Sean C. TakeLessons Instructor Piano, Jazz, Classical. Rock, R&B, Funk, Blues, Music, Music Theory Del Prado Dr., Kissimmee, FL

Born in Anderson, Indiana, Sean began studying piano at the age of 5. After studying classical music for 10 years, he began playing locally in various rock bands. One such band, The Groove Parlour, released its debut album, Vices and Devices, in 1998. In high school, Sean began intensively studying jazz piano and theory with accomplished jazz pianist Frank Puzzullo. He continued his music education at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, where he received a degree in Piano Performance, Jazz/ Commercial Music and Theory.

While at Ball State, Sean performed in a myriad of jazz, rock and funk ensembles. As the pianist in the BSU Jazz Lab Ensemble under director Larry McWilliams, he played with such artists as Harold Jones, Frank Mantooth, Tom Garling, Wycliff Gordon, Byron Stripling, Conrad Herwig and Lanny Morgan. While in this group, Sean had the opportunity to perform across Europe at the Vienne Jazz Festival, North Sea Festival and Montreux Jazz Festival as well as at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Along with playing in a big band setting, Sean performed regularly in solo, duo and combo settings. While in Muncie, he played solo and duo jazz weekly at Vera Mae’s Bistro, and served as the pianist for the Antioch Church of the Brethren. Sean also performed regionally with several original rock and funk groups, including the bands Hot Pants and Rhino Jones, who released their album Collective Perspective in 2001.

Between school and performing, Sean also taught piano and theory lessons to students of all skill levels as well as jazz piano and improvisation at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana.

After graduation, Sean joined the national tour of Blast II Shockwave, where he performed in over 60 cities in eight months across the United States. After tour, the show was revamped and went to the Queen’s Theatre in the West End of London for a six month run as Cyberjam, where Sean played keyboards and percussion for this high energy instrumental theatrical show.

After returning from London, Sean stayed busy performing as a freelance musician around the Midwest, playing with groups such as the Leonard Brothers, Polly B & the Jam, Souled Out, and the Uptown Jazz Quartet. With the Leonard Brothers Band, Sean relocated to Orlando, Florida where the band regularly played at Disney’s Rock ‘n Roll Beach Club, Universal’s City walk venues and Blue Martini’s all over Florida.

In spring 2006, Sean was asked to join Blast Inc. for the Blast II: M.I.X. stage tour. After 3 months of rehearsal, he began a 4-month tour of Japan. Taking in over 9 different cities to sell out performances, the tour was a huge success.

After Japan, Sean returned to Florida where he now lives with his wife. He is currently teaching private lessons and performing at various locations throughout Florida and the US with the Leonard Brothers Band.

I teach all ages and skill levels, and tailor lessons to each student’s individual goals. My laid back, positive teaching style will make your lessons enjoyable and rewarding. Whatever your skill level, I want to get you playing music you are interested in as quickly as possible. I help all students work on their fundamentals while helping them achieve their own goals. If you are a beginner, I will get you started with the basics of piano and music theory while helping you with simple arrangements of songs you like. I also work with students that have previously studied classical and want to cross over into different styles of music. When I first played in a jazz band at the age of fifteen, I had already played piano for 10 years. Even with years of classical piano, it was extremely daunting being faced with pages of chord symbols! Having this experience, I can help you apply the piano skills you already have towards playing jazz, rock, R&B or any other style that involves playing by ear and improvising. Whatever you are interested in learning about the piano and music, I will help you learn it.

Jazz, Funk, Rock, R&B, Improvisation, Music Theory, Chord Theory, Ear Training, Transcribing, Beginning, Advanced

Ball State University - Piano, Jazz/Commercial Music, Music Theory (Honors Diploma) - 1997-2002
Highland High School - General/Music (Honors Diploma) - 1993-1997

Piano, Jazz, Classical. Rock, R&B, Funk, Blues, Music, Music Theory