Chris Salt

Piano / Keyboards Chris demonstrated an ability to play the piano by ear from an early age and began learning the piano from the age of 7. Having studied the piano traditionally through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examination system to Grade 8, Chris progressed to studying A-Level Music and then a Bachelor of Education degree (Hons) at London University specialising in Music Education. Although classically trained and a competent sight reader and accompanist, Chris has always considered that his ability to improvise and play music by ear, to be his real passion and particular area of expertise. This has enabled him to stand in at short notice and deputise for keyboard players in a number of bands, covering genres such as rock, jazz, swing, R&B, classical and on one notable occasion heavy metal. Many of the performances which Chris undertakes on piano enable him to uniquely combine both trained and natural skills making him an extremely versatile and adaptable performer. This can be particularly helpful when accompanying theatrical shows or choirs when changing key is required, or meeting the demands of ‘on-the-spot requests’. Chris has been performing and accompanying on the piano for professional engagements for over 30 years, and has worked as a piano accompanist for a variety of schools and dance academies since 1981. During this time he has played keys for several well established function bands and is a founding member of the newly formed dance band 'Moonlit Nights', which are taking bookings for weddings, corporate dinners, and parties in the south east of England. Performance From the late 70's Christopher has worked regularly in bands, duo's and solo playing for weddings, parties, corporate functions, dinner dances, theatres, hotels, restaurants, festivals and many other special occasions. He has also backed cabaret, deputised in a number of high profile function bands and has even played piano on Cunard's Queen Mary 2. Christopher has played the piano at many venues through out the UK and abroad including; Cliveden, Oakley Court in Bray, Royal Berkshire Hotel - Sunningdale, Easthampstead Park, Danesfield House and Spa - Marlow, Queen Annes Manor and Cantley House - Wokingham, Aurora Hotel - Windsor, Savill Court - Englefield Green, Eton College, Adelphi Hotel - Liverpool, The Grand Hotels - Torquay and Scarborough, Hilton - Blackpool, Oatlands Park Hotel - Weybridge, Phyllis Court Club - Henley on Thames and at Westminster Cathedral Hall to name but a few. Further a field, Chris has played at the Renaissance Hotel - Prague, Rendevous Hotels - Singapore and Scarborough Beach (Perth, Western Australia), Strathmore; Matawan - New Jersey. Chris also has a long track record for working with schools, dance academies, stage schools and theatre groups for providing live music for dance shows, music concerts, musical theatre and even the occasional pantomime!