Robert Carpenter Pianist from Los Angeles, CA

Robert started playing piano when he was just a kid in church; playing by ear and improvising came naturally to him. When he was ten he started studying classical piano with a concert pianist. That transition opened a world of music that was way beyond his southern gospel roots. Robert became the church pianist and later the organist. By the time he was nineteen he was directing the choir. He also began playing and singing for weddings, memorial services, and various service club events. Robert's first long term engagement was playing and singing at a private French supper club, Le Vallauris, in Palm Springs. The luminaries that frequented that beautiful restaurant were notable entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Mary Martin, Lucille Ball, and Kirk Douglas (just to name a few). During that five year period he was asked to entertain for a summer at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. Robert resided at the hotel during that engagement and experienced New York City at it's finest! While there, he was approached by Columbia Artists Management to perform two solo tours of Community Concerts. His concerts consisted of piano solo and self- accompanied vocal performances. The venues for his performances were concert theaters in towns across the United States. The music he performed ranged from Chopin and Liszt to Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and on to Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hart, and Sondheim. The daunting task of being totally alone on stage for two hours is an exciting experience that serves to give a performer the priceless knowledge that "after this, anything else is easy..." Upon moving back to Los Angeles Robert started performing nightly at the Sheraton Grande hotel, and remained there for twenty years while at the same time performing daily at Seventh &Fig also downtown Los Angeles. He gave several concerts at the hotel during his extensive engagement there. Some of those concerts were exclusively piano solo, while others included vocal performances as well. Following that Robert was featured at Le Merigot Beach Hotel in Santa Monica for the next six years. Robert is now performing regularly at the California Club in Los Angeles. The California Club is one of the most exclusive and elite organizations in the world. There are many club-sponsored events that he entertains for, as well as private events for individual club members. He has formed his own piano trio (bass and drums) and entertains for club events that range from New Years Eve galas to holiday brunches to various dinner-dance affairs. He and his trio have also been asked to perform at the homes of a number of club members for anniversaries, birthdays, and holiday gatherings. Robert recently ventured into musical theater direction. He was asked to be musical director for two productions at Venice High School, the last one being Hairspray. His involvement in auditions, rehearsals (as both rehearsal pianist and vocal coach) and conducting was an opportunity to utilize the experience he had gained early on in his life. To be able to work with kids who have virtually no musical experience or training and watch them grow into a solid cast singing some complicated parts is an incredible journey. Robert's trio accompanied the productions with him in the orchestra pit, as the school has no instrumental department. The student body responded in record breaking attendance. And, the drama teacher received a special letter of commendation from LAUSD for the excellence in production. Robert's participation in volunteer work has been most rewarding. He worked with the music therapist at LA Orthopaedic Hospital for a number of years. Witnessing the healing and relaxing effects of music through keyboard and singing was a memorable experience. He currently plays twice weekly for The Lord's Lighthouse, a homeless ministry provided by First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood. Music has been an important part of Robert's life, whether it be professional, or in the capacity of serving those simply in need of some uplifting moments. It's a gift, one for which he is very grateful.