Pianist, Organist, Accompanist.
Solo piano, piano/bass, piano/bass/drums. I specialize in The American Songbook (standards 1920s-1960s) jazz but play all styles.
I have performed for President and First Lady Nancy Reagan, Bob Hope, Phylis Diller, Red Buttons, the rock band Anthrax and many Hollywood celebrities. I reside in Palm Desert.
ORGAN: I've performed in France, Poland, Belgium, and many times in Paris.
On July 3rd, 2023, I was featured in concert at world famous Sprekels Organ Pavilion in San Diego on the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world.
Known for my improvised silent film scores on pipe organ, featured regularly at the famous Old Town Music Hall and greater L.A.
Robert played at our party for over 70 guests. He was very communicative, quick to respond and played all types of music! Everyone loved him. Talented! Highly recommend!
We hired Robert for a private event and he was amazing! He is extremely talented and fit in perfectly with our special event. Can’t wait to hire him again!!
Response from Robert Alan York Music:
Thank you Jacqueline! It was great meeting you and the others. What a wonderful evening we shared! I look forward to next time, wishing you all the best,
Robert
Robert played and entertained my guests for over three hours. His music provided a beautiful ambiance for my party. It was truly a memorable evening and Robert’s music was a big part of it.
Response from Robert Alan York Music:
Thank you Andrew, it was a pleasure to meet you and your guests. I hope we'll meet again soon, and if you decide to move ahead with piano coaching, I'm here for you! Robert
We were so pleased to have Mr. York perform at our dinner party. I highly recommend.
Robert York serves as our organist/pianist for our worship services at Canyon Hills Presbyterian Church. Robert is very accomplished in multiple genre's. Robert is always well prepared and enthusiastic about how music enhances our experiences. We are blessed by his talents and dedication.
Response from Robert Alan York Music:
Thank you, Lissa! I truly love working with you and Canyon Hills Presbyterian.
Price Range: $200 and up.
Gig Length: 30 - 240 minutes
Languages: English, French
Insurance: $10,000 - I can easily obtain one-day event coverage for venues requiring it, but there is an additional charge for this which I will discuss with you after I receive the insurance quote which will vary depending upon the amount of coverage needed. We will discuss the cost well in advance so that you are assured of best possible fee.
Robert York as a solo artist:
I will arrive early, appropriately dressed in agreed upon attire prior to engagement.
Robert York Trio, or Duo:
Unless otherwise requested, myself, bassist and drummer will be in tuxedo or black.
We will arrive early, set up, sound check and be ready to perform at the start of the agreed upon time. Every room/.situation is different, so I will make certain we look the best in the given venue.
Robert York began his musical career at age 14 and over the decades has performed for audiences in the western United States and throughout Europe.
He holds a B.M. degree in Piano Performance and a Masters Degree in Organ performance under David York, Long Beach and Sophie-Veronique Choplin of Paris, France.
Mr. York made his European concert debut in Poland in 2009, in Paris, France at the historic church of St. Sulpice, Paris in 2010, an ongoing piano series in Noirmoutier en l'Isle, France (phone number hidden)9 (returning 2025) and in Belgium in 2016. Another series of piano and organ concerts are in the works for Poland 2025.
Both a classical and jazz pianist, he has performed for such notables as President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan, Bob Hope, Steve Allen, Patti LaBelle, Michael Feinstein, Tippi Hedren, Carol Conners, and the rock band Anthrax. He has had the privilege of accompanying the talents of Shirley Jones,
Ruta Lee, jazz legend Ronny Whyte, and Marylin McCoo and Billy Williams of The 5th Dimension.
Robert is recognized for his improvised accompaniment scores to silent films and is regularly featured at the famed Old Town Music Hall in El Segundo, CA and other venues. In 2023 he was honored with an invitation to perform the 4th of July concert at the world-famous Spreckels Organ Pavilion in San Diego, CA, the largest outdoor organ in the world. He now resides in Palm Desert, CA.
He was recently featured in concert for the Piano Riot series at Revolution Theatre in Palm Springs, has been performing regularly at Alice B. restaurant, Palm Springs, and private parties at residences in La Quinta, Palm Springs, Palm Desert and Indian Wells.
Robert York as a solo artist:
A grand piano is ideal, but any acoustical piano in good working condition is great!
If a keyboard is used, I will need a nearby power outlet.
Robert York Trio:
We will need power available for the Bassist and my keyboard if there is no acoustical piano. Always it's best that the power source be as close to the instruments set-up as possible but I am always flexible, whatever the situation, I can make it work!
The American Songbook, which comprises the great songs from the 1920s-1960s, the jazz standards. I program my sets to be varied throughout the 45 minute sets so that the songs flow gracefully from one to the next and vary from Swing, Ballad, Latin.
My jazz influences are Bill Evans, Vince Guaraldi (Peanuts animation fame), Blossom Dearie, Oscar Peterson, Ronny Whyte.
My organ training is largely French, having studied extensively in Paris. My favorite composer and organist is Maurice Duruflé and of course the great César Franck and Widor. The teachers I have studied with in Paris are Sophie-Veronique Choplin of St. Sulpice church, Andrew Dewar of The American Cathedral and one-time coaching sessions with Daniel Roth, Vincent Warnier. All the Paris church organists are virtuoso musicians and mind boggling to hear in person.
Theater organ, of course the late, great George Wright, and many others. My silent film improvisations are more influenced by my study of improvisation in Paris.
It's always best to discuss logistics (where the piano will be, etc.) in person.
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