Quotes
Performance
"Bijan’s orchestration on 'Asojano,' I think is great: only he could have come up with that. It’s a highly pentatonic vocal melody. It’s a Yoruba, Afro-Cuban chant, and then he put all this orchestration behind it that makes it a piano-trio-friendly tune, which is not easy. That’s a completely separate skill, and separate from even improvising."
-Will Lyle (LONDON JAZZ NEWS)
-Will Lyle (LONDON JAZZ NEWS)
"...the manner in which these musicians read each other’s musical thoughts, divine each other’s conceptions and respond harmonically and rhythmically to the limitless possibilities of melodic invention, one is easily reminded of the best of... Bill Evans’ Trios."
-JAZZDAGAMA
"[The] musical design is sublime... Textures are often spare. Harmonies are rich. Dramatic tension is high..."
-JAZZDAGAMA
-JAZZDAGAMA
"[The] musical design is sublime... Textures are often spare. Harmonies are rich. Dramatic tension is high..."
-JAZZDAGAMA
"... the conversation is gripping and the playfulness infectious."
-Geno Thackara (ALL ABOUT JAZZ)
-Geno Thackara (ALL ABOUT JAZZ)
"The cats ooze with talent, creative energy, and musicianship in everything they play... interactive and dynamic playing."
-George Trsak (Bop Stop Studios)
-George Trsak (Bop Stop Studios)
"... carrying on the tradition, ensuring that jazz stays alive and thrives."
-Sherry Williams (Jazz at the Merc)
-Sherry Williams (Jazz at the Merc)
"Bijan’s jazz playing has evolved beyond flashy technical displays to a deep sophistication of musical styles that belies his age. He also has a keen ability playing with others making them comfortable allowing them to shine.”
-Robert Estrin (LivingPianos)
-Robert Estrin (LivingPianos)
"He is easily able to adapt to any musical setting."
-Brett Ecklund (KX 93.5 FM Jazz Quest Radio Host)
-Brett Ecklund (KX 93.5 FM Jazz Quest Radio Host)
Teaching
“Bijan’s methodical and intellectual approach to teaching is some of the best I’ve ever seen. He carefully considers all the minute details and nuances that are needed to help the student achieve the best results with efficiency. He is easily able to quickly assess a project, issue, or problem and then without hesitation begin to form a plan or solution which he fluidly can articulate to the most beginning level student all the way to a very advanced collegiate level.”
-Brenden Lowe (Educator and Founder of JazzPianoSchool.com)
“Bijan has been teaching piano, theory and composition since he was in high school. I have recommended many students to him and have gotten incredibly positive feedback from the diverse people he has worked with. He has the right temperament, expansive knowledge, as well as the sincere desire to help people which are essential elements for effectiveness in teaching. Bijan is also incredibly adept at utilizing technologies with his online video lessons incorporating audio, video and MIDI in creative ways.”
-Robert Estrin (Educator and Founder of LivingPianos.com)
-Brenden Lowe (Educator and Founder of JazzPianoSchool.com)
“Bijan has been teaching piano, theory and composition since he was in high school. I have recommended many students to him and have gotten incredibly positive feedback from the diverse people he has worked with. He has the right temperament, expansive knowledge, as well as the sincere desire to help people which are essential elements for effectiveness in teaching. Bijan is also incredibly adept at utilizing technologies with his online video lessons incorporating audio, video and MIDI in creative ways.”
-Robert Estrin (Educator and Founder of LivingPianos.com)
“I have been entranced by your professorial analysis of Kenny Barron's Solo On a Slow Boat to China. It must be my 5th or 6th time through it, and I'm always inspired. Your step-by-step presentation with your own pianistic renderings is very instructive, and you demystify the genius and celerity of Kenny's magic hands. I must say that discovering you & your Artist Highlight feature on the JazzPiano site has been a very powerful resource and inspiration for me. Your work is truly awesome.”
-Brainerd Phillipson (Student)
-Brainerd Phillipson (Student)
"One thing I’ve enjoyed about your advice Bijan here and elsewhere is you have a way of building our confidence to make our own best decisions. That to me is sign of a good educator. Thanks so much!"
-Chris (Student)
"I'm pretty sure we caused Bijan several gray hairs over the course of the semester. I will be the first to apologize for any colorblind jokes/ gas price jokes that were out of line. However, I would like to say it's pretty awesome that Bijan has made a combo where everyone is relaxed, laughing, and comfortable with each other. I feel like this combo is a rare space where not only am I learning a ton about jazz and practicing music, I'm also learning a lot about the other people in the combo and getting to know them and Bijan better and better, and I think that's what music is supposed to do. It doesn't seem possible but Bijan has taught us a ton about our individual instruments (none of which are piano), comping, rhythm, soloing, forms, styles, and voicings, and gotten us to put a full set together all in the space of one hour a week. So 10/10 for Bijan, for getting us to improve as jazz musicians, put a final product/concert together, get to know each other, laugh, and enjoy music, despite our Interesting senses of humor and commentary on his car's name.”
-Hillsdale College Combo (Student)
"Bijan is the best! I hadn't taken lessons for several years before this, and he helped me get right back into it again. I appreciate his teaching style, patience, and willingness to adjust his plans according to what I need to work on. He understands the demands of academics while still providing high-quality music instruction. My lessons are often one of the high points in my week, as I know I'll come away from them a better musician."
-Hillsdale College Piano Lessons (Student)
"These lessons were wonderful! Each week unlocked something new I could practice that substantially elevated my playing. There was a good balance of lesson material and preparation for other performances I had."
-Hillsdale College Piano Lessons (Student)
-Chris (Student)
"I'm pretty sure we caused Bijan several gray hairs over the course of the semester. I will be the first to apologize for any colorblind jokes/ gas price jokes that were out of line. However, I would like to say it's pretty awesome that Bijan has made a combo where everyone is relaxed, laughing, and comfortable with each other. I feel like this combo is a rare space where not only am I learning a ton about jazz and practicing music, I'm also learning a lot about the other people in the combo and getting to know them and Bijan better and better, and I think that's what music is supposed to do. It doesn't seem possible but Bijan has taught us a ton about our individual instruments (none of which are piano), comping, rhythm, soloing, forms, styles, and voicings, and gotten us to put a full set together all in the space of one hour a week. So 10/10 for Bijan, for getting us to improve as jazz musicians, put a final product/concert together, get to know each other, laugh, and enjoy music, despite our Interesting senses of humor and commentary on his car's name.”
-Hillsdale College Combo (Student)
"Bijan is the best! I hadn't taken lessons for several years before this, and he helped me get right back into it again. I appreciate his teaching style, patience, and willingness to adjust his plans according to what I need to work on. He understands the demands of academics while still providing high-quality music instruction. My lessons are often one of the high points in my week, as I know I'll come away from them a better musician."
-Hillsdale College Piano Lessons (Student)
"These lessons were wonderful! Each week unlocked something new I could practice that substantially elevated my playing. There was a good balance of lesson material and preparation for other performances I had."
-Hillsdale College Piano Lessons (Student)