- Chad Watkins - News

Latest News

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Well, it has been a great year! Being a school teacher, my year always begins in August and ends in June. I think all teachers live on a different time frame than the rest of the world. June and July just don’t seem to exist. It’s during those months that you heal, rest, repair, and prepare yourself to turn around do it all again: pour your heart, soul and mind into the future – our children.
I was honored this year by being chosen as the Teacher of the Year for the school at which I work. I work with such a wonderful group of professionals--to be chosen from this field of outstanding educators is truly an overwhelming honor.
I kicked off the year not only going back to work at the school, but I also had the pleasure of playing a wonderful show “Smoke on the Mountain." The show ran for three weeks, which kept me busy, but I loved every minute of the experience, working with the wonderfully talented Georgia Mountain Players. You can always check them out online at www.georgiamountainplayers.org
I am currently scheduled to play another show for the GA Mountain Players entitled “Always Patsy Cline”. (Check out my calendar page for more information on this show.) The show is based on a true story, chronicling the friendship of Patsy Cline and one of her most endearing fans, Louise. I am fortunate to be doing a third run of this show along with, Ms. Michelle Martin who does a phenomenal job in the singing role as Patsy and Mrs. Peggy Strickland who plays the lovable character, Louise.   I must say that "Always Patsy Cline" is my favorite show to play, as I get to go back to my southern gospel roots and play in that flashy, country style that I enjoy so much. This show is a must see for any Patsy Cline fans, country music fans, or anyone who loves to hear a great honky-tonk piano player!
I am looking forward to having the next two months available to work on projects and catch up with things that unfortunately get left behind during the busy work year. Summer is also a great time to catch up with all of my dear family and friends that I have not seen for so long. I miss you when we are absent from each other, but you are always in my heart.
Well as Dolly (and later Whitney) would say, "I hope that life treats you kind and I hope you have all you dream of
and I wish you joy and happiness, but above all this I wish you LOVE."

Live, Laugh and Love
Chad

P.S. I almost forgot to share some really exciting news!   -- I am very happy to announce that I am now a 'Whisperings Piano Artist'. With over 1 million listeners a month, Whisperings: Solo Piano Radio is the world's number one Internet radio station for solo piano music. You can listen free at the website or the stream on iTunes. There's also an iPhone/iPodTouch/iPad app too so you can listen on the go! For more information, please visit: http://www.solopianoradio.com/, and of course, give a shout out when you hear my music!

Revisited: Hymns Of My Childhood

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

I am excited! Revisited: Hymns Of My Childhood is now off to production. The process went pretty smooth and it will be here on time for the release date. I want to give a special thanks to Karen Nickel and Anna Sanders for their excellent work in producing the design and layout of the upcoming CD. You girls did an amazing job as usual -- thanks for everything.

If you want to hear more details about what's been going on for the last month, check out my latest blog.

Hope you are all having a great summer!

Chad

Upcoming Projects

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700

I am excited to announce that I have two projects in the works! I was originally working on a follow up project to The Journey. This project was very similar to The Journey in that it is relaxing-- designed to calm the listener and nuture the spirit.

The new project does have its subtle differences, though. It does includes some improvisational songs, which is the entire composition of The Journey, but also branches out and includes more motif based songs.
In addition to the motif based songs, I have also included three tracks which veer away from the piano only theme. One of the songs involves a motion piano, another one is an acoustic and electric piano duet while the third venture is a more highly orchestrated selection with the addition of guitar, double bass, trumpet and additional string accompaniments.

While working on the follow up CD, I unexpectedly found myself working on a completly separate project. I had always planned to record a CD at some point, with some of my favorite hymns, but I wasn't clear on the timing of this endeavor.

Well, as you know, life is full of unexpected changes. One thing led to another, and the next thing I knew, I was deeply involved in working on the hymns CD. This project is very dear to my heart because it embodies my earliest love of music as well as the core of my musical training and performance opportunities during my childhood.

My childhood love of these old hymns has endured and deepend into an even greater appreciation today. I am so proud to announce the release of Revisited: Hymns Of My Childhood.

The expected release date of Revisited is set for August 2, 2010. This project promises to deliver a traditional as well as a new approach to many favorite hymns. It is definitely a must have for anyone that cherishes the beloved classics such as: Amazing Grace, Softly And Tenderly, The Old Rugged Cross, Just A Closer Walk With Thee and many others.

You can check out clips of Revisited on the music page!

PS I am now back to working on the follow up CD to The Journey. Expect more information information on this project soon!

Thanks for visiting

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

I am so pleased about the release of my first piano CD, the journey. It has been quite a journey working on this project -- a good one I might add. I had the wonderful opportunity to work with some amazing people -- Karen Nickel (Karen Nickel Photography), Ken Gregory (Ken Gregory Studios), Chris Hereth (Second Encore Produtions). It was while working on this project that I actually began to reflect on my own journey in life. I realized that I was floating through life, reacting to whatever came my way, rather than choosing the paths that I was taking. Now, I'm learning to live in the moment and make the best of each circumstance. Learning to live in the moment sure has made life more interesting...which is a good thing, since life is about the journey.