BIOGRAPHY
Originally from Port Jervis (in upstate New York), Mike received a B.A. in philosophy from the University of Rochester. He decided that music was his first love and went on to study composition at Berklee College of Music and then received a master's degree in music theory from the University of Maryland.
In 1983 he moved to California where he is a professional piano player who has played with many well known artists in various locations around the globe.
Although primarily a jazz player, Mike also is adept at playing different genres like blues, pop, classical and others.
He teaches children and adults and works with other musicians providing performance coaching and copying services.
See his full resume below.
Professional Organizations
LA Musicians Union
ASMAC
Mike Saul Music Resume
Studied With:
Ed Bedner
Charles Banacos
Wade Beach
Ron Elliston
Dusi Mura
Professional pianist, specializing in performing with a wide range of jazz and contemporary ensembles.
Private teaching and coaching experience of both children and adults over a 20 year period. Subjects include basic piano techniques, music theory, classical piano, song writing and jazz improvision. Experience accompanying and coaching pop and jazz vocalists.
Professional Development
Jazz studies with Phil Markowitz, Charles Banacos, Wade Beach and Ron Elliston
Classical piano studies with Ed Bedner and Dusi Mura
Career History and Highlights
From 1981 to 2011 I worked as a software engineer in addition to working as a musician.
Since then, I am devoting my time to music.
1973-1974 member of a touring “Top 40” band based in Rochester, New York.
1986 – 1990’s performances in Palm Desert with Billy Barty as a member of the Windmill orchestra.
1994 – Performances in Cuba with the “Indecent Exposure” theater ensemble.
1995 – ‘Taps’ Tour in the northern California area with Tim Fowlar and Donald O’Connor.
2002 – Played synthesizer for Little Anthony and the Imperials in Laughlin, Nevada.
2006-2015 Steamer’s Jazz Club in Fullerton with the Mark Hix Big Band, Big Band 2000 and the Slide Effects ensemble.
2009-present performing with singer Danny D. (Dan Delurgio)
2001-present - various performances with singer Janicey Brar
2006-present - various gigs with Jon Stanger
2017-present Performances at The Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach with the Gary Herbig and Bill Spoke Quintet and Slide Effects
2015-present Accompanist at The College of The Canyons in Santa Clarita
Private parties, weddings and recordings as well as performances in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County San Bernadino County area hotels and clubs – including The Lighthouse, Jax Bar and Grill, Steamers Jazz Club, Spazios, Typhoon, Catalina's Bar and Grill, Vitellos, the Ford Ampitheater and the Marriot in Marina Del Rey.
Philosophy
Music is a wonderful thing to study and appreciate. I believe that learning music is a never-ending process which can positively affect a music student's life in countless ways. While I love being a professional musician, the study of music is valuable for students at every level, no matter what profession they choose to pursue.
Education
University of Maryland, M.M. Music Theory
Masters Thesis - The development of a computer-aided compositional algorithm.
Berklee College of Music, B.M. Composition
University of Rochester, B.A. Philosophy, piano studies at Eastman School of Music
