Originally from Port Jervis (in upstate New York), Mike received a B.A in philosophy from the University of Rochester before studying composition at Berklee College of Music and receiving a master's degree in music theory from the University of Maryland.

In 1983 he moved to California where he is a professional piano player who has played with many well known artists in various locations around the globe.

 
Although primarily a jazz player, Mike also is adept at playing different genres like blues, pop, classical and others.

He teaches children and adults and works with other musicians providing performance coaching and copying services.

See his full resume below.

 

LA Musicians Union

Ventura Musicians Union

 

The artist at work

 

Mike Saul Music Resume 2011

 

Summary

Professional pianist, specializing in performing with a wide range of jazz and contemporary ensembles.

Private teaching and coaching experience of both children and adults over a 20 year period.   Subjects include basic piano techniques, music theory, classical piano, song writing and jazz improvision.  Experience accompanying and coaching pop and jazz vocalists.

 

Professional Development

Jazz studies with Phil Markowitz, Charles Banacos, Wade Beach and Ron Elliston

Classical piano studies with Ed Bedner and Dusi Mura

 

Career History and Highlights

 Since 1981 I have worked as a software engineer in addition to working as a musician.

 

1973-1974  member of a touring “Top 40” band based in  Rochester, New York.

1986 – 1990’s  performances in Palm Desert with Billy Barty as a member of  the Windmill orchestra.

1994 – Performances in Cuba with the “Indecent Exposure” theater ensemble.

1995 – ‘Taps’ Tour in the northern California area with Tim Fowlar and Donald O’Connor.

2002 – Played synthesizer for Little Anthony and the Imperials in Laughlin, Nevada.

2006-present Steamer’s Jazz Club in Fullerton with the Mark Hix Big Band and the Slide Effects  ensemble.

 

Private parties, weddings and recordings as well as performances in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County San Bernadino County area hotels and clubs – including The Lighthouse, Jax Bar and Grill, Steamers Jazz Club, Spazios, Catilina's Bar and Grill, Vitellos, the Ford Ampitheater and the Marriot in Marina Del Rey.

 

Philosophy   

Music is a wonderful thing to study and appreciate.  I believe that learning music is a never-ending process which can positively affect a music student's life in countless ways.  While I love being a professional musician, the study of music is valuable for students at every level, no matter what profession they choose to pursue.

 

Education

University of Maryland, M.M. Music Theory 

            Masters Thesis - The development of a computer-aided compositional algorithm.

Berklee College of Music, B.M. Composition

University of Rochester, B.A. Philosophy, piano studies at Eastman School of Music