A soothing, rich and inspiring tapestry of piano compositions which are relaxing as well as stimulating, gentle as well as powerful. Inspired largely by nature and perennial sense of wonder.

8 MP3 Songs
NEW AGE: Solo Instrumental, EASY LISTENING: Ballads

Details:
JOE CHOUINARD heralds from Minneapolis. Born into a musical family, Joe took up piano lessons at age 8. By age 11, he was writing for the piano, and soon he was winning awards for his compositions.

He studied piano with several teachers, including Dr. Edward Berryman, whose teaching lineage went back to Frederic Chopin. Joe went on to St. Johnâs University in Collegeville, MN, where he continued his music studies under Fr. Bob Koopmann and Dr. Ed Turley. He also studied composition, accompanied various soloists (vocal and instrumental), played in the jazz ensemble and sang in the menâs chorus. He also sang in a barbershop quartet, carrying on the tradition long established by his father.

All the while, Joe was developing his interest in other styles of music. He began to love jazz, and he absorbed the many forms found in pop music (blues, rock, reggae, funk, etc). Soon he was playing keyboards in bands devoted to one aspect or another within the wide spectrum of pop music. He also began writing material for these groups and beyond.

After settling back into the Twin Cities after college, Joe began teaching piano lessons. He taught in various locations with students of all ages. He found work as a freelance musician, playing and arranging music. Amidst all of this, he kept up his writing. More of his output was centering around the piano again. He began to pull in more of the elements found in New Age music as portrayed by artists on labels such as Windham Hill, Narada and ECM. In 1988 he released his first recording of his own music, recorded at his Alma Mater, called âThe Whisper.â

In the years since then, Joe has furthered his writing, performing and being involved in recording projects. He also began writing music and sound effects for various video projects.

Joe currently is a staff musician at St. Joan of Arc Church in Minneapolis. This large and dynamic Catholic church has been a mecca of inspiration, growth and fellowship. The music program is like none other, attracting talent from the Twin Cities and beyond. He also is a keyboardist in a local variety band called Popluxe, serving up a whole host of hits for private parties. The list goes on.

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