Piano
Chris Dabbo is a Connecticut-based pianist, keyboardist, and songwriter. Forever inspired by music old and new, he began studying piano at the age of 10 and sang in a number of school, church, and community choirs. In hopes to pursue a career as a concert pianist, he was accepted into the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory Division and later earned his Bachelor's Degree in music at the Hartt School of Music.
Recently, he earned his Master's degree in Jazz Studies for Piano from the University of Memphis. While there, he had the opportunity to play with the Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra, Aaron Neville, Deana Martin, Ghost Town Blues Band, and many other amazing musicians.
During his classical studies throughout his teens and early twenties, he drew influence from the piano playing styles of Elton John, Billy Joel, and Bruce Hornsby, and was developing a growing interest in the more popular genres of music. With that, he developed his technique and musical vocabulary from the likes of artists such as Oscar Peterson, Keith Emerson, Jordan Rudess, Bill Evans, Chick Corea, and Brad Mehldau.
At the age of 16, he started playing professionally at restaurants and private functions, and has since, been working as a piano instructor, church organist, and both a solo and group performing artist. Since 1999, he has taken part in a number of original and cover projects. His most recent performance acts have been "Empire,” "Rubber City Blues Band," "Karmic Justice," "Ghost Town Blues Band, "Chris Dabbo: The Trio Collective," and "Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra." Other credits include musical direction and performances at the Warner Theater in Torrington, CT for the "The King & I," and NVCC's productions of “Full Monty,” "Hair, " and Godspell.”
His most current musical endeavors have been playing solo piano engagements, while remaining active as a teacher of private piano lessons, an adjunct music professor at NVCC, and a music director at Burlington Congregational Church. As a teacher, Chris is kind and patient. He accommodates all playing abilities, and can teach many styles and techniques.