- Passing Through -
“Passing Through” is a collection of spontaneous and original improvisations by Peter Simpkins. The improvisations take on a life of their own, revolving around the theme of “Passing Through,” a metaphor for life’s transitions. The album was released in May 2019.
“Passing Through” is available on all streaming platforms:
Engineered, mixed, and mastered by Ryan Streber at Oktaven Audio in Mount Vernon, NY.
What People Are Saying about “Passing Through” and “Echoes From the Moon”
“Peter’s genius lies in his unique ability to improvise. His imagination stimulates our imagination and as he is transported he takes us along with him. You will want to listen again and again.”
— Barbara M.
“This is the most relaxing piano music. It is outright beautiful!! Love to play while I'm in work. It just makes me feel happy!!”
— R. Novello
“Peter’s music has an enveloping healing quality that soothes the mind, body, and soul. Passing Through helps to rest my mind and heal my heart with beautiful melodies and playing.”
— Gaby M.
- Echoes From the Moon -
In his solo debut CD “Echoes From The Moon,” Peter takes his listeners to deeply emotional places of reflection, weaving improvisations, standards, original compositions that touch the heart, inspire imagination and sooth the spirit all at the same time. The album was released February 2011.
“Echoes From the Moon” is available on all streaming platforms:
Engineered, mixed, by Rich Lamb, and mastered by Max Ross at Systems Two Studios.
Studio
For well over twenty-five years I have had the privilege of accompanying literally hundreds of people on what might be called a “musical journey”. This journey incorporates so much more than learning to play the piano. Our time together is intended to traverse a broad landscape, both internally and externally. Whether it be through classical, jazz, improvisation, composition, or in combination the piano provides a vehicle to explore and navigate our creative and expressive instincts as well as share and delight in the accomplishments of other musicians and composers. I think of myself as a guide through these various modalities.
Come join me and explore the infinite possibilities with the ultimate goal of you becoming your own guide!
Studio Address: 400 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Peter is accepting applications for new students
All playing levels welcomed! Covid-safe lessons are available in person, as well as through Zoom. Lessons cover studies in classical music, jazz, improvisation, and composition. Please use the following contact form for lesson inquiries or contact me at (610) 667-9956 or pwsimprov@gmail.com.
Studio Testimonials
“I am a full-time therapist in my 70's and am amazed at my progress at this stage of life as a result of the years of lessons with Peter. He discerns the strength and learning styles of each student which attests to his genuine, personal interest in knowing each one to the point where he adapts his approach to help them flourish musically.
With gentle encouragement, he guided me in the direction of music composition, a long, forgotten goal of which I had much personal skepticism. I credit Peter with seeing and supporting this potential in me. Learning can be difficult and tedious but Peter has a way of making the musical growth experience rich yet joyous.”
— Paula S.
“Over 25 years ago, I came to Peter as a classical musician wanting to learn about jazz. Under his guidance, over more than ten years, I discovered the rich and wonderful world of jazz harmony.
Peter is a rigorous teacher. He has the highest musical standards and gently lets me know when I am not living up to them. But what makes Peter unique in my experience is his core belief that his mission is to maximize his students’ musical pleasure and fulfillment, no matter their background or technical abilities.”
— Daniel C.
I studied with Peter for three years in high school. He was a phenomenal teacher of jazz piano and free improvisation, and I can’t recommend him highly enough. He was a life-changing and inspiring teacher, and it is because of him that I’m now a professional composer and music teacher. It was always a thrill to improvise with him, as he is a gifted free improviser. At the same time, his teaching approach is rigorous and methodical. Peter cares deeply about his students, and he has a wonderful sense of humor. Anyone who has the chance to study with him is incredibly fortunate!
— Rebecca S.
“Peter's sensibility as an improviser and thinker helped me discover my innate musicianship and extend it far beyond what I thought was possible. With great attention and care, he helped me navigate the complexities of learning to improvise on the piano, and what had been daunting and mysterious became natural and fun. Besides being the best teacher and a funny, warm individual, Peter is a trusted friend and collaborator. I owe my musical career to him, as well as the joy I take in music of all sorts.”
— Alex L.
“I’ve been learning music from Peter Simpkins for more than twenty years and under his kind and brilliant guidance, I’ve advanced on the piano in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I began. Then rheumatoid arthritis struck me and I was unable to use my fingers, wrists and arms without pain.
Peter helped me arrange songs so that my limited left hand (use of only two fingers) could play rich but simplified chords while my right hand did the harmonic heavy lifting. Finally, I’m playing piano again and not just jazz lead sheets but Peter and I listen on YouTube to arrangements of beautiful contemporary songs and then he helps me create my own arrangements.
Peter’s knowledge of music is without limit but his incredible ability to bring out the musician in other people is without peer.”
— Lonnie M.
About Peter
Peter Simpkins is a pianist, composer, music therapist, and teacher. He is renowned for his unique approach to improvisation drawing from his training in both classical music and jazz: his sound coalesces elements of both.
His music has been described as “musical meditations and contemplations.” Others experience his music as a journey into an emotional world of subtle poignancy. Peter travels on sound and leaps into his heart to create music that moves the listener to feel depths of emotion that are difficult to reach.
His work as a music therapist has been acclaimed for its ability to reach both the most emotionally challenging clients and sophisticated intellectuals. He has served on the faculties of Temple University and Hahnemann Medical College’s Creative Arts in Therapy Program (currently Drexel University) and has taught internationally.