Topics and Philosophy:
I welcomes all ages and believe learning should be fun and incorporate both improvisation as well as traditional classical theory. I know that everyone learns in a different way and will explore what the best ways are for the student. For example, I may ask a student to learn something by ear and afterward we will analyze the piece using traditional classical theory. Learning in this way supports and develops listening skills as well as connecting theory directly to something that the student can play. In this way music theory starts to feel less abstract and more of something that is there to support playing. Music theory should support playing and make things more enjoyable. I teach both classical and jazz using ear training and traditional theory. I also take time to address any physical issues a student might have. Playing should be fun and pain free. Many bad habits are formed when we are young.
Angelica is a NYC based pianist that leads several of her own groups. She can be seen playing in town and also many places abroad. She will teach in NYC and New Jersey.
Biography
Pianist/Composer Angelica Sanchez moved to New York in 1994. Since moving to the East Coast has played with: Wadada Leo Smith, Paul Motian, Ralph Alessi, Susie Ibarra, Tim Berne, Mario Pavone, Trevor Dunn, Mark Dresser, Ed Schuller, Judy Silvano, Reggie Nicholson, Mike Sarin, Tony Moreno, Ben Monder and many more. Sanchez leads many groups including her own quintet featuring Marc Ducret, Tony Malaby, Drew Gress, and Tom Rainey. Her music has been recognized in international publications like “Jazz Times Magazine”, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, and many more. She was also the 2008 recipient of the French/American Chamber Music America grant and the 2011 Rockefellers Brothers Pocantico artist residency. Her CD “Life Between” was chosen as one of years best recording 2009 in “All About Jazz/NY”. Her debut solo CD “A Little House” was featured on NPR’s Weekend Edition in May 2011. Her latest CD “Wires & Moss” featuring her Quintet was chosen as one of best Releases of 2012 in “All About Jazz/NYC”. Her Duo CD “Twine Forest” with Wadada Leo Smith received Honor Mention as a best release in 2013 in The NYC Jazz Record
Sanchez is a regular member of:
The Angelica Sanchez Quintet w/Marc Ducret, Tony Malaby, Drew Gress & Tom Rainey
The Angelica Sanchez Quartet w/ Tony Malaby, MIchael Formanek & Tom Rainey
Rob Mazurek’s Pulsar Quartet
Chad Taylor’s Circle Down w/ Chris Lightcap
Omar Tamez Angelica Sanchez Duo
Wadada Leo Smith’s Organic
Harris Eisenstadt’s September Trio w/ Ellery Eskelin
Kevin Norton’s Breakfast of Champions
Malaby/Sanchez/Rainey Trio
Teaching Experience:
New York Jazz Workshop, Private Lessons – 2014
Saddleback College, Clinician – 2013/2012
California Institute of the Arts, Visiting Artist – 2011
School for Improvisational Music, SIM, Brooklyn, NY, Clinician – 2011
University of Farmington Maine, Artists Residency – 2010
Southern Connecticut State University, Artist Residency – 2010
Banff School of Fine Arts – Canada, Faculty Member – 2009
Jazz a Saumane/ Ajmi – France, Artist Residency – 2006
Towson University – Townson, MD, Clinician – 2005