So you've never had a lesson?
Do you read music?
While the piano is usually the main instrument in your songs, sometimes there will also be a string section, or horns or other instruments. Who arranges their parts?
Musically, who do you look up to?
How do you pronounce your last name?
Do you play any other instruments besides piano?
Where is your CD available for purchase?
Where did you study piano?
Actually, I'm self-trained. When I was about thirteen years old I received a small Casio keyboard for Christmas. It couldn't have been more than two and a half octaves, and it had stickers on the keys to tell you what they were. I bought sheet music books that had the names of the notes printed inside the notehead, and just went on from there. The year after that I received a bigger keyboard, and then finally bought a piano.
No, never. I've had a lot of guidance along the way though. My cousin plays and he was always happy to show me a thing or two.
Absolutely. One of the great things about those kinds of books is that you not only learn where the notes are on the piano, but also where they are on the printed page.
I do all my own orchestrations. I love the piano but sometimes I'll feel that a song needs a certain "coloring" that can only be achieved by using other instruments.
I write in a lot of different styles. Elton John and Billy Joel are big inspirations for me, but on the solo piano side, I'd have to go with Jim Brickman and David Lanz. When I'm writing for the theatre, I try to emulate Jason Robert Brown and William Finn.
STUR-ee-al. The "e" on the end is silent.
I play a little guitar, and I'm working on the flute and clarinet as well. My ultimate goal is to be able to play every instrument in the modern orchestra, at least fundamentally.
The most utilized place would be this website, as well as CD Baby. People from all over the world (I'm happy to say) have bought it this way. It will be in stores soon in New York City. Of course, if you see me on the street, don't be afraid to ask!