Chris Foe is an emerging composer whose work is performed and recorded widely throughout the New York, Boston, and Western Massachusetts areas. Originally from West Michigan, Chris graduated summa cum laude from the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music where he studied guitar and composition under internationally renowned guitarist John Abercrombie. During his years there, he was designated a James Moody Scholar and saw his music performed at major venues like Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola and The Falcon.

Having recently graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a master’s degree in jazz composition and arranging, Chris now works as a freelance arranger and engraver and is active on the national competition circuit. His successes in this arena include a second-place finish in the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC) Pete Rugolo Big Band Arranging and Composing Competition where his piece, “The Western Shore”, was judged against a record number of entries by a panel of judges that included Bill Holman, Gordon Goodwin, and Nan Schwartz.

Learn with me if…

If you love music and want to explore your passion with a teacher who values patience and kindness as much as excellence in musicianship. With me you’ll develop the skills to play the music you love and have fun while you do it! I teach and enjoy all styles of music, from classical and jazz to blues, rock, metal, and more.

Chris’ Student Testimonials

“Chris is always understanding and works with my schedule. Sometimes I don’t get enough practice time before my lessons but he is always reassuring and understands the demands of family life. I’m really greatful to have such a teacher! The study material that he selects for my lessons is great, I enjoy playing the pieces. I think he is very attentive and I can definitly say I’m making progress.”

“All I know is that he is one of the best teachers out there, I don’t know if  there is any one better than him!” Loris Timirican

Steve Moser studied at the Eastman School of Music and majored in music at the African American and Jazz Department at UMass Amherst. He has been teaching for more than 20 years, is the owner of New Traditions music publishing company, and performs throughout the Northeast. Steve also teaches music theory and composition.

Take private lessons with me if…

If you are someone who has studied classical piano for some time, but knows you don’t want to become a concert pianist. My students typically want to play piano for their own enjoyment. With a music theory approach, I teach my students how to read chord “symbols”, so they can pick up a contemporary music book and play Pop and/or Jazz pieces – without having to sight-read entire piano arrangements. Lessons also include some ear-training and learning keyboard techniques for accompanying vocalists.