Chicago's #1 Recommended Pianist!
- Chicago, IL
- Pianist
- 1 Verified Booking
Michele S. said “Richard is a highly skilled musician - his music provided the perfect accompaniment to our father's memorial service. He is really good at what he…”
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I am a pianist who specializes in playing modern pop and rock music. I can improvise and arrange most songs on the spot to meet the needs of the occasion (such as turning an energetic song into a ballad for a wedding). My repertoire is anything I am familiar with, which is mostly stuff after about 2010 or so, but I do know some of the classics as well. But I love a lot of music, so I can accommodate to the best of my ability!
Great way to start off our wedding! Exceptional cocktail hour pianist. Fun and lively repertoire.
Price Range: Contact for rates
Gig Length: 30 - 180 minutes
Languages: English
As stated above, I am well versed with modern pop and rock music after about 2010 or so. If it is a super big hit prior to then, or a wedding classic, there's chances that I may still know it and can perform it. But, if I am not familiar with the melody, I cannot play the song.
The only thing to be aware about my playing is that I generally use my phone to look up the chords as I am playing and improvising over them. However, at past gigs I have done, I have put my phone on do not disturb for the duration of my playing to prevent any sort of distraction from what I was hired to do.
Other than that, you can expect me to play pretty much any song in my memory bank on the spot. I am pretty big on the sound of piano ballads, so I can pretty much translate most tunes into that style (which makes for great background music!). I am always sure to be playing the appropriate amount to where I am being heard, but not distracting from what everyone came there to do.
Hi! Playing music is an absolute joy of mine, so much so that I have been pursuing a degree in composition over at Illinois State University. My entire musical journey started with learning piano 13 years ago, and it has been a constant presence in my life ever since.
For the last 8 or so years I have been playing and arranging pop music for piano on my YouTube channel "Plaintive", and even though I don't have as much time to upload there anymore (due to schooling and working, mostly), I still regularly pull up chords to new songs and play them on the spot for fun. It's one of my favorite things to do when I sit down at a piano.
I have previously played for weddings and other various large gatherings before, but those have been through personal connections. Some of the videos I have linked contain some louder dramatic moments, but I recognize that I am a background act, and I am able to play under people's conversations.
As I said before, I am a general lover of music, and I would love any chance I get to display my love of music for others. It's a beautiful thing that helps bring people together, and I am happy to be that glue for any gathering or wedding you may need!
I would prefer if the event had a piano already there, but if need be, I do have a Yamaha P-125 that can be brought with me.
January 28, 2023 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Reception |
Some of the artists that you may hear being performed: Twenty One Pilots, Olivia Rodrigo, Rex Orange County, The Beatles, Harry Styles, Phoebe Bridgers, Billie Eilish, Tyler the Creator, Black Country New Road, Radiohead, Panic at the Disco, Imagine Dragons, Nothing But Thieves, Jon Bellion, BORNS, The 1975, Kanye West, Mac Miller, Tame Impala, etc.
I do have knowledge in some of the classic wedding tunes, as well. Some of the ones I like to play regularly are: "Can't Help Falling in Love" - Elvis Presley, "All of Me" - John Legend, "Perfect" or "Thinking Out Loud" - Ed Sheeran, "Lover" - Taylor Swift.
I'm big into a lot of artists, so I will list off some of the ones that have played a big impact on my overall sound as a pianist and performer: Radiohead, twenty one pilots, Rex Orange County, Jon Bellion, Billie Eilish, Tyler the Creator, and Nothing but Thieves.
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Michele S. said “Richard is a highly skilled musician - his music provided the perfect accompaniment to our father's memorial service. He is really good at what he…”
Wm. K. said “Judy Bowen is an excellent performer who arrived early, played exceptionally well, and was a hit with my guests.”
Laura P. said “My 89 year old mother had just passed away. She was a woman who loved music, specifically show tunes and Sinatra. I wanted to create a celebration of…”
Emile L. S. said “Thanks Michael for a great time at our wedding. On time, punctual, good communication. Thank you for collaborating with our DJ and making the process…”