Ray van Straten - Pianist For Your Special Event

My musical style can be defined as elegant, upscale and refined. While I have a vast repertoire, I truly appreciate classic American standards made popular by the greats - Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington and many others. I also perform creative, new arrangements of contemporary songs made popular by such artists as Michael Jackson, Ed Sheeran, Adele, John Legend, Stevie Wonder, Sting & The Police, Jimi Hendrix, and more. My music flows with your event to set the perfect musical backdrop!

An award-winning pianist since a very early age, Ray was educated in classical performance as well as jazz composition/arranging, and possesses a bachelor's degree in commercial music.

Ray built his musical career in New York as one of the area's premiere go-to musicians for recording sessions and live performances of all kinds. Over the years, his musical journey has taken him to concert halls, performance venues, stadium and arena tours, as well as the most intimate of private events (his favorite setting). As a composer and arranger, he has written and performed some of Madison Avenue's most memorable ad campaigns for television and radio.

With literally thousands of engagements to his credit - both as solo performer and with ensembles, Ray also possesses a vast repertoire of great American jazz standards and pop classics, played in a style that is uniquely his own, demonstrating great command of his instrument and great respect for the essence of the (link hidden)w residing in Southern California, Ray is available for wedding ceremonies and receptions, dinner and cocktail parties, holiday events and fine dining establishments - helping hosts of all kinds provide great experiences and lasting memories for their guests and themselves.

I would enjoy playing on your well-maintained and tuned acoustic piano. If you don't have a piano - no problem. I have a fantastic digital piano and other equipment that sounds great. Please be sure I have nearby access to a working electrical outlet.