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Cheri recently performed at a benefit concert at Prince of Peace Lutheran in Roseville, a benefit for the Saint Paul Lutheran Synod’s campaign, ” Planting Hope” https://spas-elca.org/planting-hope/ Here’s the YouTube link:  https://youtu.be/u4HtIoFGio8  which includes three pieces of Cheri’s: Five minutes in, find, The Gift (Philip Aaberg), a pretty new age style piece, the first time I’ve … Continue reading “Solo Piano Benefit Performance”

The past six weeks I’ve been rehearsing with the high-school musical, “Holiday Inn,” with music by Irving Berlin. Think tap-dancing with jump ropes, to ageless songs like Blue Skies, Cheek to Cheek, Steppin’ Out with My Baby, and White Christmas. The show is playing two weekends until May 1, 2022 in the auditorium of St. … Continue reading “Irving Berlin’s “Holiday Inn” –a musical!”

Dana, who’s been studying electric guitar for about a year now, demo’d her rock and roll skills this week for some preschoolers! She treated them to Wipeout, Wild Thing, and other classics, while educating them on the instrument. Proud of her! Dana is our online student from the Florida gulf coast, who has studied piano … Continue reading “Dana’s rockin’ the Strat!”

  Wedding at Kellerman’s Event Center in White Bear Lake. What a lovely venue!

Here’s Matthew G and all his ribbons and certificates earned 2020-2021: exams in Theory and Keyboard Skills sponsored by the MN Music Teachers Association. What a Go-Getter!

In June, Cheri presented at the Minnesota Music Teachers State Convention, “Teach Boogie Woogie Piano,” a curriculum developed at Sykes Piano Studio. The presentation concluded with this boogie woogie mashup from our 2020 Recital by young student Dana. At our studio, Boogie Woogie piano is a winner with students of all ages and levels!  

I’ve just joined the Emerson Avenue Band as keyboardist! A big 12-piece R&B band (Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Prince, Bruno Mars).  First outing was last week at the Lake Harriet Bandshell, playing for a huge crowd of dancers.  I think everybody is overjoyed to be out mixing it up again and enjoying live music.  What … Continue reading “My new gig with the Emerson Avenue Band!”

Here at the beautiful Lumber Exchange Building downtown Minneapolis on Hennepin Avenue, playing my first wedding in over a year.  Feels good to be back at it!  Their special request for wedding piano is Brandi Carlile’s “I Belong to You.”

Drew just graduated from Piano Pronto Movement 1. He’s progressing nicely! He’s enjoying practicing on his new digital piano (cool!). Drew also began learning trumpet this year. Piano lessons make learning a second instrument so much easier! IMO, a background in piano is essential for ALL musicians, making everything much more understandable.  

Last weekend, Lindsey filmed and submitted her MMTA Contest piece, “Mashed Potato Clouds,” last weekend. This is her third year of participating! Here’s a link to her performance video: https://youtu.be/UkGIaATECQ0 Good luck, Lindsey!