Mike LeDonne
Jazz Piano Skills Faculty

A faculty member since 2001, Mike LeDonne graduated from the New England Conservatory. He has performed with artists such as Benny Goodman, Art Farmer, Sonny Rollins, Bobby Hutcherson, and Milt Jackson, and has accompanied singers such as Ernestine Anderson and Etta Jones. He currently works with Benny Golson.

Mike LeDonne

When and how did you first know that you wanted to be a musician?
I grew up around music. My father was a jazz guitarist and owned a music store, which is where I spent most of my time. I had access to every kind of instrument but zeroed in on the piano when I was 5. I always liked the blues. My first memories are of sitting at the piano and playing boogie-woogie bass lines and improvising the blues in my right hand. I loved the feeling of the groove this created. I was addicted right there.

Who was the teacher or mentor who most inspired you when you were growing up and what did you learn from that person?
Originally, I'd have to say it was my father. We used to sit around and play together, which is where I learned about harmony and taste. But the teacher who was most influential on me was Jaki Byard. I had the good fortune of studying with him at the New England Conservatory. He exposed me to the complete history of jazz piano. He showed me that only with a complete understanding of that history would you come up with something of substance that's your own. He taught me to be open to all aspects of music in general, and showed me the value of not taking yourself too seriously.

What was the first recording you ever bought? What was its significance to you?
It was "Cold Sweat" by James Brown, a 45-rpm single with part 1 on side A and part 2 on side B. I remember listening to it over and over again. I loved the way the different parts for the instruments went together to create a groove that wouldn't let me stand still. It was a thrill I felt inside my body. Later I heard that same feeling in a jazz recording my father had called Miles Davis Live at the Blackhawk. The music was more sophisticated, but the power of the swing was the same. This continues to be what attracts me to great jazz.

What's the most embarrassing moment you've had as a performer?
I was performing at the Molde Jazz Festival in Molde, Norway. It was one of my first trips to Europe and I was part of a 10-piece ensemble that was performing the music of people like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Jimmy Lunceford. The Modern Jazz Quartet was also performing in another part of the festival, and Milt Jackson and John Lewis (who loved the music of these bands) took a shine to us and came in to check us out each night of that week. The first night I spotted them in the audience, I was understandably nervous. I guess I didn't take notice of how close the piano bench was to the edge of the stage. We had just hit the first tune and over I went, winding up with my feet where my head should have been. Luckily it wasn't a very high stage and I didn't get hurt, but I do remember wishing I could disappear. As life would have it, I later wound up working with Milt Jackson for 11 years.

If you could have your students visit anyplace in the world, where would it be, and why?
Right here — New York City. There's no place on earth more important for jazz music.

What are your non-music-related interests or hobbies?
I like putting things together, like puzzles. I also enjoy reading, movies, eating good food, playing cards, and getting exercise.

What is your proudest accomplishment in life?
My long relationship with vibes legend Milt Jackson. I'm not only proud to have played with him, but that he grew to trust my taste to the point where he made me musical director of the quartet. I'm proud that someone like him was my close friend.

What words of wisdom can you offer young people entering the field today?
Enjoy the journey. Don't rush it. Music takes a lifetime to try to master and there aren't any shortcuts. Learn the truth from the masters and don't worry about imitating them. Try to diversify your interests and experiences. It's what you are as a person that's the most important thing of all.