I had little involvement. Judging from the options my parents were considering, it could have been a lot worse....

I haven't crossed that bridge yet. Would be a nice problem to have...

I studied with some tremendous pianists. I began at the Alan Swain Studio in Evanston, Illinois. His guides to jazz provide a sound basis for aspiring jazz pianists.

When I moved to California I studied with Jack Reidling, who at that time was THE Disney studio keyboard player. Do you remeber the Disneyland Electrical Parade Theme? That was Jack playing. He was also the most accomplished sight reader I've ever met. He shared the secret to achieving this. I simply haven't found three years to dedicate to this endeavor!

My favorite teacher was Dick Grove, who headed the Grove School of Music in Van Nuys, California. Thousands of musicians passed through the doors of that school. I was fortunate to study privately with Dick on Sunday afternoons. He was one of the clearest thinkers on how the most basic elements of music are sometimes the most important and demanding of our attention.

I can listen to Joe Sample any time, anywhere. He is undoubtedly one of the most tasteful musicians of this generation. It was a thrill to finally hear him live in Chicago a few years back. He likes to communicate with the audience and share stories about his songs. He's the type of man I'd love to share dinner with.

Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock remain rooted in accoustic music, yet continue to expand the range of electronic keyboard magic. It's always a thrill to hear their latest ideas.

Oscar Peterson's music is shear genius. His music makes me simultaneously want to make more music and despair over the amount of ground there is to cover.

Andreas Segovia is my favorite classical guitarist. The sound of classical guitar is one of the purest, most pleasing musical sounds to me.

I've always enjoyed Steely Dan, their creativity, and their ability to recruit the industry's best studio talent. I also feel their studio recordings are among the most consistent and highest quality. I'm looking forward to seeing them at last in LA this summer. (Update - it was awesome. Top notch and studio quality from start to finish!)

I'm strictly a city and cold weather kind of guy. Born in Chicago, living in LA. Spent a lot of time in Paris, San Francisco, Vancouver, Denver and other metro areas. Feel most comfortable with lots of people around. Yes - I know you're probably thinking that LA isn't much of a city nor a cold weather spot. I remind myself of that same point frequently....

Yet, my favorite place of all is on the shores of Lake Michigan when the temps are sub-zero. I turn my back on the city lights, direct myself toward the frozen shore and icey dark water, and mentally transport myself to the most remote corner of the globe. The sense of quiet and solitude is awesome. You should try it, assuming you own a stout winter coat!