Recently I had the distinct pleasure of working as a contract musician with a talented group of musicians. Playing third keyboard in a 20-piece orchestra in a production of Beauty and the Beast. Working under the musical direction of Dave Facker, Director of Instrumental Development at Grace Church. I participated in 7 practices, and 8 performances.

I used an RMS weighted 88-key keyboard, that was connected to a computer for the strings keyboard sounds. I played my parts on the keyboard and changed the sound with a foot switch. I learned how to play an electronic keyboard and follow along in the music while changing keyboard sounds at the same time. I also learned how to play the keyboard while following the singers in the musical, learning where to speed up, slow down, and make last minute decisions that affect the overall quality of the musical being performed.

After this experience I have real world practice working in a large ensemble. Also I have played keyboard for a professional musical, which is good life experience for me as a musician. I feel more confident than ever with working in a large music ensemble and following instructions from a conductor, which I do not normally do since I play solo piano.