Anthony B.

TONY, co-directed the piano studies program at Las Vegas academy from 2012 through 2021. He also directed the music technology program. The Piano program at Las Vegas Academy encompassed the study of classical piano (development of technique and repertory, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th century pieces) as well as contemporary piano studies and techniques of the American Songbook. Mr. also taught the art of jazz improvisation as well as performing in pit orchestras for live theater and musicals, small group accompanying, big band jazz piano studies, music director duties as it pertains to the piano chair, learning how to score charts for various music acts and develop musical scores quickly for performance as well as conducting shows. Piano students performed in the LVA musicals yearly as well as accompanied students in other music disciplines for Solo and Ensemble. The Las Vegas Academy Piano Program won the State Solo Command Performance in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Prior to teaching at Las Vegas Academy, Tony was adjunct professor of jazz studies at University of Nevada, Las Vegas teaching beginning and advanced jazz improvisation, jazz history, big band methods, and directing the contemporary jazz ensemble as well as private piano students in jazz studies from 2003 through 2010. Tony has performed as pianist for the Laura Shaffer Show in Las Vegas. He also works as an on-call pianist for jazz vocalist Naomi Mauro, Rita Lim, and Lisa Smith. Tony was guest conductor for “The Rat Pack is Back” show, and Pianist for the Zowie/Bowie Vintage Vegas Show, and Susan Anton. Tony has performed as pianist with jazz luminaries, “Philly” Joe Jones, Jimmy Cobb, Wayne Bergeron, Jiggs Wigham, Carl Saunders, Ron Carter, Harvey Mason, Phil Woods, and Kenny Burrell. Tony’s jazz fusion band, “Coalition” has 4 cd releases, the latest on the Japanese label, Shout Records, “Birth.” Tony was also part of Walt Blanton’s groundbreaking band, “Monuments," along with John Nasshan, with a recording on Origin Records. Mr.has a Bachelor of Music degree, Performance-Jazz Studies, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Cum Laude), a Master of Music degree in Music Composition/ Jazz Theory, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a Professional Development teaching degree, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, as well as certification for the Suzuki piano method. Mr. currently holds State teacher licenses for secondary music education in Nevada and Utah. Tony currently maintains a private piano teaching practice in the Las Vegas Valley. His students range in age from 3 years to adults. Beginner method books (Faber, Bastien, Thompson, Schaum) are chosen for each student to assure a good fit for early success. Emphasis is placed on having students move into the standard piano repertory once method book success has been achieved.