Celeste C  
Instruments: Piano, Voice, Organ, Keyboard
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Avant-garde

As a professional pianist and singer, I have had the honor of playing the Kerrville Folk Festival, as well as Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter with recording artist Michelle Shocked. I have co-written and performed alongside the multi-platinum hit songwriter, Stan “Doc” Penridge (of the 70’s rock band, Kiss.) I sang at the wedding of Tary Owens and Maryann Price (Dan Hicks original Hot Lick, singer for The Kinks and Asleep at the Wheel) and played honky-tonk piano for the Austin Lounge Lizard’s Thanksgiving bash, played a Caribbean cruise ship with jazz recording artist, Nathen Page (guitarist for Roberta Flak, Jimmy Smith, and Herbie Mann).

In Hollywood I sang with Louis Johnson (of the 70’s funk band The Brothers Johnson) for the filming of VH-1’s “Where Are They Now?” I performed at the Grand Hyatt in Seoul, Korea for foreign dignitaries like Secretary of State, Madeline Allbrite; Governor of New Jersey, Christie Whitman; and the Prime Minister of Australia.

My first CD, entitled “Dedicated To You”, was released in 1996 with the help of Shel Silverstine. Wink Tyler (known for his work with Dolly Parton, Lyle Lovett, Hal Ketchem, Asleep at the Wheel, and more) engineered this simple piano-and-vocal recording, which received local and international airplay. My second album, “Big Star” was recorded at EMG Studios in Hollywood, home of the publishers of Mariah Carey, Huey Lewis, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby and many more. My band comprised an all-star line-up of the top musicians currently working on the West Coast. Bandleader and legendary guitarist, John Beland, played with Linda Ronstadt’s breakout band as well as Dolly Parton and the Flying Burrito Brothers. Jay Dee Maness, the number one pedal steel player in the world (and a fine human being) worked with my project. Jay Dee is known for his work on Eric Clapton’s “Tears In Heaven”. My bass player Paul Marshall was the lead singer with Strawberry Alarm Clock and appeared in the film “Beyond the Valley of the Dolls”.

I am blessed to have worked with the best in the business. John Braheny, author of “The Craft and Business of Songwriting”, consulted with me on my original songs. My background vocalists included Darlene Koldenhoven, who also served as vocal coach and vocal arranger. Darlene arranged and sang for the box office smash, “Sister Act.” My backup singers Andrea Robinson and Laura Creamer, sang with Paul McCartney and Bob Seger, respectively. I have been a radio host (for WICN) and rock magazine writer. I once found myself onstage singing Happy Birthday for Tito Puente! Another time Bo Diddley called me up onstage to sing with him.

Real music for real people. You choose the songs that you would like to learn. I teach basic techniques which allow you to excel at performing the songs. Learn to read music. Learn important technical skills. But don't be chained to the notation! Sound better than what's written! We can play a lot more notes than we can read or write -- a lot faster! I am a music producer as well as a recording artist and songwriter. I can help you with all of these things.

Music theory; arranging for piano and voice, small combos or recording sessions; songwriting and music composition are topics we can work on if you choose. I am also a healer and voice therapist, specializing in overcoming stage fright. However, I have also helped clients heal from a number of health conditions. I love working with children. They are so cute! They benefit from working with a real pro musician (not a schoolmarm) who is accomplished, yet loves working with kids! I enjoy working with adults, too. I am able to help them with their music careers or just play/sing music they love for their own enjoyment. I work with beginners up to very advanced. It would be my privilege to work with you through all stages of your musical development!