Angie Spinelli is a classically-trained jazz pianist, composer and teacher who specializes in crossing genres. She recently relocated to Portland from Oakland, where she performed with vocalists and bands all over the Bay Area and held steady gigs at venues such as the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose and Angelica’s in Redwood City. She was a member of Latin funk/soul band Third Sol and the all-female jazz/R&B quartet The Girlz. She recorded her cd, Journey, in 2012 for piano trio and it includes jazz standards and original compositions. She does composing/arranging, accompanying, weddings, recording sessions, and chart preparation.
Angie has a BM in classical piano performance from the University of Wisconsin where she studied with Howard Karp and was a two-time winner of the UW Beethoven Competition and winner of the UW Concerto Competition. She then studied jazz and Latin music with Raul Yañez in Phoenix, AZ, and jazz composition with Fred Forney at Mesa Community College.
Angie has 20 years of experience teaching all genres of music to students at any level, age 5 to 75! Beginning students learn the foundation of reading, technique and theory and can later choose their own direction of preferred musical styles. Angie has supported intermediate and advanced classical and jazz musicians as they prepare for school jazz band auditions, college admissions, and senior recitals. She coaches vocalists to accompany themselves on piano, leads small jazz ensembles, collaborates with other teachers and professional musicians and hosts regular recitals and performances. She uses technology as a tool for practice techniques, recording, and play-along tracks, and is available for virtual lessons long-distance. Studying with Angie is an opportunity to develop well-rounded musicianship skills and experience playing many styles and musical genres!
Testimonials:
Thank you for an amazing 7 years. Under your instruction, I have improved as a pianist, a performer, and person. Your piano classes were always enjoyable and motivating. You have inspired me to continue playing in high school and in jazz band. Thank you for making music important to me again. — Akash
Dear Angie, thank you so much for a fantastic 9 years of piano. You have not only helped me develop a skill that I am proud of, but also given me an outlet for my stress. Through our lessons, I have discovered and maintained my love of music. — Gabriela