Dominic Amato was born into a family of musicians. His father is a
saxophonist, his mother a multi instrumentalist, and his brother a vocal artist. Given his musical upbringing, it may come as little surprise that Dominic began experimenting with musical instruments from a very young age. In fact, no sooner had he celebrated his second birthday did he begin dabbling with the drums. But drawn to the wonderful sound of his father’s saxophone, it would not be long before Dominic would trade in his drumset for a sax of his own.
While honing his woodwind skills, Dominic took up the piano and, shortly
thereafter, the EWI (electronic wind instrument).
Although Dominic's musical affinity emerged at a very early age, it was
not until the summer of 2001 that he had ever attended any private music
lessons. But what he learned from his instructor in that summer would more
than make up for lost time. Perhaps Dominic feels this way because his
instructor was none other than the world renowned saxophonist and educator Eric Marienthal.
“Among the many insights Eric has impressed upon me is the crucial role
that discipline and humility plays in cultivating musical talent. It's not
enough to just pick up an instrument and try to figure out a new lick or
jam along with a favorite tune; it takes focusing on fundamental exercises
and personal weaknesses.” -Amato
Now, as an adult, Dominic is still the devout music student he was as a
child, dedicating countless hours to finetuning his musical ability and
technique. Some of Dominic's heavy influences include Miles Davis, John
Coltrane, David Sanborn, Weather Report, the Chick Corea Elektric Band,
Yellowjackets, Michael Brecker, Bob Mintzer, and James Brown.
Over the past few years, Dominic has had the opportunity to perform for
numerous clients and national corporations. Among them: Matell Toys, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals, Sister Sledge, Jason Kidd Foundation, 2009 NBA AllStar Block Party, Arizona Diamondbacks, Amare Stoudamire, Motorola, the Fiesta Bowl Party Celebration, BET JAZZ TV Show “Studio Jams”, Post Magazine, Jerry Colangelo, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Juice Pus +, Childhelp USA, Barrett Jackson, Cigna Health Care, XM Satellite Radio. Along with recording, performing with his band, and appearing as a sideman with many different artists, Dominic is also currently touring as the Musical Director for Award winning artist Sister Sledge.
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