Hollywood California.  Parking is available on the street or in paid / unpaid lots about a block away.  Plan to be at the venue around 9:00 PM to ensure that you have great seats.  A full menu and drinks are available all night during Gregory Hillman’s performance.

For more information about Gregory Hillman’s performance or for directions to this venue please call Canter’s Deli directly at (323) 651-2030.

Another place that is still alive and thriving is the massive drum circle in Venice right next to Santa Monica.  Almost every day there are hundreds of people playing music together on the beach.

Live Music For Yoga in Santa Monica

Yoga studios in Santa Monica have also become a heaven for live music.  Many of the studios now hire people to perform while students take classes.  This helps the students relax through various positions and really adds to the class.  If you are interested in booking Gregory Hillman for a yoga class please contact him directly at contact@gregoryhillman.com.  Performing various sitar and relaxing sounds on keyboards is enjoyable, simple, and really makes the yoga class stand out.

Canters Deli Fairfax Ave

Canter’s Deli has a room right next to that also has a passage to the deli called the Kibitiz Room.  This place is pretty small, has limited seating, but has some really great acts in Hollywood.  Gregory Hillman has been performing live at the Kibitz room for over 2 years and if you are interested in seeing him perform live please contact him directly for a full schedule at contact@gregoryhillman.com.  When you are going to the Kibitz Room be sure to check for parking on the street if it is after hours and then in the lots that are next door.  They do have great tomatoes.

Kibitz Room:

419 North Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90036

Live Music in Oxnard

Oxnard California has been a smaller farming and commercial community for many years and the music scene there has been less than desireable.  Recently in the last few years adventurous business owners have started places to improve the music scene.  Gregory Hillman always tries to help new music venues like the Experi-Mental Cafe in Oxnard California.

Gregory Hillman in Oxnard California

If you are interested in seeing Gregory Hillman perform live in Oxnard California.  The best way to find out when the next time Gregory is performing is to email him directly for a complete list of future performances.

Ventura Art Walk

Almost every season there is an Art Walk in Ventura County.  Most people call it the “Ventura Art Walk” and there are many bands and artists that are paid by the city to perform each time.  It is a really wonderful event and people enjoyed the street scene and the art.  Gregory Hillman enjoys performing at the Ventura Art Walk frequently and is available to perform at other city art walk events all over the United States.  Please email contact@gregoryhillman.com if you are interested in booking Gregory Hillman for your next city event like the one shown here in this photo of the Ventura Art Walk.

Corporate Events with Gregory Hillman

Gregory Hillman has performed at many live corporate events including this one at the Hyatt in Centry City for the ICRF.  Normally Gregory Hillman performs with a full band at large events but he also performs solo on keyboards and with DJs.  Gregory does book corporate events about three months in advance so please email him directly at contact@gregoryhillman.com if you are interested in booking him for your next event.  If you would like a complete list of Corporate Events that Gregory Hillman has performed in Los Angeles please contact Gregory Hillman directly.  His piano performances have been heard through out all of the US at non-profit events and for profit corporations.  Deposits for Gregory Hillman at corporate events start at $3000.0o.

Piano Lessons in Marina del Rey

The lessons will focus on Tonal Music Theory, Jazz analysis, dictation, transcription, and improvisation. Please send your educational goals and contact information or contact me for your first trial month of lessons. Your first month is $300 which includes 4 one hour lessons. Lessons are great for youth or adults.

Piano Educator Background

My background is in piano performance, recording, and live performance tours with independent and signed bands since 1985. I also took piano as a child and at the University of Washington Jazz studies program under Marc Seales from 1996-2000. I frequently play in Jazz combos at venues and on cruise boats including Roy Hargrove Monterey Jazz cruises and Kent Curris from Olympic College in 1995. I have been teaching music education since 1993 for High School students (Tadd Morris and Multi Dementional Educational Resource Center), private adult and youth lessons, college students, and professional adults. I also take lessons and believe that education is part of being a professional. Please contact me today to reserve your lesson or to find out more details. Thank you.

Are you interested in leaning about how music is created?

Would you like to create music yourself?

Would you like to understand music theory and how why notes are put together?

Don’t have a keyboard, piano, or organ?

I can help.

Many Studio Locations Internationally

B.A. University of Washington – Jazz Studies – History and Analysis – Transcription – Dictation – Sight Reading – Music Promotion – Live Performance

Boardwalk

- $300 Per Month. Includes: 1 lesson new lesson CD and up to 4 one hour lessons once a week.

Check out 2 Free music education books a week from our library.

Sidewalk

- $500 Per Month. Includes: 1 new custom lesson CD or Email of your choice and up to 4 one hour lessons once a week.

Check out 2 Free music education books a week from our library.

Freeway

- $1000 Per Month Includes: 1 new custom lesson CD or Email of your choice and up to 4 one hour lessons once a week.

1 private performance per month at any venue.

1 exclusive performance or lesson related DVD each month.

1 possible live performance and up to 2 group lessons per month.

1 unit worth of music promotion each month ($100 value).

1 hour of studio recording time each month.

Check out 4 Free music education books a week from our library.

http://www.gregoryhillman.com email:contact@gregoryhillman.com