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Knights of the Keyboard
Danilo Pérez and Jetro da Silva add their pro chops to the Piano Department.
By Rob Hochschild
Berklee.edu Editor
September 30, 2002
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Danilo Pérez demonstrates piano technique for students at a 1996 visiting artist clinic.
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| Photo by Kim Grant |
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Some might say you can't go home again, but you won't hear it from Danilo Pérez '88 and Jetro da Silva '96. Both are talented young pianists who quickly climbed to prominence after graduating from Berklee, and now both have come back to join the Piano Department.
Pérez, who has earned three Grammy nominations for his studio recordings, will give private lessons and teach a course he has created, Rehearsal Techniques for the Pianist/Bandleader. He has released five albums as a leader, the most recent, "Motherland," on Verve, and has toured and/or recorded with several top musicians, including Wayne Shorter, Joe Lovano, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Haden, and Tito Puente. Born in Panama, Pérez, who has always maintained close ties with Berklee—he frequently gave clinics and performances for the college community—joins the faculty as Professor of Piano.
"Danilo is a natural teacher," says Chair of Piano Stephany Tiernan '74. "He is a rare combination: a great musician who is extremely good at communicating and teaching. He's very excited about passing along knowledge and the students feel inspired by his musicianship."
Berklee adds Pérez to an already talented and experienced team of Piano professors. Other members of the department include Joanne Brackeen, Laszlo Gardony, Ray Santisi, and Chair Emeritus Paul Schmeling.
Da Silva began working as Assistant Chair of Piano in July, just after completing a tour as musical director and keyboardist for Patti Labelle. He has accompanied a long list of chart-topping musicians, including Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Brandy, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, and Japanese superstar Namie Amuro. A native of Brazil, da Silva has produced several records and composed scores for theater and television. In addition to his duties as Assistant Chair, da Silva will give private lessons to several students.
"Jetro brings a fresh outlook because he's coming from the music world as opposed to the education world," says Tiernan. "He has a reputation for being a very tasteful accompanist, particularly for vocalists, and he has a real sense of the business. There aren't a lot of people who have played that role at that level."
Perez and da Silva have returned to their music educational home, and a new generation of pianists will be glad they did.
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