Eric Walton

New York City

Pianist

Music And The Moment

I do not see music as an escape, though I know many people do. Music helps them to forget the humdrum of their daily lives, taking them to a beautiful alien world. But I feel differently. Playing music, to me, is one of the best ways to connect with real people who are listening, right then and there. The man in the darkened audience is a stranger, yes, but while I am performing we are communicating. We may never introduce ourselves, and I probably will not change anything specific in his life, but I think I may have told him something important. I truly believe that.

Versatility

I have professional experience and training in many styles. I have a solid classical background, having studied very seriously the music of the classical greats—Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, and Brahms. I have spent years working professionally as a classical accompanist. I also have studied jazz, with a degree from University of Michigan in jazz piano. In addition, I have worked as a rock/pop/gospel keyboardist, having played with such luminaries as Ashford and Simpson and Mark Preston (one of the original Lettermen). Classical and jazz are my strong suits, but I am very versatile. I am adept at working with bands, orchestras, and alone. I can play from leadsheets and improvise. I transpose at sight, sightread very well, and know a great deal of the musical theatre repertoire.