Wasserman's orchestral approach to his solo piano "Infusion Jazz" composition and improvisational genre fuses elements of spontaneity, technical nuance and subtlety, inner modal polyphony, vertical harmonic intimacy, rhythmic intricacy, and a full spectrum of eloquent dynamics. The development of this signature style and pianistic expression was lovingly guided by a 30 year relationship with his mentor, Jazz piano virtuoso Dwike Mitchell.
A MESSAGE FROM ANDY WASSERMAN - On The Source of Inspiration I Have To Share With Listeners: "As pianist and musical artist, I aspire to connect the totality of fingers, open heart, style, temperament, chord/scale unity, rhythmic solidarity and flowing, singing melodic lines. To be imbued with resonance from the core of my soul, infusing my touch on the instrument with poetry, wisdom, intuitive intelligence, love and imagination through vertical and horizontal wonderment."
He released a batch of new solo piano albums in 2020 performing his own signature solo piano contemporary compositions, with two of his recordings, "FLOWERS" and "THE SEVEN VERTICAL SCALES" receiving nominations for JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR by SoloPiano.com, alongside Alan Pasqua's "DAYDREAM." His 2021 album "PEREGRINATION" was nominated in the 'Jazz album of the year' by SoloPiano.com. Andy's recordings are currently available on his Bandcamp Pro page, SOLOPIANO.COM's website, and streaming with digital download sales on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, YouTube Music, Pandora, iHeart Radio and Deezer.
Throughout his career as a multi-instrumentalist, performer, composer, arranger, recording artist, producer and educator, Wasserman has had the privilege of being mentored by three of the finest musicians on the planet - Jazz Piano Master Dwike Mitchell (Mitchell-Ruff Duo), Innovator, Composer, Band Leader and Theoretician NEA Jazz Master Fellow George Russell (Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization: The LCCOTO) and Legendary Djembe Drummer Papa Ladji Camara (Les Ballets Africains De Keita Fodeba). In his youth he attended the High School of Music and Art (drums, orchestral percussion) and the Metropolitan Music School (piano and theory) in Manhattan and earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies (composition and theory) from New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Wasserman began working with legendary composer, band leader, theoretician and NEA Jazz Master George Russell at New England Conservatory of Music in 1979. After a few years of private study, Russell enlisted Andy to serve as his substitute instructor at the Conservatory for his classes in the Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization ( a/k/a "The Concept" or The LCC) when Russell was on international tours with his band, The Living Time Orchestra. Andy continues to act as an editorial assistant and seminar leader in George Russell's "Concept" and is one of only a few people authorized directly by Russell to teach 'The Concept' of tonal gravity in it's entirety. Andy has been the only certified Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization teacher in the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut area since 1982. Wasserman wrote the Foreword to the fouth and final edition 2001 of George Russell's Lydian Chromatic Concept - the art and science of tonal gravity.
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION WRITTEN BY GEORGE RUSSELL ON WASSERMAN'S COLLABORATION IN THE LYDIAN CHROMATIC CONCEPT
On March 1, 1995, George Russell wrote the following text regarding his endorsement of Andy Wasserman:
To whom it may concern,
I am pleased to recommend Andy Wasserman as a most extraordinary musician, educator, performer, innovator and thoroughly dedicated artist.
I have known Mr. Wasserman since 1978, when he was a student of mine at the New England Conservatory of Music. The level of his musical and intellectual ability was so high that he very soon began to work with me on editing and researching my second and third theoretical books, the further expansion of my first publication, “George Russell's Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization.” Mr. Wasserman brought new insights to the work as well as lending his very substantial abilities in organization and writing. He is still assisting me with this work, and displays a deep dedication to it, as to all things he does. At the Conservatory, he also took over my classes when I was on tour with my orchestra and assisted me in preparing and conducting seminars, both at the Conservatory and privately. He is one of very few people qualified to teach the Lydian Chromatic Concept in its entirety.
As an educator, his knowledge and experience belie his age. His work on CD-ROM on world music is encyclopedic in scope, while being enormously engaging and imaginative. His 16 years of conducting concerts, clinics, workshops, teacher-training seminars and master class residencies for Young Audiences have honed his craft, while his experiences as a solo pianist and composer/arranger have added dimension and encouraged continued artistic evolution.
Mr. Wasserman is unique in a time which does not encourage individuality. He is persistent in his insistence on quality and excellence. I feel that any Institution or enterprise would be wise to have him in its employ, and I ask that you give him your most serious consideration.
Most sincerely,
George Russell - Jazz faculty of New England Conservatory, MacArthur fellow , Guggenheim fellow , NEA American Jazz master. Signed and dated on March 1, 1995
In 2010, Andy began offering online private one-on-one lessons in the LCCOTO via videochat to students around the world. He worked under Mr. Russell's direction for 20 years as one of the editorial assistants on the 2001 fourth and final edition of "George Russell's Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization; Volume One - The Art and Science of Tonal Gravity" - currently available for purchase from Russell's estate (Concept Publishing). Additionally, Andy Wasserman was given the honor of writing the Foreword to this fourth and final edition of the book. Andy teaches the LCCOTO via video conferencing to students around the world who wish to further their pan-stylistic studies as improvisors, arrangers, composers, instrumentalist performers and music theory analysts. Wasserman's aim is to maintain the integrity, authenticity, language, culture and purity of George Russell's life's work by dedicating the transmission of its invaluable innovative contribution explicitly as Russell intended it to be shared - thereby respecting and honoring his monumental legacy for future generations.
"For serious and in-depth study of George Russell's Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization (LCCOTO), Andy Wasserman is widely recognized as one of the foremost top-tier teachers with deep insight into the theory’s development and significance. Here's why:
Direct Certification from Close Association: Andy Wasserman was designated by George Russell himself as a certified instructor of the Lydian Chromatic Concept in 1982 after 3 years of intensive private lessons. This means he has Russell's direct authorization to teach the "Concept" in its entirety making him one of only a handful of individuals worldwide with this distinction. He served as Russell’s editorial assistant from 1982 until Russell’s death in 2009, working closely with him on the advancement and dissemination of the Concept's fourth and final edition.
Long-standing Expertise and Teaching Experience: Wasserman has been continually active as a teacher of the LCCOTO for over four decades, offering highly customized, interactive online private lessons tailored to students from beginner to advanced levels, in-person seminars, and masterclasses to students worldwide, including professional musicians and educators. Wasserman emphasizes the practical application of the Lydian Chromatic Concept for improvisation and composition on all instruments and in all music genres. His teaching is highly praised for its clarity, depth, and ability to make complex conceptualizations accessible.
Mentorship: George Russell was Wasserman's mentor not only in the Lydian Chromatic Concept but also in musical composition, thereby shedding light on profound layers of meaning within the vertical and horizontal relationships that go beyond just the theoretical framework. Andy pays this wisdom forward to his students.
Student Testimonials: There are recent personal accounts from students like Norwegian pianist/composer Helge Lien, who have studied the LCCOTO in-depth with Andy Wasserman and speak highly of his guidance and expertise. Andy’s high-energy teaching style is praised for maintaining the authenticity and purity of George Russell’s life’s work, ensuring it is transmitted exactly as Russell intended.
In summary, Andy Wasserman’s direct lineage to George Russell, decades of teaching and performing experience, academic credentials, and inexhaustible commitment to preserving the totality of the Lydian Chromatic Concept make him uniquely and supremely qualified to teach this profound system of tonal organization. While many institutions and individuals may touch upon the Lydian Chromatic Concept, if you're looking for someone who has dedicated his life to sharing the beauty and truth of this epic masterwork, Andy Wasserman stands out as a highly recommended teacher."
Why study George Russell's "Lydian Chromatic Concept" with Andy Wasserman?
Certification by George Russell:
Andy Wasserman is a certified teacher of the Lydian Chromatic Concept who received his certification directly from George Russell. This distinction is rare and places him in an elite category of musicians who are fully trained and authorized by Russell himself to teach the system. Russell personally mentored and approved Wasserman’s understanding and teaching of the LCCOTO, ensuring that Wasserman had an in-depth grasp of both its theoretical and practical aspects.
Decades of Teaching Experience:
With over four decades of teaching the Lydian Chromatic Concept, Wasserman has helped countless students, from beginners to professionals, to understand and integrate the principles of this revolutionary system. His long history of teaching and performing provides him with deep insight into how musicians of all levels can benefit from applying the LCCOTO in their own musical journeys.
Active Performer and Practitioner:
In addition to being a teacher, Andy Wasserman is a highly respected jazz pianist and composer. His ability to combine both theoretical and practical knowledge makes him uniquely qualified to teach the Lydian Chromatic Concept. His experience as a working musician allows him to bring the system to life in real-world musical contexts, which is essential for teaching the concept in an accessible way.
Holistic Approach to Music Education:
Andy Wasserman’s approach to teaching the Lydian Chromatic Concept is holistic—he doesn’t just teach it as a theory or a technical system, but emphasizes how it can be applied to enhance a musician’s creativity, emotional expression, and overall musicality. His teaching goes beyond the theory of harmony and tonality, incorporating aspects like phrasing, rhythm, and musical storytelling, which are essential for a deeper understanding of music.
Global Influence and Legacy:
Through his workshops, masterclasses, and private lessons, Wasserman has influenced musicians worldwide. His efforts to preserve and expand on George Russell's work have contributed significantly to the legacy of the Lydian Chromatic Concept, ensuring that the system is understood, respected, and accessible to new generations of musicians.
Wasserman has developed a structured curriculum that breaks down the complexities of the LCCOTO into manageable lessons, making it easier for students to grasp the framework of ideas. His teaching emphasizes time-tested practical exercises that allow students to apply the theory in real musical contexts applicable to any genre and any level, enhancing improvisational and compositional skills. Students often report significant improvements in their craftsmanship and overall musicianship after studying with Wasserman because his supportive teaching style helps build confidence, encouraging students to explore their own creativity and express themselves as artists with a high degree of musicality.
Andy Wasserman's unparalleled qualifications, decades of experience, and dedication to George Russell's legacy make him one of the most authoritative and effective teachers of the Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization. If you are serious about exploring this revolutionary framework and its potential to transform your musical understanding, lessons with Andy Wasserman would be an excellent choice.
His 30 year long deep relationship with his piano mentor, virtuoso pianist Dwike Mitchell (Mitchell-Ruff Duo) paved the way for Andy's extensive work as musical director and accompanist for Jazz Tap Dance Festivals, and influential Jazz tap dancers that include The Copasetics (Cookie Cook, Honi Coles, Bubba Gaines, Buster Brown, Ernest "Brownie" Brown and Gip Gibson), Savion Glover, Jimmy Slyde, Dianne Walker, Jane Goldberg, Jason Samuels, Sam Weber, Fayard Nicolas, Brenda Buffalino, Katherine Kramer, Robert Reed and Nicole Hockenberry.
In addition to working with dancers, Andy Wasserman has played in a myriad of New York City clubs as soloist and accompanist. He was contracted through the American Federation of Musicians Local 802 for a continuous nine-year engagement as the resident solo jazz pianist every Friday & Saturday night and Sunday Brunch at the Ambassador Room of the United Nations Plaza Hotel in New York City from 1987-1996. Andy's mentoring with Papa Ladji Camara (Guinea, West Africa) - master drummer of the original "Les Ballet Africain de Keita Fodeba" - lasted from 1998 - 2004. This work was a culmination of Wasserman's ethnomusicological studies that began in the early 1960's when Andy was a young boy starting his collection of musical instruments from Africa.
He went on to incorporate world music into many artistic projects from the early 1970's to the present. His work in West African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Native American, Latin, South American and Afro-Cuban stylistic genres inspired his creation of participatory multi-cultural productions that have been presented in performance, master class, artist-in-residence and workshop venues at over 2,000 festivals, schools, colleges and universities, museums and various public and private institutions since 1979. He currently tours regularly, spreading his message of global unity and healing through music with his original solo presentations "Making Music From Around the World", "Instruments: Ancient to Future," "Music: The Voice of Unity," "Beat of the Blue Planet," and "Voyage to BongoLand" utilizing the 140 traditional acoustic ethnic wind, string and percussion instruments alongside a studio filled with electronic instrumentation from his personal collection.
Wasserman's original compositions, arrangements, piano and multi-instrumental performances on many recordings and soundtracks for TV, Radio and Film productions have appeared on the NBC, CBS and ABC networks, as well as Cable TV stations that include A & E, The Lifetime Network, History Channel, Travel Channel, TBS, Nickelodeon, Turner Network, Learning Channel and internationally - in countries that include Japan, Argentina, Canada, Hong Kong, Italy, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Ireland, Australia, Brazil and France. Andy Wasserman has recorded many albums of his original compositions, arrangements and instrumental performances. His discography, beginning with recordings from 1995::
KINDRED SPIRITS
UNIVERSAL BEAT
BEAD SONGS
TONAL GRAVITY POEMS
HOUSE OF THE HEART
ANDY WASSERMAN PLAYS THE BLUES volume one
ANDY WASSERMAN PLAYS THE BLUES volume two
THE SEVEN VERTICAL SCALES
CONCORD
LUMINOSITY
WALK IN BALANCE
SONIC ARCHITECTURE
PATHWAYS
CHILDHOOD
FLOWERS
PROVIDENCE
POLESTAR
INSIDE TRACK
LOVE-STREAM
PEREGRINATION
TELEIDOSCOPE
TREE
EXUBERANCE
His newest solo piano album, entitled "EXUBERANCE" was released on the TransMedia Sound and Music label on September 23, 2021 in honor of John Coltrane's birthdate, with liner notes written by John Pietaro. Additionally, his unique and sophisticated thematic solo piano work has been produced on special edition TV/Film Music Library CDs as composer, arranger and instrumentalist, distributed around the world by both the Pyramid Music Library (SOLO PIANO, Vol. 1) and the TWI North American Library (SOLO PIANO, Vol. 2) through licensing deals with BRG Music Works.
Wasserman's publishing company Andrew Roy Music has a current catalog of 35 of his original compositions that have been recorded and released for worldwide distribution. BMI maintains a catalog of 73 published works with Wasserman as songwriter & composer. Wasserman entered into the digital recording downloads and streaming market beginning in June 2007. His 2020 licensing distribution partner list through TuneCore and Repost includes Google Play, YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Alibaba, Amazon Music, AMI Entertainment, Anghami, Boomplay, Deezer, Facebook, Instagram, iHeartRadio, Claro Música, KKBox, Melon Plus, Napster, NetEase, Pandora Plus, Resso, Saavn, Shazam, Sound Exchange, Tencent,Tidal, TikTok, Twitch, VK, Yandex, MediaNet, Simfy Africa,VerveLife, Gracenote, 7digital, Spinlet, Neurotic Media, Target Music, Claromusica, Zvooq, 8Tracks, Q.sic, Kuack, PlayNetwork, Touchtunes, Music Island, Joox, TimMusic, SoundTrack Your Brand, Zed+, Gaana.
Wasserman is the founder and president of TransMedia Sound & Music, a production company that facilitates his wide range of production activities, creating original in-house music, video and podcast content for live streaming, arts-in-education and website development. Corporate clients since 1987 have included AT&T, IBM, Panasonic, Mastercard, Sanofi-Winthrop Pharmaceuticals, Atlantic Mutual Insurance, Prentice-Hall, The Mayo Clinic, Castrol Motor Oil, Altered Image, Time-Life Music, Digital Cable Radio, New York Communications and Prime Productions. Andy has been creating digital media since the late 1980's and was a co-creator and co-producer of 'Beat of the Blue Planet' a 1995 ground-breaking interactive world music CD-ROM produced for Opcode Interactive. Additionally, TransMedia Sound & Music - his own independent record label founded in 2007 - functions as a charitable organization through the production and distribution of world music recordings, raising money for underfunded programs that assist indigenous peoples from around the world.
HOLISTIC MUSIC HEALING: Andy Wasserman has been exploring and utilizing many therapeutic and healing modalities of music since 1974. He was recognized for his work in this field by the American Association of Artists-Therapists based on the sound and music healing workshops he conducted in private and public institutions serving a wide spectrum of special needs audiences. He was also enrolled in the Music Therapy Department of Graduate Studies at New York University in 1984.
Beginning in June of 2020, Andy began presenting Contemporary, Pantonic/Protonic, Poly-Modal. Free-Form Contrapuntal Infusion Jazz Live Stream Solo Piano Concerts of all original music entitled "The Listening Experience" on his 1924 Steinway Grand Piano (visit AndyWasserman.com, The Andy Wasserman YouTube Channel and Wasserman's ROKU Channels to view present and past livestream videos) as well as providing private one-on-one piano and music theory lessons online via videochat - which he has been doing in his specially designed state-of-the-art audio/video production studio since 2010 - with highly interactive, customized and personalized programs of study via video chat in real-time for students around the world (all ages and all levels).
Master the Lydian Chromatic Concept with One of the World's Only Certified Instructors
"Andy Wasserman is widely regarded as a consummate instructor of George Russell's Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization (LCCOTO) for several compelling reasons:
* Direct Certification and Protégé Relationship: Andy Wasserman was directly certified by George Russell himself to teach the LCCOTO in its entirety. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Composition as a protégé of Mr. Russell in 1982. This direct lineage and mentorship are crucial, as they indicate a deep, authentic understanding of Russell's work, as intended by the creator. He even served as a substitute instructor for Russell's classes at the New England Conservatory when Russell was on tour.
* Decades of Experience, Dedication and Preservation: Wasserman has been continuously active as a teacher of "The Concept" since 1982. This extensive experience, spanning over four decades, has allowed him to refine his teaching methods and gain a profound insight into the nuances of the LCCOTO. He is described as dedicated to maintaining the integrity, authenticity, and purity of Russell's life's work.
* Comprehensive Understanding and Application: Wasserman's background as a multi-instrumentalist, performer, composer, arranger, recording artist, and educator demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of music in various contexts. He applies the LCCOTO in his own musical artistry, including his compositions and improvisations, showcasing a practical mastery of the theory.
* Global Reach through Online Instruction: Since 2010, Wasserman has been offering online private one-on-one lessons in the LCCOTO via video chat to students worldwide. This accessibility allows a broader range of students to benefit from his expertise, and recent accounts from students highlight his ability to communicate complex ideas with energy and clarity, fostering deep connections with the material and the philosophy behind it.
* Philosophical and Holistic Approach: Wasserman's teaching goes beyond just the technical aspects of the LCCOTO. He brings to light the philosophical, psychological, and metaphysical ideas embedded within Russell's work, which aim to cultivate artistic evolution and innovation. This holistic approach helps students not just learn the theory, but truly understand its deeper implications for music and life.
* A "Teacher of Teachers": His expertise is sought out by other professional musicians who aim to master The Concept. For example, Norwegian jazz pianist Helge Lien, in his blog dedicated to the LCC, details his multi-year, in-depth study with Wasserman. Lien describes Wasserman as "expertly leading me through the intricacies of the book and every facet of The Concept" and says "my study with Andy Wasserman has been the slowest, deepest, and most rewarding learning process of my life." This demonstrates that Wasserman is not just teaching The Concept, but is a key figure in ensuring its authentic lineage continues.
Why You Should Consider Lessons with Andy Wasserman
Given his background, here are the compelling reasons to study the Lydian Chromatic Concept with Andy Wasserman:
Proven Authenticity and Integrity: You would be learning from someone who received the knowledge directly from the source. The LCC is often superficially viewed as being dense and complex, resulting in an overlooked and misunderstood theoretical work. Studying with Wasserman eliminates the risk of learning a diluted or misinterpreted version of Russell's ideas. You get the "what" and, crucially, the "why" behind every principle.
Deep Insight Beyond the Page: Because he worked as an editorial assistant for 20 years on the fourth and final edition of the LCC itself, Wasserman can provide context and clarification that you simply cannot get from reading the text alone. He can explain the evolution of certain ideas and illuminate passages that can be dense or confusing for the self-learner.
Practical Application: As a prolific performing and recording artist in numerous genres, Wasserman can bridge the gap between the LCC's advanced theory and its practical application in improvisation, composition, and analysis. He can help you integrate the ideas and structure into your own playing and musical thinking, regardless of your primary instrument, level of expertise or style.
A Structured, Mentored Approach: The LCC is not a "quick fix" or a simple set of scales; it's a fundamental rethinking of tonal gravity in music. A mentor like Wasserman, who has guided students through it for decades, can provide a structured path through the material, ensuring you build a solid foundation before moving on to more advanced concepts.
Students often report that Andy opens The Concept to your ears and instrument immediately—so you internalize the connection to tonal gravity, well beyond the external technical side. Due to his very practical teaching style, meaningful benefits show up quickly in terms of improvisation (clear melodic targets, motivic development, outside/inside control), composition (harmonic palette expansion, modal interchange with intent, polychordal colors), arranging (controlling "psychomodal" tension arcs), and richer voicings with vibrant bass lines, all being fully applicable to all music genres.
Gain useful and meaningful tools to transcend your understanding of scales/chords into a unified theory of tonal organization.
Dwike Mitchell, the world renowned master of piano, served as a significant mentor to Andy Wasserman over the course of a 30-year relationship that was both deeply influential and personally meaningful. Their connection began after Wasserman's formative years of piano and theory study, and it evolved into what he describes as a "life-changing mentorship" — a relationship explicitly referenced by Mitchell in the "New York" chapter of the book "Mitchell and Ruff" by William Zinsser.
Mitchell's mentorship guided the development of Wasserman's distinctive pianistic style, which is characterized by spontaneity, expressive nuance, harmonic intimacy, and rhythmic intricacy. Wasserman credits much of his signature approach to jazz piano — including his fusion of compositional structure and improvisational depth — to Mitchell's tutelage and inspiration. This orchestral and highly personal style has been showcased in Wasserman’s prolific output and ongoing weekly solo piano livestreams, where he acknowledges Mitchell’s profound impact on his artistry in descriptions and dedications on his YouTube channel @andywassermanmusic.
For example, Wasserman has openly expressed his gratitude and devotion to Mitchell, as seen in originals like “Devotion,” "Genuine Article," "A Chord Dance (accordance)," "Scarlet Swan," and "Consensus" which are specifically dedicated to his mentor, and “Blues 4 Dwike,” composed, performed and recorded in Dwike Mitchell’s honor for his birthday. The longevity and depth of their mentor-protégé relationship is further underscored by Wasserman’s frequent public references to Mitchell as the guiding force behind the evolution of his music and teaching philosophy.
The relationship between Dwike Mitchell and Andy Wasserman is best characterized as a long-term, transformative mentorship, with Mitchell serving as a master teacher deeply shaping Wasserman’s personal voice, technical approach, and artistic outlook as a professional pianist and musical artist.
Awards
Certified teacher of George Russell's Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization ( LCCOTO )
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