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Yamaha artist Kevin Asbjörnson works with Georgio

Asbjörnson held multiple sessions a day, with up to five boys participating. He showed the boys how to express emotions through music and encouraged their listening skills. For instance, he would ask the youths to think of pictures, memories, or people in their lives and then create a song that reflected that image. As one boy played, the others listened and then shared what image or feelings arose in their minds. For most of the boys, this was their first real, intimate encounter with music. "The presence of the piano commanded respect and awe from the boys," says Asbjörnson. "Many have never been exposed to such an instrument; they have never been introduced to the value of music in life, so they were fascinated with everything."

Chuck Thompson, president of the CBR, says, "With Kevin's guidance and instruction, the boys discovered the joy of creating original rhythms and compositions that reflected their personal thoughts, feelings, and life experiences." For boys with emotional problems, this sort of program has therapeutic, as well as recreational, value.

The program was assisted by a grant from the Colorado Council on the Arts. The CBR is the first residential treatment facility to be awarded this type of grant.

All Ears on Eigsti

ew high school seniors attract as much positive attention as jazz pianist Taylor Eigsti. Since his first professional gig at age eight, as opening act for Yamaha artist David Benoit, Eigsti has performed throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, and recently made his LA club debut at Jazz Bakery. He's also opened for Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, and Al Jarreau; played for President Bill Clinton; and performed with the Red Holloway Quartet and in several recent concerts with The Brubeck Brothers Quartet.

"I've always thought Yamaha pianos have an excellent touch and really good action," says Eigsti, who has enjoyed playing various models. "They are definitely among my favorite pianos because of the control you get. I especially like the wide dynamic range of the C7 conservatory grand piano," he says, noting his first CD, Taylor's Dream (DIW, Japan), was recorded on the C7 at Sonic Images in San Jose CA. "And, I played a really great Yamaha piano at the Elkhart Jazz Festival this summer. It sounded great and was a lot of fun to perform on."

Eigsti spent the past five summers teaching at San Jose Jazz Camp and was invited to do the same at the Stanford University Jazz Workshop for two years in a row. "It's a little awkward on the first day," he acknowledges. "People say, 'Isn't there supposed to be a teacher here?' I just say 'I am the teacher,' and that's that.

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Taylor Eigsti