Jazz Piano

Andy Wasserman has been a pianist since beginning lessons at age 7. He studied Jazz at the Metropolitan Music School in New York City with Anne Pryor Dodge and went on to develop a very deep 10-year relationship with his mentor, Jazz piano master Dwike Mitchell. Mitchell talks about his relationship with Andy in the New York chapter of the Harper & Row book about the Mitchell-Ruff Duo by William Zinsser entitled "Willie and Dwike."

Having gone on to earn his his degree from New England Conservatory of Music in Jazz Studies and Composition primarily focusing on work and study with Jazz legend George Russell (see the site section on George Russell's Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization under the EDUCATOR/AUTHOR menu), Wasserman developed his trademark sound, combining an expressive piano touch with an impressive technique.

His performances generally focus on his own jazz compositions, however he is also known for producing original arrangements and unique interpretations of the Jazz, Hollywood and Broadway Musical legacy, as well as playing blues, 'new age', traditional standards and pop repertoires. His rhythmic invention and elegant harmonies stand as a living tribute to the tradition of fine music, past and present.

Wasserman is a highly respected and experienced performing musician, popular throughout the United States since turning professional in 1971. In addition to his experience in a wide variety of ensemble settings, he has established himself as one of New York City's premier solo piano and electronic keyboard stylists. He recently concluded a nine year engagement playing Friday & Saturday evenings and Sunday brunch every week on the Steinway grand in the Ambassador Room of the United Nations Plaza Park Hyatt Hotel (at the United Nations in New York City). He has been a regular pianist as well at such fine New York City establishments as the Grand Hyatt, The River Cafe, Dish of Salt at Rockefeller Center and Hotel Intercontinental. Andy Wasserman currently performs for private parties, clubs, concerts, festivals and special events.

Making Music From Around the World

Everyone participates during this vibrant demonstration of 30 authentic wind, string and percussion instruments made from fifteen different natural materials. Volunteers get many opportunities to join in the show while enjoying a kaleidoscope of sounds representing Asian, African and South American cultures.

This engaging presentation takes the audience on a voyage using music as the means of travel, offering a wealth of information about the similarities and differences between many of the world's cultures through entertaining non-stop live interaction. Andy Wasserman has been presenting Making Music From Around the World since 1979.

This is an original Arts-in-Education Program created, produced and performed by Andy Wasserman. Primarily designed for Schools, Libraries, Multicultural Festivals, Family Events and Special Needs Populations.

Instruments: Ancient & Future

Andy Wasserman has the audience travel through time, combining a virtual cornucopia of computerized music technology alongside ethnic instruments from around the world to illustrate where music has been and where it is going.

Connections between instruments past and present are explained and demonstrated using synthesizer keyboards, digital samplers, electronic drums, and a laptop computer. Volunteers from the audience get numerous opportunities during the show to join a "world beat" jam using both acoustic and electronic instruments, including participation in the creation of a musical soundtrack for an imaginary movie. Andy Wasserman has been presenting Instruments: Ancient & Future since 1990. This program may be booked independently or as a follow-up show to Making Music From Around The World.

This is an original Arts-in-Education Program created, produced and performed by Andy Wasserman. Primarily designed for Schools, Libraries, Multicultural Festivals, Family Events and Special Needs Populations.

Healing Through Sound & Music

In 1980, Andy Wasserman was granted certification for his professional experience in the therapeutic applications of sound & music by the American Association of Artist-Therapists. This was based on over 12 years of previously completed field work in which he utilized his collection of ethnic instruments from around the world in healing modalities for a wide variety of special needs populations.

He was employed as a full-time music therapist at the House of the Holy Comforter in the Bronx, New York from 1981-82 and has conducted his work as an independent consultant in major hospitals throughout the Northeast. Andy has worked individuals and groups from all age groups that include:

• the visually impaired
• hearing impaired
• developmentally disabled
• neurologically impaired
• elderly
• emotionally disturbed
• autistic
• learning disabled

Waserman was enrolled full-time in a Master's level program at New York University in Music Therapy in 1984 and has also conducted healing through music performance/workshops at sites such as the Kushi Institute, schools and hospitals in Boston, New York and Stamford, Very Special Arts Festivals, Hospital Audiences, and locations across the U.S. In addition, he has acted as a consultant to both Young Audiences and Festival of Music in training other Arts professionals to extend their work with special needs audiences.