Anthony R. TakeLessons Instructor music, piano, studio production E 9th Street, Brooklyn, NY

Though Anthony's primary instrument is keyboards, he is truly a multi-instrumentalist. Following his 2003 east coast tour in support of his independent release, Grown Tired of the Con, Anthony was asked to join the politically conscious and relentlessly touring band, Spearhead, with whom he worked for two years. In addition to his solo work and his recent work with Spearhead, Anthony has a number of tours and collaborations to his credit with artists including Bo Diddley, Kelly Price, Brian Jackson, and The Jungle Brothers. He has also opened for such acts as Paul McCartney, Santana, The Black Eyed Peas, Medeski, Martin & Wood, The Meters and The Charlie Hunter Trio. His musical style, which he describes as “Stevie Wonder meets Steely Dan” has gained him a varied fan base which includes such notables as famed New York City DJ Funkmaster Flex and indie film actor Peter Stromare (“Fargo,” “Minority Report,” “The Big Lebowski”). Anthony is a prolific writer who, in addition to Another Fatal Blow, has three prior albums to his credit, Grown Tired of the Con, Comfort is So Rare and a six-movement straight-ahead jazz suite, entitled Travels of a Lost Soul. He also co-wrote the score for the critically acclaimed independent film “Hitman’s Handbook” and the award-winning PBS documentary “Off the Curb.” His music was also used in the highly praised indie film "Get Faamous" alonside jazz legend Gary Bartz. When not on the road, he presides over Shady Bear Productions, his multi-faceted recording facility based in New York City. He has produced artists K.J. Denhert, Nicole Collins, Almasi Lewis, Greg Winter, Danica Dora & Leanin' 6 as well as radio and tv spots for H & M, 1 800 Flowers, British Airways, ABC Television, Ruth's Chris, Johnson & Johnson, & Pharmacia & Upjohn. While his newest project, planetJABR, takes him from the recording studio to the road, he still finds time to teach. With a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Performance and a Master's in Music Education from New York University, Anthony has a unique teaching style which calls upon his years of experience as a working musician.

Although I can teach classical, jazz, pop, etc., I tend to pepper my lessons with music theory and listening exercises. I believe that music lessons should help foster a love and understanding of music from a listener's perspective, as well as the ability to learn how to play music. Within a few months I try to get the student to create his or her own original music. I believe that this helps them understand the language of music in a more rewarding way.

jazz, theory, composition, production & engineering

music, piano, studio production