Dean Quevedo - Pianist
“The piano keys are black and white but they sound like a million colors in your mind”
I have been consistently playing the piano for the past fourteen years. My interest in the piano was first sparked when I noticed my father knew how to play without reading notes. I hoped to one day have the ability to play like he does.
I had my first encounter with the piano after attending my brother’s second guitar lesson. My mother had wanted me to play an instrument also, so she signed me up for piano lessons.
When I attended my third day of lessons I watched as my piano teacher played a popular radio song without looking at notes. After that, I went home and tried to duplicate what I had just witnessed. To my surprise, I picked it up very quickly. The first song I perfected on my own was “My Immortal” by Evanescence.
Since I first discovered my natural musical ability, I felt drawn to the piano wherever I went. The day of my cousins wedding I began to play at an empty piano. After a few songs, Kevin Barattini approached me. He was impressed that I did not read sheet music. Next thing I knew, he asked me if I would like to work with him. I was very excited and nervous at the same time because I was only a freshman in high school. Weeks later, I played my very first piano gig. The feedback was amazing. Hearing someone compliment your hard work is one of the most amazing feelings.
Thank you Kevin and the whole Barattini team for letting me play music for the thousands of people that attend the events. It’s truly a blessing to do what I love. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work my dream job.