Group Classes
Intro to piano

 The intro to piano group classes are a great place to start for those with no experience playing the piano. Students will learn about note reading, rhythm, technique, theory, ear training, ways to practice and much more! Being part of a supportive, fun, group environment also helps students build confidence learning new skills together. All you need is a piano, good internet connection, the desire to learn something new and we’ll get you started!

Intro to piano faculty

Chris Barnes

I’ve spent my entire life studying, performing, touring and teaching music, starting when I was 10 years old. Whatever your level of experience, I am here to help. I’ve been playing the trumpet and piano for 37 years and teaching for 30 years, starting when I was in high school, teaching younger kids at the local middle school. I enjoy teaching at all levels but my absolute favorite students are the beginners. Getting them started on the right foot, teaching them how to practice, getting the basics together, learning their first song, and getting them started on a lifetime of enjoying making music.

I have created a structured curriculum for both trumpet and piano that includes working on proper technique, fundamentals, classical repertoire, jazz repertoire, listening, theory, sight reading and much more. I have helped hundreds of students who are struggling to keep up in band, who want to win their school seating audition, audition for honor bands, college auditions, and adults of every level.

My favorite adult student was 79 years old. He called me and said “I used to play 50 years ago and wish I never would have put it down.” I thought he was joking and exaggerating…but no! It was literally 50 years ago! He was a doctor, retired and we got his playing together so he could play with the local community band. He had a blast and is proof it’s never too late to start!

FORMER STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS -
California All-State
High School Honor Band

California All-Northern
High School Honor Band

California All-State
Middle School Honor Band

San Jose State
High School Honor Wind Ensemble

Oakland Youth Orchestra
Diablo Wind Symphony
Aspen Music Festival
San Francisco High School Jazz All Stars
East Bay High School Jazz All Stars
Blue Devils “A” Drum and Bugle Corps
Blue Devils “B” Drum and Bugle Corps
Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps

PERFORMING CREDITS -
When I was 15 years old I got my first paying gig. Since then I have played in every possible genre and ensemble you can think of. I’ve played with national touring broadway shows, symphony orchestras, opera companies, ballet companies, experimental modern music ensembles, brass quintets, played lead in jazz big bands, rock bands, mariachi bands, wedding bands, church services, corporate parties, worn crazy costumes, recording session work and been the dance captain of many a horn section. Here is a partial list of music groups I’ve played with:

NATIONAL TOURING ACTS -
Seth Macfarlane • Huey Lewis and The News
Smash Mouth • George Clinton
Carlos Santana • The Temptations
Kristin Chenoweth • Idina Menzel
Michael Feinstein • Debby Boone
Bonnie Raitt • Randy Newman
Kevin Spacey • Tim McGraw
Monica Mancini • Diana Krall
Bobby Caldwell • Frank D’ Ambrosio

NATIONAL TOURING BROADWAY SHOWS -
Beautiful (World Premiere) • Wicked
Kinky Boots • Book of Mormon
Mary Poppins • Young Frankenstein
South Pacific • Cats
Anything Goes • Drowsy Chaperone
Video Games Live • The Producers
Thoroughly Modern Millie • Peter Pan
Singing in The Rain • Dream Girls

ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE -
San Francisco Symphony
Oakland East Bay Symphony
Oakland Ballet
Santa Rosa Symphony
California Symphony
Fresno Philharmonic
Sacramento Symphony
Sacramento Chorale Society
Berkeley Symphony
Berkeley Opera
Opera San Jose
San Francisco Chamber Orchestra
Masterworks Chorale

DISCOGRAPHY -
Huey Lewis and The News - Weather
Tokyo Disney - Theme park music
Rubio’s Mexican Grill - TV Commercial
Ravenshire Castle - Video Game
Gunman’s Taco Truck - Video Game
Sega Dream Cast Video Game - NFL2K1
Sega Dreamcast Video Game - The Floigan Brothers
Panic is Perfect - Behind your eyelids

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA MUSIC GROUPS -
Beach Blanket Babylon
Sacramento Music Circus
U.S. Air Force - Commanders Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Garden Big Band
Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra
Mood Swing Orchestra
Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps
Casino Royale
Panic is Perfect
Purple Ones
Notorious
Pop Rocks
Broadway by The Bay
Woodminster Amphitheater
Mountain Play
San Francisco Brass Company
East Bay Brass Company

JAZZ FESTIVALS -
Montreaux • Umbria
Monterey • San Francisco
Sacramento • Fillmore
Concord • Santa Cruz
San Jose • Redding
Folsom • Columbia College