Dallas Taylor
Teaches Piano, Trumpet & Songwriting
About Me
Dallas Taylor is a modern jazz trumpeter working as a freelance musician in Philadelphia, previously performing in the Ebe Entertainments’ L.A Stars wedding band in Philadelphia, PA. He has been the lead trumpet player of the UArts Z Band, which recently won the national collegiate jazz competition in Down Beat. Dallas Taylor was a member of the Z Band when it won the Monterey Jazz competition in 2017. Later the group performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival. Dallas played at Verizon Hall Kimmel Center as principal trumpet with the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra and at Yankee stadium for the NYCFC in Gallant Entertainments band, City Beats. Through Gallant, he has performed for many private events throughout New York City. Dallas began his musical pursuits on piano, which he has studied for twenty years. His ability to play trumpet, piano, and keyboard has enabled him to perform in a variety of situations. Dallas had also been teaching private lessons for nine years in New Jersey with an emphasis on history, theory, and technique
When did you start playing music, what brought you to it?
I started playing music at an early age. I don't quite remember this, but I hear the story often, I came home after kindergarten one day and asked my mom to take piano lessons. I was probably around 5 or 6 at the time. From then on my love for music flourished.
What other instruments, aside from the ones you teach, have you played before?
I've dabbled a bit in guitar, my father was an incredible blues guitar player. I'd love to get better at singing. That I don't do very often but it's a great skill to have.
What style(s) of music do you like to play the most? Why?
I've come to greatly appreciate my classical piano background and am very fortunate that I learned those skills early on. I still love to revisit classical music, but those skills have also allowed me to excel in other genre's. I love jazz and improvisational music, especially within a group setting. There's something very exciting and indescribable to playing with a group of musicians, and improvising together. I also truly enjoy the funk/groove world of music. I love to dance, and really enjoy listening to that style of music.
What is a musical obstacle that you remember overcoming? How did you overcome it?
What are some of your favorite teaching moments?
I truly love it when a student realizes and understands something for the first time. Kind of broad answer I know, but still. When students come to the understanding of music on their own, with guidance of course, and they get this look in their eyes. Woohoo! Cause that's when they can really start to love making music. From there, it's all an adventure.
What are some musical goals you hope to achieve?
I have been very fortunate to perform with a variety of incredible musicians and musical acts. Recently, I have been very interested in continuing my studies as a Jazz musician with a goal of becoming one of the best in order to represent my instrument, my friends, and my school, with pride. I've truly enjoyed being an educator. I want to share my experience and insight with future generations of musicians and music enthusiasts!
What advice could you give to someone who has just begun learning music?
Listen a lot. Listen to music as much as you can. And learn to love what you play. Imitate, Assimilate, Innovate. Clark Terry, my musical hero, said those three words were the definition of learning music. It's a very personal craft, music.