Laura Cunard

Laura Cunard is making her mark as one of the most talented and versatile musicians in Portland today. Classically trained from age 7 to her 20’s, Laura had already shown a love of playing and singing and unmistakable musical gifts at a much earlier age. All through childhood she could be found performing with her guitar, piano, harmonica and voice for anyone who would listen. (She’s fairly certain she wasn’t terribly good at that age, and is grateful to all the folks who sat through her early performances!)

By eleven, she was already playing for weddings. Her visions of early stardom were dashed; however, when her family moved and her first Trio was disbanded. She made a splendid recovery from this crushing blow, and continued on her musical journey. Leaving the guitar and harmonica behind, she continued singing and playing piano, learning everything she could hear or get her hands on.

After a year at Cornish Institute of Allied Arts in Seattle, Laura spent two years touring with dance bands and show bands, as well as freelancing as a soloist and side man. She returned to school (at WWU) majoring in Classical Piano Performance, all the while continuing her performing career. She was the 1983 “Miss Whatcom County” and a Talent Winner at the 1984 Miss Washington Pageant.

She married in 1984, and moved to California, where her first of two children were born. After performing with Chubby Checker, The Rockettes, and 87 other Pianists at the 1988 Super Bowl Half-Time Show, Laura set aside music for a time to raise her family.

In 1990 she began working with voice and piano students, and discovered her love of teaching paralleled her love of performing. In 2002, she expanded her studio and began teaching almost full time. Today she teaches 15 to 20 private students per week, and performs 10 to 15 times per month in the Portland and Northwest region.

Laura’s husband passed away in 2004, just as she was beginning to perform regularly again. Less than a year after she was offered the reigns of the Tuesday Night Jazz Jam at Bethany Village Grill. Since April of 2005, she and her Quartet have hosted the Jam, making fans out of local Music Lovers and Musicians alike. Beginning winter 2008 the Tuesday Night Jazz Jam moved to the Venetian Theatre and Bistro downtown Hillsboro ( www.venetiantheatre.com ). Unfortunately, the jam was not able to continue at the Venetian, if you have any great ideas for a new Jam venue please let Laura know!

Today, Laura has a full schedule of talented students and regular performances. She feels truly blessed to have the opportunity to perform and teach; Music is her passion.

Gear

Full Size Yamaha Keyboard, PA, Lights