On July 14th at 3:00 p.m., there will be a “one of a kind” piano concert at the Kirk in the Pines Presbyterian Church. David Easley, master pianist and improvisation artist will present a concert focused on familiar and favorite hymns. Easley is an accomplished pianist and teacher of jazz improvisation, and he comes to Hot Springs Village at the invitation of long-time friend and colleague Donna Toney, Kirk in the Pines pianist and organist.
David Easley began playing the piano for church at 11 years of age. Fifty-six years later, he continues to play the piano in church. Through the years, different styles of music have been introduced in the church, however, the steadfast message in hymns, with their glorious melodies has not diminished. David shares “There is no greater satisfaction than sitting at a piano and playing these beautiful hymns we have all come to love.”
According to Easley, his concert will feature his “own arrangements of hymns with a traditional spin on the hymn while others will have an improvisational jazz feel.” Some arrangements will be mixed with a classical or ragtime piece including one with a recognizable movie theme. Easley will take requests from the audience to provide a spontaneous moment of musical interpretation.
His method of integrating improvisation into the traditional piano lesson has resulted in helping develop a program that is now widely used by piano instructors. Easley is an active clinician who presents piano improvisation workshops on the state and national levels.
In 2022, the Louisiana Music Teachers Association named Easley Outstanding Teacher of the Year and an active adjudicator at piano competitions. The concert is free and will be followed by a reception with Mr. Easley in Bailey Hall. The Kirk in the Pines is at 275 Asturias Dr. in Hot Springs Village.
Written by Bob Morrow
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I just saw this in my emails, but fortunately I’d seen it somewhere else so I had it on my calendar. IT WAS FANTASTIC!!!! Not just an extraordinary pianist, but a very entertaining performer! Best hour I’ve spent on a Sunday afternoon in a long time. Hope he comes back again soon. Even if he repeats the exact same program, it will be different because of his skills at improvisation.