More about the education of Jo Alice and my influences.....

Mike Garson has been my piano teacher, counselor, psychologist, and guide, through the roughest time of my life, losing my first born, Adam , to cancer. He and his wife Susan Garson were so supportive and positve and compassionate when this all occurred.

The first time I went for a piano lesson with Mike, he told me that if I was "not willing to practice two hours a day" I was throwing my "money down the toilet"! It took me 20 years to get back to him ! When I returned to him, I was ready to practice more than ever ! (Not always 2 hours daily, but he has cut me some slack !) and since 1998 I have been a more regular consistent student of his.

I am a slow learner so I may take another 10 years to play half as good as he does ! He has evolved into an incredible graphic artist as well. With all the time touring and since he got his powerbook and some advanced plug ins for Photo Shop he has composed over 3000 visual spectacular computer art works. For his first show he asked me to frame some of them. His art show was as amazing as his music, and his work is worth alot of money.

Now he should be back in L.A after the 6 months world tour with David Bowie, whom he has been with since the hit "Aladinsane" where Mike's expertise on piano is featured. He also featured with No Doubt on their last album and works with Nine Inch Nails. He has had so much time on the road toured with "Smashing Pumkins" in their prime, andcontinues to work with Bowie who's last project has been a great success.

I love Mike's own pieces, his own band "Free Flight" even though they are way above my head, and compositions written for virtuosos, who are creatively challenged ????!!!!

Check out his website: www.mikegarson.com