Adrianne Duncan

"Her poised and poetic delivery of the cadenza confirmed that a substantial talent has begun to blossom."

-- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

ADRIANNE DUNCAN is a professional pianist, instructor and singer living in Los Angeles. She began playing the piano at the age of eight and singing soon thereafter. The daughter of renowned classical guitarist Charles Duncan (whose book series The Art of Classical Guitar Playing is used in university guitar programs worldwide), Adrianne attended Northwestern University on a music scholarship and is the winner of numerous national and regional piano competitions. She has performed in multiple capacities: as a solo artist, in a duo, with chamber groups, in jazz combos and with symphony orchestras. Her piano playing has been heard on NPR radio stations and the soundtracks to feature films. In addition to her teaching and classical background, Adrianne is active as a jazz pianist and singer/songwriter and has performed in multiple venues in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. She has performed and recorded with some of LA and New York's most noted musicians, and is also in demand as a session player and singer. Her website can be found at www.duncanmusicstudio.com.

All ages and levels are taught, from beginning to advanced. Adrianne believes that the best teachers teach students to teach themselves, and this philosophy is reflected in her lessons. Her students learn practice techniques and theoretical knowledge that develops their ability to progress on their own. Topics covered are technique, repertoire (from classical to pop, jazz and blues), theory (both classical and jazz), ear training, notation, chord and note reading, practice habits, memorization techniques and interpretation. Lessons are tailored to the needs, interests and background of each individual student. Various special-needs clients have been taught, including learning-disabled children, adults with physical disabilities such as MS, and children as young as four.

Adrianne teaches in her home in the Hollywood/Laurel Canyon area of Los Angeles. Lessons can be taught at students' homes for an additional travel fee. Current lesson rates are $65 per hour and $40 per half hour. Group theory lessons, songwriting classes, master classes, and recording and performance opportunities are also available.

EDUCATION

Northwestern University, Evanston, IL (bachelor's degree in music and theatre)

SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVALS

Tanglewood Music Center, Lenox, MA
Brevard Music Center, Brevard, NC
Southeastern Music Center, LaGrange, GA

SCHOLARSHIPS, AWARDS AND COMPETITIONS

National Merit Scholar, Northwestern University
Music and Academic Scholarship Recipient, Northwestern University
Scholarship Recipient, Tanglewood, Brevard and Southeastern Music Centers
Winner, Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition
Winner (multiple years), Atlanta Music Teachers Association competition
Winner (multiple years), Georgia Music Teachers Association competition
Finalist (multiple years), Music Teachers National Association competition
Pianist, Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra

CONCERTS

Symphony Hall, Atlanta, GA (Schumann Concerto in A minor, Op. 54, No. 1)
Emory University, Atlanta, GA
University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL
The Cloister Hotel, Sea Island, GA
Multiple student and university recitals
Chamber music performances, Tanglewood and Brevard Music centers

TEACHERS

John Perry
Nelita True
John Novello
Herb Mickman
David Kaiserman
Betty Nolting

MASTER CLASSES

Emanuel Ax
Yo-Yo Ma
Leon Fleisher
Andre Watts
Ruth Laredo
Murray Perahia

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Music Teachers National Association
California Association of Professional Music Teachers
American Federation of Musicians
International Association of Jazz Educators
Screen Actors Guild