About / Teaching / Contact

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I have been active as a musician in Chicago for 30 years and currently serve as Music Director at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in the Andersonville neighborhood where I have worked since 1994. I have served on the faculties of Chicago High School for the Arts, Merit School of Music and People’s Music School teaching piano, music theory, music composition and bass. 

I received my DMA in Composition from the University of Memphis and MM in piano performance from Virginia Commonwealth University. I have held fellowships at Millay Colony for the Arts, Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts and Hambidge Center. Among my recognitions have been first prize in the Atlanta Chamber Players Rapido Competition and an Individual Artist’s Grant from the Illinois Arts Council. As a composer my primary medium for expression has been the ad hoc ensemble I formed in 1999: Hardart groop. The group features many of Chicago’s finest musicians and the writing has been praised for its originality. The album I Own an Ion was chosen as 2020 album of the year by Chris Evans’ The Curve Ball. My music has also been played by such groups as Kontras Quartet, Fifth House Ensemble, Boston Musica Viva, Atlantic Reed Consort and The Atlanta Chamber Players. As a bass player I have worked in a variety of groups including Teatro ZinZanni and Eden Orchestra. 


john at the pianoTeaching

I offer instruction in piano, composition, theory and bass (both upright and electric) for all ages and at all levels. Lessons are available in my Andersonville studio, in a student’s home or other location, or virtually.

Please get in touch about availability, rates or for more information.

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