Performers

Alan, Alex G, Alex K, Ben, Bill M, BillMc, Bill V, Bob B, Bob G, Brian, Bruce, Chico, Chris, Chuck, Clem, Cynthia, Dave B, Dave L, Del, Dennis, Eddie, Eileen, Ernie, Franco, Frank, Gary, Gloria, Hal, Hammer, Heikki, Herman, Jaap, James, Jannie, Joe F, Joe W, John H, John P, John R, John V, Judy, Julio, Larry, Laura, Marcelo, Mike M, Mike S, Patrick, Pauline, Phil, Richard, Ron, Spike, Steve, Sunny, Ton, Torben, Vince, Warren, Will

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(Jan, 2006) - My name is Michael Szmania I am 53 years old. I am happily married for 26 years to my terrific and patient wife Marcia and I have two great sons, Chris and Jon. My wife Marcia plays the piano, Chris is learning the Mandolin, and Jon plays the guitar. I live near Buffalo, New York. I was taught the piano on our Wurlitzer counsel, then I had a Fender Rhodes in my band. My wife had a Wurlitzer piano when we were married. My first Yamaha was a PSR 520, loved it. After getting a PSR 2100, I gave my sister the 520 for Christmas, she also plays. My dad started it all. He was and still is a great musician from the 1930's till today.He plays the guitar, mandolin, banjo, accordion and piano. There is a lot of music in my family.

Musical Background -- I was 7 years old when a new piano was delivered to my house. 17 years later, I was still taking lessons and was accepted at Berklee Collage of Music. However, I was an Electrician apprentice with a steady paycheck and I had to finish my 4-year apprentiship. My dad was also an electrician and I still lived at home so I could not quit. The first 6 years of lessons were a little tough, but I had a great teacher, Jack Fisher (big band leader in the 30's and 40's, my dad's friend). After he taught me all he could, I auditioned for a James Manuel, a fantastic jazz musician who could reach an octave and a half with one hand. He believed in technique. Great, just what I wanted -- 5 years of scales arpeggios and the Hammond Virtuoso book. I could crush a coconut with my hands after all that work.

When James Manuel went back on the road and could not teach and so I started studies under John Gibson at the Buffalo School of Music. It was great for six years. Jazz, Blues, Ballads, Piano solos, playing at your teachers house, barbeques on Saturday during the summer playing outside for all the neighborhood with your teacher. A little wine to loosen up playing for the street, this is what music is all about. Other guys would come over with their guitars and horns what a rush. I'm hoping to give you a little taste with my songs of what it was like back then. I hope you enjoy my music!