Category Archives: Music

Music by Deborah Robinson

Summer Plans; Be a House Concert Host

Summer Plans

house concertWhy not plan a house concert this summer? Summer started early for us in Alberta and is in full swing. I am loving the lush green leaves and blue skies. Fragrant blooms abound.

The road ahead is uncertain, yet I keep my feet steady & my eye on the prize as I move forward into the unknown.  I remind myself everything I need comes to me. So much of life consists of variables. I set intentions and try to stay in alignment to receive. Despite the plans we can make, we don’t always end up where we would expect to be.

That said, may new exciting possibilities are opening up. I am willing to venture into the unknown. Having led the gypsy life for much of my earlier years I became a homebody for a while. Once again, my feet are ready for some adventure. House Concerts are a venue I want to pursue in order to create my own niche. My summer plans include fitting in a few House Concert dates. It’s about connection and bringing your community together through music.  Anyone can be a host.

deborah robinson musician
What You Need To Be a House Concert Host

If you have ever wanted to do something that could draw your community closer together, house concerts are a great way to do just that. Invite twenty to thirty people, and bring a performer like me to you. You can include dinner, or wine &  cheese, have a potluck after the performance if you wish.

You’ll get a stellar evening of entertainment in a casual environment. You will want a seat for everyone in the room. Folding chairs, benches whatever works. It is just a matter of rearranging the furniture to accommodate the guests. Outdoor is fine too with a backup plan in case of weather issues. If you can put me up while travelling outside of Calgary, that would be awesome.

You can expect some folk, pop, blues, jazz, standards and originals. I will sing & perform on piano & guitar, bring all the equipment I need which really doesn’t take up too much space.  After the concert, as the host you will request donations to go to the performer. It’s not a set price so people can give what they wish.

I am working towards writing and recording my album. I just finished a Songwriter Course through Berklee College of Music and it has inspired me. For more information about my music:
https://www.deborah-robinson.com/music/
https://www.reverbnation.com/redgypsee/

Travel throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta & British Columbia is my focus currently. Contact me for further details if you would like to be a host! I am open to public venues along the way. Here are some images from a recent House Concert in Calgary, Alberta.

Music Lessons

Music Lessons

Music lessons in your home. Learn to play piano or guitar now! Find out how much fun music lessons are. Music is a way to build a sense of accomplishment and to bring joy into your life.   All ages welcome.

COVID-19 INFORMATION
Some in home lessons have resumed. Others are continuing to do music lessons remotely. It is going very well. We will reevaluate as conditions change, based on the advice of the medical professionals.

Registration is ongoing!
Select openings!
Book today!
NO Registration fees. Pay monthly.

Private music lessons; piano and guitar in the comfort of your own home. I have a few openings in Calgary. Book now to ensure a spot!
$30 per half hour
$45 for 45-minute lesson
$60 one-hour lesson
Summer lessons are available upon request.

How does it work?

Dedicated students who want to have fun with learning music! I will help you to make your musical dreams a reality. A teacher who thinks out of the box, I can show you different ways of looking at the music. Your music lessons will be in your home, on either piano, or guitar.

Do you have a strong enough desire to want to play? When considering music lessons, one must understand it is a commitment to learning, which entails practising in between your lessons. A willingness to do the work required to carry out your goals is all that is needed-I will help with the rest.

Registration is ongoing, dependent upon availability. Please contact me if you want to fulfill your musical dreams.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Achieved a high level of musicianship
Self-disciplined, organized & punctual
Able to motivate & inspire students
Love of music & enjoy teaching music lessons

SKILLS

Piano, guitar, voice, performance, composition, arranging,
Teaching private music lessons, coaching, mentoring

music-lessons-deborah-robinson-educator
A slice of one of my original paintings
WHAT I TEACH
  • Reading music on piano and guitar
  • Fundamentals all ages, adult beginners piano & guitar, songwriting, performance preparation
  • Theory, sight-reading, ear training, scales, RCM PIANO teach to Grade 8
  • Piano, jazz and blues piano chord structures and improvisation, modes
  • Guitar, note reading, tablature, chords, scales, chord progressions, finger picking, cycle of fifths
  • Skype Lessons Upon Request
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experienced Professional Player & Performer
  • Songwriting; Berklee College of Music
  • Developing Your Musicianship; Berklee College of Music
  • Jazz Improvisation I & II; Capilano University, Vancouver, BC
  • Classical Piano (11 years, Grade VIII RCM)
  • Royal Conservatory of Music, RCM London, UK
  • Private Guitar Studies; Heather Bishop

Recommended Piano Tuner: itune4u Tell Colin or Rick I sent you.
Need Sheet Music?
affiliated with

Live Music Shows

Live Music Shows

Upcoming

Stay Tuned for New Dates

COVID has restricted performances, by disallowing vocals. I can provide instrumental, so get in touch, if that’s what you are looking for. 


Calgary Musician & Vocalist for Hire

Available for live music shows and studio recording work, I look forward to enhancing your event with an eclectic mix of roots, blues, easy listening, pop, jazz, soul & contemporary. Performing on piano &/or guitar, I am also a strong vocalist. Instrumental, background are other options. You will hear standards, covers & original compositions. I have the necessary equipment for a single act, and for larger venues I will collaborate with other musicians.

Instrumental Piano Sampler Recorded Live

Instrumental Guitar Sampler Recorded Live

Guitar & Voice Sampler Recorded Live

Summertime Cover Guitar & Voice

Coming Soon: voice/piano samples | new voice/guitar tracks

Originals

Rot Blues n’ Junk Streets Full Band Studio

For more see this page

Available for:
  • Coffee-Wine Bar
  • Corporate
  • Pubs
  • Restaurant
  • Lounge
  • Weddings
  • Festivals
  • Art Openings
  • House Concerts
  • Please contact me:
    For booking live music shows.
    *Request a Media Kit*


Previous

Friday, August 10, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Avatara Pizza, 3406 3 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2N 0M2
Private Function
Saturday, July 14, 2018, Inglewood Art, 3-5 pm, Cal., AB
Private Function
Saturday, June 16, 2018, Blackie, AB
Leighton Art Centre, Millarville, AB
Saturday, June 2. 2018, 2-4 pm
Saturday, May 5, 2018, 9pm-1am
Pizza Bob’s, 2610 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4S5
Sat., Jan. 13, 2018, 7-10, Private Party, Calgary, AB
Sat., Nov. 18, 2017, 5 pm-9 pm, Water’s Edge Pub, Priddis, AB
Sat., Sept, 16, 2017 East Side Studio Crawl, Artpoint, Calgary
Sat., August 19, 2017, 7 pm-11 pm, Water’s Edge Pub, Priddis, AB
Sun., Sept 10 at 1:30 pm, Mountain View Arts Festival, Didsbury, ABSat., July 15, 2017 Millarville Farmer’s Market,11:30 – 2:00 pm
Tuesday, June 6, 2017, Private Party, 7 pm – 9 pm
Sunday, June 4, 2017, Leighton Art Centre, 2 pm – 4 pm
Sat., June 3, 2017, 7 pm – 11 pm Water’s Edge Pub, Priddis, AB
See Music Bio
Saturday, May 20, Host of Open Mic, Mugs Cafe, Didsbury, AB 1 pm – 4 pm
April 15, 2017 7 pm – 11 pm Water’s Edge Pub, Priddis, AB
Sat., March 11, 2017, 7 pm – 10 pm Latitude Gallery Four Feet Fiesta
February 2, 2017 6 pm-9 pm  Artpoint Gallery & Studios
February 4, 2017 7 pm – 11 pm Water’s Edge Pub, Priddis, AB
December 3, 2016 7 pm – 11 pm Water’s Edge Pub, Priddis, AB
October 1, 2016 7 pm – 11 pm Water’s Edge Pub, Priddis, AB
August 6, 2016 7 pm – 11 pm Water’s Edge Pub, Priddis, AB
April 21, 2016 6 pm – 9 pm Alberta Society of Artists Opening at Artpoint Gallery & Studios
April 10, 2015 Deborah’s House Concert Live Stream on Concert Window
Host of Fireside Open Mic at the Kensington Pub
Sept 14, 2014 – February 7, 2016
Caprices Fine Arts at Fort Calgary
My Musical Performance 11 am to 12 pm
Saturday June 14, 2014 10-5pm
Caprice’s Fine Art Summer Event
Inglewood Community Hall.
My Musical Performance 11 am to 12 pm
Nickelodeon Music Club, Calgary, AB
Hotel Arts, Calgary, AB
Lougheed House, Calgary, AB
East Coolie Spring Festival, East Coolie, AB
Ladybug Festival, Priddis, AB
Tompkins Park, Calgary, AB
Lilac Festival, Calgary AB
Folk on the Rocks, Yellowknife, NT
CBC Radio
NWT Pavilion, EXPO ’86
Lounges & Dining Rooms, including Delta & CP Hotels
South Slave Friendship Festival, Ft Smith, NT
International Woman’s Day Concerts
Northern Arts & Cultural Centre Concerts
Concert for African Famine Relief

Press

Press

 

piano-handsFrom a musical family, a seasoned performer, Deborah has honed the magic to mesmerize & touch her audience. A gypsy spirit with a true love for music, she has played at festivals, clubs, concerts, jams, both in bands and as a solo performer.

jazz-singer-deborah-robinson“Any form of creativity is a path from the soul. Awareness of how tones of the scale relate to different colours. When I paint a deep blue colour, I hear a cello or an oboe, sounds like deep grief only more comforting.

I would like to know that I have touched people somehow through my art & personally.” ~DL Robinson Jayne Darcy’s A Light in the Dark (Mar 29, 2005)

Press, reviews and recommendations:

“Amazing vocalist, blues singer.” ~Colleague, George Duncan

“Deborah is a detailed talented musician, who is extremely professional.” ~Colleague, Rick Maddeaux

“Great Results, Personable, Creative.” ~Client, Pat Buckna

“Actor, artist, singer, musician and business woman, Deborah Robinson could be
deemed a real renaissance woman. A professional musician-she toured both solo & with a band. Since her arrival in Yellowknife, Deborah Robinson has been heavily involved in the northern arts scene.” ~Marge Strano, Yellowknifer Renaissance Woman Balances Art With Business (Mar 15, 1993)

“A well disciplined voice mixed with a true love for music is the magic combination Deborah Robinson has captured. Whether playing piano or strumming guitar, Deborah has a heartfelt quality to her songs. Belting out the blues is her specialty. Her version of Summertime will curl your hair.” ~Rick Poltaruk, Yellowknifer Northern Stars (Jun 13, 1985)

Sounds

Sounds

Songs & Albums
music
I am writing a new album of sounds, but I need to tell you precisely what is coming, so you will have to wait and see. A lot of deep thought and planning goes into the process before the songs are written, performed and recorded.
Birthing new music is complex. Some ideas pop out and others can take years to incubate. Many bits and pieces exist here, and I need to discern that which is important to share. What message do I want to put out there?
Besides the songs, the signature sound must come together. I am trying to sort out my home recording situation. I am trying to find the optimal way to get my ideas down. So far, my iPhone is the best tool I have for that, but the sounds are not studio recording quality.
As much as I would like to rush the process, it is impossible. Stay tuned. I promise it will be good. Subscribe for updates. Find out more about my musical background here.
NEW

Original “Warm Summer Breeze” Instrumental Jazz


From my Vintage Jazz collection, one of my originals; “Rot Blues ‘n’ Junk Streets”. Recorded in Yellowknife, NWT.
Deborah Robinson; Composer, Keyboards, Vocals | Pat Braden; Stand Up Bass | James Milligan; Saxophone | Norm Glowach; Drums Producer; Pat Braden

An original soundtrack I recently composed.


 

Musical Background

Musical Background

Performance; piano, guitar, voice

 Musical composition, arranging, recording

Musician, songwriter and vocalist Deborah Robinson’s musical background allows her to play an extensive repertoire on piano & guitar in a variety of genres. Her powerful voice is well-complimented by well-developed instrumental accompaniment.

“A well-disciplined voice mixed with a true love for music is the magic combination Deborah Robinson has captured. Whether playing piano or strumming guitar, Deborah has a heartfelt quality to her songs. Belting out the blues is her specialty. Her version of Summertime will curl your hair. ” ~Rick Poltaruk, Yellowknifer Northern Stars

With a solid foundation in classical piano through formal training in classical piano, Deborah also became an accomplished guitarist, vocalist, & composer.

“After years of classical study, I had learned to only play what was on the sheet music. Despite having a wide range of knowledge, I was not free to express myself with music. Retraining myself to improvise & think a different way about music is how I overcame this. Learning another instrument helped make the shift. It was a process that took about five years. I learned to branch out beyond convention through my self-taught retraining.”

 

Find me on REVERB NATION

PERFORMER

Bands; 4-5-6 piece, four-part harmony / trio, duo
Single; concerts, piano bars, weddings, coffee houses, wine bar, & busking

EDUCATION

Songwriting; Berklee College of Music
Jazz Improvisation I & II; Capilano University, Vancouver, BC
Classical Piano (11 years, Grade VIII RCM) Royal Conservatory of Music, RCM London, UK
Private Guitar Studies; Heather Bishop

RECORDING

Wrote grant proposal, received grant from Arts Advisory Council for recording project.
Grant application used as a model for later proposals
First musical artist produced in NWT, Producer; Pat Braden
Grapevine Studios, Vancouver, BC recorded self funded album of original songs

AFFILIATIONS:

Member of SOCAN (Society of Authors, Composers and Music Publishers Association of Canada)

Music

Music Profile

From an artistic & musical family, Deborah captures the magic of a genuine love for music through her unique vocals. Her live performances deliver an eclectic mix of roots, blues, easy listening, pop, jazz, soul & contemporary. Her style shines through a powerful voice.

Gypsy spirit, vocalist & songwriter Deborah performs on piano & guitar as a single act & collaborates with other players. You will hear standards, covers & original compositions. A seasoned performer, venues include festivals, clubs, concerts, weddings,   private parties & events. Deborah is available to perform live solo or with others.

 


 

Music Bio | Press | Sounds | Live Shows | Music Lessons

“The music I choose to play is whatever touches me, what relates to me. I like to play what I enjoy; the audience will surely have a good time.

My start in the entertainment industry began as a keyboard player & vocalist for an all-girl rock band (in the seventies). Several band combinations followed. We played rock, soul, funk and rhythm and blues. I had the support of other women, which allowed me to become familiar with how a band operated and my responsibilities. Touring many parts of Canada, I was so green initially, despite having played for years. It’s still a man’s world, and I doubt I would have survived without the kindness, patience and understanding I received.

I went on to perform solo in piano bars, which were popular then. Piano bars were a wonderfully intimate experience; I would love it if they became popular again. In the beginning, it was scary, being up onstage by myself, but I quickly adapted. Enhancing the dining experience, and enjoying the friendliness of lounges and small clubs, was a boost for me.

Leaning towards jazz on piano was a natural progression from my classical roots to pop; jazz was a mediator for me and suited my voice like the blues did. I enjoy listening to ambient and meditative sounds. Though I am not sure which will come out first, I may explore that for a while, but I look forward to releasing and performing some new songs and have plans for more than one album if the muse is kind.

“A creative spirit with many outlets of expression, Deborah is re-entering the music biz as an indie artist. Deborah is also a visual artist and teaches piano & guitar in Calgary, AB.” ~Deborah Robinson