Originally from Port Jervis (in upstate New York), Mike received a B.A
in philosophy from the University of Rochester before studying composition at Berklee College of Music and receiving a master's
degree in music theory from the University of Maryland.
In 1983 he moved to California where
he is a professional piano player who has played with many well known artists in various locations around the globe.
Although primarily a jazz player, Mike also is adept at playing different
genres like blues, pop, classical and others.
He teaches children and adults
and works with other musicians providing performance coaching and copying services.
See
his full resume below.
Professional Organizations
LA Musicians Union
Ventura Musicians Union
Mike Saul Music Resume
Summary
Professional pianist,
specializing in performing with a wide range of jazz and contemporary ensembles.
Private
teaching and coaching experience of both children and adults over a 20 year period. Subjects include
basic piano techniques, music theory, classical piano, song writing and jazz improvision. Experience accompanying
and coaching pop and jazz vocalists.
Professional Development
Jazz
studies with Phil Markowitz, Charles Banacos, Wade Beach and Ron Elliston
Classical
piano studies with Ed Bedner and Dusi Mura
Career History and Highlights
From
1981 to 2011 I worked as a software engineer in addition to working as a musician.
Since then, I am devoting my
time to music.
1973-1974 member of a touring “Top
40” band based in Rochester, New York.
1986 –
1990’s performances in Palm Desert with Billy Barty as a member of the Windmill
orchestra.
1994 – Performances in Cuba with the “Indecent Exposure”
theater ensemble.
1995 – ‘Taps’ Tour in the northern California
area with Tim Fowlar and Donald O’Connor.
2002 – Played synthesizer
for Little Anthony and the Imperials in Laughlin, Nevada.
2006-2015
Steamer’s Jazz Club in Fullerton with the Mark Hix Big Band, Big Band 2000 and the Slide Effects ensemble.
2009-present performing with singer Danny D. (Dan Delurgio)
2001-present - various performances with singer Janicey Brar
2006-present
- various gigs with Jon Stanger
2017-present Performances at The Lighthou2se
in Hermosa Beach with the Gary Herbig and Bill Spoke Quintet and Slide Effects
2015-present
Accompanist at The College of The Canyons in Santa Clarita
Private parties,
weddings and recordings as well as performances in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County San Bernadino County
area hotels and clubs – including The Lighthouse, Jax Bar and Grill, Steamers Jazz Club, Spazios, Typhoon, Catilina's
Bar and Grill, Vitellos, the Ford Ampitheater and the Marriot in Marina Del Rey.
Philosophy
Music is a wonderful thing to study and appreciate. I believe that
learning music is a never-ending process which can positively affect a music student's life in countless ways.
While I love being a professional musician, the study of music is valuable for students at every level, no matter what
profession they choose to pursue.
Education
University of Maryland, M.M. Music Theory
Masters Thesis - The development of a computer-aided compositional algorithm.
Berklee College of Music, B.M. Composition
University of Rochester,
B.A. Philosophy, piano studies at Eastman School of Music
