When dentist John Damiano was 12 years old, neither his mother, nor his piano teacher, fought his resolve to drop weekly piano lessons. “I felt being able to play ‘Hokey Pokey’ was achievement enough,” he explains. “It seemed reasonable that playing one familiar song throughout life meant I could be deemed an accomplished pianist. That early attempt at a gimmick proved to be quite prophetic.”
Now, nearly 40 years later, he plays the keyboard at larger venues such as political party banquets, fundraisers, Christ- mas parties, and wedding receptions. “To the untrained eye I look like a one-man band,” says Damiano. “To me, the contemporary keyboardist is an independent instrumental- ist whose skill is controlling the countless musical nuances of the keyboard.”
“While the guests mingle around the bar or eat their meal, I’m off to the side of the room playing familiar songs,” he says. “Frequently I find myself discussing teeth, if someone asks for my professional opinion. My new motto is: Put the music where your mouth is.”
Damiano’s first big break came when a patient saw hidden potential in his “addiction” and asked him to play at the New York State Teacher Assistants Union banquet. In time, others asked him to play at their events.
“In my free time, I’m a general dentist working in a private practice that I opened in 1990 in Baldwinsville, New York,” says Damiano. He and his wife, Kathy, have three grown children, all residing in Baldwinsville.
Dr. Damiano’s Gear
BOSE L1 MODEL I PORTABLE SYSTEM:
“Bose technology is unmatched as it pertains to live performance amplification.”
TECHNICS KN7000: “Considered to be the
flagship of all keyboards,
I can finally say I’m done
shopping for keyboards!”
Who are your musical influences?
My parents are the most nonmusical people ever. My motivation to play must have come from a recessive gene. Other than that, I hang around a piano and organ store to pick up pointers from the sales staff and enthusiasts.
Why do you continue to make music?
Music is a calming influence in my life. I believe it rewires my mind naturally, unlike expensive therapists and Prozac. Moreover, positive feedback from listeners challenges me to improve.
How do you continue to learn?
My understanding of music theory is a product of many hours of dabbling. Often I find a YouTube video of someone playing a song on the keyboard. Also, I’m forever downloading sheet music from MusicNotes.com. Once I buy a new song, I spend a few days with it, almost exclusively. Digital downloads allow me to transpose songs into different keys for more of a challenge.
What benefits have you found to making music?
It provides an outlet for self-expression. It becomes who you are, and ultimately, a part of your legacy.
How do you make time for music in your life?
I avail myself to opportunities. There’s a keyboard in the den that I play while I’m finishing my morning coffee. While I’m waiting for someone to get numb, I play one on my desk. I bring them to hotels and on camping trips.
What advice do you have for someone getting into music later in life?
Accept that there will always be someone more talented than you are, and play in front of others as much as possible.
What is your best memory of making music?
My three kids falling asleep in their cribs while I play the keyboard downstairs and the family dog snoozes next to me. My constant playing gave our home a sense of security, peacefulness, and happiness.
