Darren Ginn

An accomplished artist of uncompromising professional measure.
This describes the essence of Darren Ginn.

THE CAREER ~~~
Starting a professional career at age 15 and never looking back has taken me many places during my 50+ years in the entertainment field. I have experienced many facets of the industry and continue to apply the highest degree of skill, professionalism and talent to my full-time music career. With an unblemished history of thousands of performances, I have established a track record of outstanding proportion. 

Starting at only eight years old, I studied classical and contemporary organ literature with acclaimed accordionist Daniel Desiderio. In high school, I studied voice and conducting with Dr. Harry Mechell and went on to major in Music Education with concentration in piano and voice at Temple University. After Temple, I began my studies in jazz, theory and composition with virtuoso guitarist William J. Walton and worked with him for eight years not only studying but assisting and recording in his custom-built studio. 

My professional affiliations have included being a board member for six years with Atlanta based TORCH (Together Orchestras Revitalize Community Harmony), board member and music director with Florida based For-Kids-Only and music director with Atlanta based Yes You Can! Foundation. All three organizations have worked through music to benefit a wide range of needs for children and communities.

I have worked extensively as a soloist, group performer, music director, conductor and arranger as well as being an international recording artist. 

Highlights include performances as conductor and pianist for the one-and-only Mickey Rooney and pianist for a series of teaching clinics with the most recorded guitarist in the world, Tommy Tedesco.   

I have also appeared for or performed with: actress & singer - Susan Anton; R&B artist - Archie Bell; Mr. QVC - Bob Bowersox; jazz & classical guitarist - Charlie Byrd; jazz guitarist - Jerry Byrd; Oregon, Rochester and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra principal bassist - Colin Corner; funnyman - Rodney Dangerfield; famed writer/producer/performer - Bert 'Garrison' Elliot; international artist/poet/writer - Geoff Francis; NBC Today Show Superstar Vocal Winner - Dan Gardner; legendary big band vocalist - Connie Haynes; guitarist - Jef Lee Johnson; guitar superstar - Earl Klugh; R&B superstars - Blue Magic; sports legends - Mike Schmidt & Fran Tarkenton; Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members - The Shirelles; Broadway sensation Susan Stroman; legendary trumpeter & saxophonist - Glenn Zottola; governors, mayors, major political figures and prominent diplomats. 

THE ACCOMPANIST ~~~
To be an accompanist is an art form that requires the ability to cross effortlessly between multiple styles. It also requires that the lead vocal or instrument is supported to the fullest degree that allows total freedom of expression while knowing each moment of a performance can be undertaken with complete confidence.
This is the art form that I have mastered and give total attention to detail in each performance.

THE TEACHER ~~~
Teaching is an area that I am passionate about. Working with young aspiring musicians as well as seasoned professionals and amateurs of all ages, I found many people lacking a well-rounded understanding of theory and how music works in general. This prompted me to begin teaching many years ago. When I studied with William Walton who was a Dennis Sandole disciple, I was given full permission to teach the same method and expand upon it as it naturally evolved. My varied experience gives me a unique perspective on working with people who are truly interested in expanding their talents and musical understanding.

THE APPROACH ~~~
Whether in a studio, rehearsal or live performance, I bring focus to the utmost attention to detail while working to ensure the overall success of each situation. To play in an ensemble setting, apart from reading charts or playing specific parts, each musician is constantly soloing in the moment within the context of the music in order to bring about a fresh, engaging, and ever evolving performance.