How do you write something about yourself, without sounding too pretentious?

Well, let’s give it a try.  First of all, I am a musician, more specifically a pianist.  I am also a teacher and currently serve as the Piano Program Director at The School for the Creative and Performing Arts (SCAPA Bluegrass). I also have a private piano studio, at Don Wilson Music located at 275 Southland drive.  I often find that I am inspired by beauty, originality, integrity, innocence and artistic skill. In terms of my musical influences those would include: The Beatles, Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman, Bill Evans, Thelonious Monk, Oscar Peterson, Dave Brubeck, my teacher and mentor Jay Flippin.  Obviously, in the realm of Classical music, my favorites include J.S. Bach Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy and Stravinsky.

Over the course of my career, I have performed extensively throughout the Lexington area, both as a solo pianist and as a part of various rock, pop, and jazz ensembles. I also toured the Southwest in a rock group back in 1978.  I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree (1978) as well as a Master of Music degree (1990), both from the University of Kentucky. In the past, I have had the opportunity to study composition under American composer Joe Baber, and pianists Jay Flippin (Jazz Piano), and Patricia Montgomery (Classical Piano). Further details can be found on my professional resume, updated July 2013: Official Resume of David R. Gillespie 2013

If you share similar interests, or are interested in learning more about piano instruction/performance in the Lexington area, please feel free to Email me: gillespiano@aol.com, or friend me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gillespiano.