So, many people have negative things to say about things like Facebook but I tend to focus on the positive. If it were not for Facebook I would not know who Corey Jordan is. Although we’ve never met in person, turns out he is a local musician, composer, and pianist who has quite the following. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about him and his music but I’ve only heard his music on Facebook videos that some friends have shared.
I thought a Q&A with him would be great way for all of us to get to know a bit more about him. This is an amazingly creative and talented community that we live in. Corey is one of those people that is certainly leaving his mark. Let’s get to know more about him.
Matt: Where are you from originally?
Corey: Born and raised Paso Robles. Graduated Paso Robles High School, 2006.
Matt: How long have you been in Paso Robles?
Corey: About 24 of my 31 years. Moved away at age 20. Los Angeles, spent some time in France age 21-22 then back to Los Angeles. Then back here to Paso eventually.
Matt: Are you a full-time musician? Or how do you classify yourself?
Corey: I have been a full time musician/composer/pianist for almost 3 years. I also have been working in a local wine cellar for the last 8 months, but that is just to learn. My main income is through music.
Matt: When did you get into music and when did the piano become your sole focus?
Corey: I took piano lessons from age 6-12. Despised them. Quit music for 10 years. Got into motocross, actually won a few amateur motocross championships in 2004 and 2005. Had sponsors and all that. I quit in 2006 right before I was to turn pro. Moved out of Paso shortly thereafter. Didn’t reconnect with music until 2010.
Matt: Did you go to school for piano/ music or are you self-taught?
Corey: Lessons for 6 years as a child. Haven’t had a lesson since age 12.
Matt: If you went to school, where did you go?
Corey: I did attend the Los Angeles Recording School, this is where I learned how to record, produce and mix my own music through computer software.
Matt: Has music always been your career or have you had other “jobs” in other industries?
Corey: Only has become a career in the last few years. I have had some unique jobs. Concrete Construction, Framing, Construction Management, When I moved to LA I was working with banks with hundreds of foreclosures during the 2008 housing crisis. Saw some pretty wild stuff. Went back to school in 2011 for Audio Engineering. Bussed tables,
worked Tasting Room and Cellar. My last non music job, I was in Alcohol Sales working on the distribution side. Now, I do host local piano concerts and perform locally at times. I also write and produce music for the LA Film industry. I am fortunate to have had over 60 pieces published since 2016. I currently work for a record label in LA, Advention Music as a composer.
Matt: What are your favorite types of music to play and to listen to?
Corey: As far as playing? Romantic Classical seems to find its way out most of the time. Very natural for me to connect to and play. As far as listening, I love to listen to it all, except for top 40 country. Everything else is great.
Matt: Have you had any mentors in the music industry?
Corey: I am forever grateful to Steve Sellers. He gave me my first shot. He was the first to publish and pay for my music. Also, the gentleman I currently work for, Tim. He is a legend in the industry and I have been fortunate enough to work 1 on 1 with him. Without his time and help I wouldn’t be where I am at. Very grateful.
Matt: I’ve seen people post on Facebook about your piano, can you give some details on it and how long you’ve had it?
Corey: I have 3 pianos. The one that has become known via social media is my grand. She is a 1914 Steinway Model O Piano. Sits in our apt here in DT Paso on 13th and Park St.. Belonged to the conductor of the NBC orchestra in the 30’s. Also a member of the SF Symphony in the 20’s. I bought it from his grandson in 2014. The piano is in 100% original condition (albeit tired..) Has the most beautiful sound I have ever heard. The second piano is a Vertigrand, currently at Thomas Hill Organics. That piano is 1909 Steinway and Sons, built in Hamburg, Germany. Also in 100% original condition. The third is an old Wurlitzer. It is the piano I learned to play on as a child.
Matt: Do you have a goal or goals in the music industry that you have not yet conquered? How about goals you have conquered?
Corey: I would say a major goal conquered was to actually have someone approach me and want to “pay” for my music. That was a paradigm shift for me. I have many goals I would like to conquer in the music industry, particularly in Film. 2020 I would love to see a few major placements. I feel like being born here, I would love nothing more than to contribute to the renaissance of culture that is happening here in our hometown of Paso Robles. I think the way for me to do that is through Piano. I see it connecting people.
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