As a teenager, Dr. Lowris became interested in the relationship between jazz and classical music, particularly in the improvisational aspects of both genres. As a result, he has made the study of jazz improvisation a lifelong passion. While at Columbia, he studied jazz improvisation with Dr. Bert Konowitz, This spurred him to write, as his dissertation, The Teaching of Jazz in Junior High School General Music Classes Through Keyboard and Listening Experiences: A Source Book for Teachers.

After completing his doctoral studies, Dr Lowris continued to privately study jazz improvisation with such well known performer/teachers as Vinson Hill, Jim Mc Neeley and Noreen Lienhard. He also attended the Jazz in July summer Jazz workshops in Amherst, Massachusetts which included master classes in Jazz piano with Dr. Billy Taylor.

Dr. Lowris has also studied non-traditional methods of music education such as those of Kodaly, Orff and Dalcroze. He has attended workshops in these approaches at Eastman School of Music, Boston University and Montclair State University and received certification in all three Orff Schulwerk levels from the Ridgewood/Orff summer program.

Teaching experience

Dr. Lowris began his teaching career as a piano teacher in various private music schools in New Jersey and as an independent teacher of piano. He has taught music in the New Jersey and New York State school systems where he introduced contemporary philosophies of music education. and spearheaded many innovative changes in the music curriculum. Throughout Dr. Lowrispublic education career he continued as an independent piano teacher. He relocated to Naples, Florida in May of 2001, where he teaches classical and jazz piano, and plays cocktail/jazz piano at various country clubs and hotels in the Naples area.

Teaching Approach

Dr. Lowris strives to provide quality piano instruction in a relaxed, positive atmosphere. He believes each student has individual needs and therefore adjusts his approach to each persons learning style. His philosophy is closely aligned with The Pace Method in which the teacher is expediter or facilitator, rather than tutor. The main objective is to encourage students to develop their own musical thinking and creative problem solving processes. Believing that that piano lessons should integrate theory, harmony, composition, ear training, improvisation, sight reading, and duet playing , Dr. Lowris chooses music books that reflect that approach. In addition, he views piano technique as a coordination of physical movement, to promote the most efficient use of each students physical resources.

While Dr. Lowris believes piano lessons should be fun, he also knows that the fun is a result of the self motivation and discipline each individual Students who apply themselves and achieve specific goals build confidence and self esteem. As a result, they grow to love playing the piano and look forward to piano lessons.

Performing Experience

As a teenager, Dr. Lowris began playing professionally with a group of his peers. Shortly thereafter, he graduated to playing with seasoned professionals in his fathers dance band. The band played all over the New York/New Jersey area at such venues as the St. Moritz Hotel, Tavern on The Green, New Yorker Hotel and numerous other hotels and catering facilities. He later led his own group, and in addition, played solo engagements at dinner parties, private homes, restaurants and university banquets. At present , Dr. Lowris plays solo engagements at Naples, area venues such as the Sanibel Harbour Resort and the clubhouses at Tower Pointe, Pelican Sound and Cap Ferrat in Pelican Bay.

MIDI Instruction

For students who would like to learn about MIDI applications, Dr. Lowris will teach the use of such user - friendly software as Music Time, Note Pad, and Band In A Box. It is his belief that students should learn to use such applications, just as they are able to use word processors for their school work.

Professional Affiliations

• Music Teachers National Association
• National Guild of Piano Teachers
• International Association of Jazz Educators
• Florida Music Teachers Association
• Fort Myers Music Teachers Association