Performance

Brenda smiling big at the piano

Brenda Earle Stokes has performed for hundreds of events, from informal house parties to upscale events for the United Nations, to gala events at the Waldorf Astoria.

Whether she is playing background piano or a featured performer with one of her ensembles, she will add ambiance to your event.

Jazz Videos

Pop Videos

Press Quotes

“Stokes revs up on eclecticism, centering her jazz improvisation and pop-jazz adventures…shimmers with energetic scatting and cheery piano."

“This music speaks to artistic sophistication while addressing the quiet comforts of the medium.”

“Her keyboard work throughout embodies lyrical melody, deft harmonies and smart pacing…”

“She has her own way of writing music that meshes fine with modern jazz esthetics.”

“…the first to stand out was pianist-singer Brenda Earle, whose talent gracefully bridges jazz and pop.”

"…a breezy delight.”

brendaearlestokes

One of the amazing things about homeschooling is t

One of the amazing things about homeschooling is that we can dive deep into what we are passionate about learning. Social justice and learning non-whitewashed history has been a huge priority for us and we have been diving deep into hearing stories in a wide range of voices.

One of those voices is Louise Erdrich, who wrote the absolutely incredible Birchbark House series. These books are often referred to as the Native American version of the Little House on the Prairie series, since they take place during the same time period and the story is told in the voice of a young girl.

This is one of the most beautiful and heartwrenching books I have ever read. Not only is it fascinating to learn more about the Ojibwe people and their traditional way of life, but it is incredible to get a glimpse into Omakayas' inner world.

In honor of #nativeamericanday I want to share this beautiful book with you. Read it to your child, so they can understand the rich legacy of the Ojibwe people.

When I build my first #onlinecourse, #pianoskillsf

When I build my first #onlinecourse, #pianoskillsforsingers, my goal was to empower as many singers as possible to feel confident at the keyboard. @kathwsinger is the embodiment of life-long learning and is a true artist and educator.

Kath is a singer and voice teacher (who also plays guitar and runs choirs and writes songs, I could go on and on..) based in Queensland, Australia. She teaches singers of all genres and levels, including a bunch of avocational adults who sing in her choirs.

She has not only taken my #pianoskillsforsingers courses, but she also encourages her students to take them too, as she knows the value in music literacy for singers of all levels. It has been so much fun to see so many of her students digging in and saying "Kath told me to learn piano and I can play now thanks to your courses!"

I created #theversatilemusician to support musicians of all backgrounds, but the membership also supports voice and piano teachers. If you don't have the time to cover piano skills or musicianship or jazz or improvisation in your lessons, becoming at member at The Versatile Musician is a way to provide support and training to your students. The best part? My work won't interfere with yours.

Check out The Versatile Musician. (link in bio)

#singinglessons #singinglessonsonline #voiceteacher #voiceteachersofinstagram #pianoandvoicewithbrenda #theversatilemusician #brendaearlestokes

Playing authentic pop piano arrangements doesn't m

Playing authentic pop piano arrangements doesn't mean having to slog through challenging sheet music. You can actually create your own arrangements using three really simple steps.

I created an entire #YouTube video about this if you want to learn more! Check out my YouTube channel to watch the whole thing. Link in bio, baybeee!
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#pianoskillsforsingers #pianoandvoicewithbrenda #poppiano #easypianolessons #pianoteachersofinstagram

#throwbackthursday My first long term gig was as a

#throwbackthursday My first long term gig was as a singalong piano bar entertainer for @norwegiancruiseline back in the year 2000. At that point, I was a pretty established emerging jazz pianist and a pretty green singer. I had a pretty large repertoire (for a 23 year old!) but when I actually started the gig I made a horrifying discovery: most people did not want to hear jazz.

Up to this point in my life, my entire musical existance had been either classical music or jazz. Yes, I listened to pop music, but I couldn't really play any of it. This was a PROBLEM. I desperately wanted to keep the gig, plus I had given up my apartment and given away all of my wordly possessions, so I didn't exactly have anywhere to GO.

I needed to get versatile in a hurry.

I had brought with me several hundred CDs in one of those CD albums, plus a couple of fake books, so I at least had something to work with. **NOTE TO YOUNG PEOPLE - Spotify didn't exist yet. Neither did all those websites where the chords and lyrics are all written out for you.**

I had to old-school this problem. Every night when guests would request songs, I would write them down on a big list. I would then spend my entire day listening to songs, writing down the lyrics and transcribing the chords using a pitch pipe. (I didn't have access to a keyboard or piano in my cabin!)

I was learning 10+ songs a DAY and I would play the new ones several times a night, so I could master them. In the 3 months I worked there, I learned over 700 songs; most of which I could play from memory.

This was one of the most incredible musical and professional experiences of my life. I learned how to really entertain and connect with people from all over the world, I learned how to build a set to keep people listening AND I lived a breathed some of the greatest music ever written.

I carry that experience with me everywhere and have been so fortunate to share my wisdom with so many other young musicians. I went on to do a total of 19 months at sea and I paid for my fancy conservatory Master's degree in cash. #versatilityiskey
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#pianoandvoicewithbrenda #cruiseshiplife #cruiseshipmusicians

The most amazing part of being a voice teacher is

The most amazing part of being a voice teacher is helping someone discover their own voice. It takes a lot of work, a lot of weird sounds and a few tears, but it is the most thrilling experience.

@montemader came to me as a jazz singer who had just started writing her own songs. She wanted to work on strengthening her voice so she had a better connect to her singing. Fast forward a few years and this girl is ON FIRE. She transitioned through pop/R&B into rock and this chick can BELT. Her songs are totally one-of-a-kind, woman-empowerment anthems and some of them are pee-your-pants funny. She has taken Nashville by storm (seriously, they don't know what hit them!) and is already booking shows all over the place. I am blown away!

It has been a joy to watch what her vision, hard work and determination have led to. As a teacher I am you partner. My expertise + your vision + my support + your hard work = your musical dreams coming true.

How are you going to make your musical dreams come true?

#singinglessons #singinglessonsonline #voiceteacher #voiceteachersofinstagram #pianoandvoicewithbrenda #theversatilemusician #brendaearlestokes

Piano & Voice With Brenda