It has been a long and varied path that led Frank to the Dharma Heart Band in 2007. He grew up listening to jazz and popular music of the sixties, like soul, Motown, rock, and blues. In high school he learned to play guitar and shortly afterward began learning flute and saxophone. In college he studied classical flute, piano, composition, world music, and electronic music. Later he played tenor sax in jazz, rock, and blues bands before turning exclusively to keyboards.
Frank has bachelors and masters degrees in music, and he has also studied electronics and visual arts. In 1999, he and Colin Davey coauthored Learn Boogie Woogie Piano, a unique and comprehensive boogie woogie method book. Besides music, Frank's other interests include technical writing, martial arts, Buddhism, and walking outside in the fresh air.
As a child, Stephanie studied violin and piano, planting the seeds for a wonderful talent to emerge after a long hiatus. An avid traveler, she has visited many parts of the world, including Mexico, Europe, China, Korea, and lived in Japan for three years. She has worked in many fields, including human resources, publications, geriatric care, and early childhood education.
Stephanie enjoys classical music, especially opera, as well as jazz, rock, blues, and folk music. About 10 years ago, she resumed playing the piano. She also studied harmony and began composing and improvising at the piano. She has a bachelors degree in anthropology and a masters degree in public policy. Besides music, Stephanie enjoys jewelry making, visual arts, and film.
Today Frank and Stephanie live happily together in Seattle, Washington.
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