About
Chris Merritt is a long-time songwriter, composer, musician, and producer. He's toured the US and Japan, wrote and produced music for television commercials in New York City, published piano sheet music, taught lessons ranging from basic piano to managing student productions, and tuned pianos. He has put out over 10 full records under his own name (and several others: from his early days with his band, Paperface, to his newer collaboration with Cruise Elroy), the list goes on.
With his background rooted in jazz, combined with a love of pop and rock music, Chris reached a signature melodic and harmonic prog-pop that is entirely his own style. While he was signed to Takeover Records right out of college, by then the music industry as it was, was deteriorating. Labels dissolved; the Capitol Records building was turned to pavement, and the online-era was taking over. Amidst the shift, Chris persisted, not seeking fame, but a scene where everyone was excited about making great music. (You'd be surprised how rare that was to find). Wherever he went, Chris worked hard to create and develop a devoted fan base that spread internationally...out of sheer persistence and love of music. His style encouraged curiosity in his listeners of all ages and walks of life, whether it was a Sci-Fi topic he wrote about, or the odd time-signature he somehow made into a catchy pop song. Then and now, he blends such elements into his work with an energy and smoothness that is refreshing to fans. He kept standing out from the crowds, whether they were in LA, Salt Lake City, New York, countless towns/cities in the West and Midwest, all the way back to his home state of Virginia. Fans and reviewers of his music alike agree that he can't be "pegged" into one category or compared to any one musician or group.
His hard work and devotion as a songwriter and musician has inspired many people all over, including students. He has taught lessons at schools and studios in California, Utah, and New York including: RockStars Music Studios, Jam Camp, The Rock Underground, and School Of Rock. He has taught piano (beginner - advanced), voice, conducted songwriting-specifc courses/classes, directed and performed in student showcases, and assisted with sound and set-up of showcases. Many students now are fans of his own music and found inspiration from him to pursue their own musical talents and careers.
Chris has always been about the music and how amazing it is to have in our lives. He loves giving encouragement to every student, no matter what they require. If he sees a drive and a love of music, he looks to inspire them the way he was when he was just starting out.
" I use a combination of classical piano teaching and modern popular styles.
I like to get students playing rewarding pieces from the rock, jazz, pop, and classical repertoire as soon as possible. These tend to focus on music theory to help build an understanding of the underlying foundation of music. Universal principles help many students visualize music theory in general to apply to their learning.
Lessons are supplemented with technique and fundamentals. Scales, fingerings, arpeggios, and materials from the standard piano literature are included. Faber and Faber books can supplement this process, but I have my own original materials that mimic early / intermediate piano books. Materials are available in .pdf. I use pieces such as Bach Preludes to provide rewarding progress for new students, and effective, impressive pieces for intermediate students.
Lessons are tailored and unique to each student - many students are interested in jazz piano, and I have intensive background and professional experience in jazz piano as well (and a minor in jazz piano from Shenandoah University). I teach jazz chord "voicings" and how to interpret and play "lead sheets". I have extensive materials in .pdf format from the Real Books, and various improvisation books by different authors. Composers I tend to use for lesson pieces include Duke Ellington, Loius Armstong, Bill Evans, and Herbie Hancock.
As a professional songwriter, jingle writer, and touring rock musician, I love using pop songs like Mad World or Hey Jude to illustrate basics of popular piano playing and get students engaged with music! "