Presenter Reviews
Wisconsin Lutheran College, Oct 2019
“One of the best presenting experiences I have had in 13 years. You are a cut above the rest because you are not only a talented artist and great musician, you understand the importance of crafting a show in a way that makes it a rich and full experience for the audience. I have never met an artist like you who is so invested in their craft but also willing to step outside of themselves and see their performance from the perspective of their audience…Your visit and performance will undoubtedly stand out as a highlight in my career.” - L. Boyd, General Manager, Fine Arts Programming & Operations
Mifflin-Juniata Concert Association (Pennsylvania), Oct 2019
”What an engaging night of entertainment featuring Jason Lyle Black. A showcase of amazing talent on piano and adds a flair of comedy like no other performer we've had on our stage. He has a wonderful interaction with the audience. As Vice President of the Mifflin Juniata Concert Association I can speak for our audience and say....WOW! Please return to our stage” - C. Ferencz, Mifflin-Juniata Concert Association
Livingston Community Concert Association (Texas), Feb 2020
“I want you to know that this was absolutely the best performance here in all my years as a patron. You played all of my favorite music by all of my favorite composers. Now in our town this style of music is usually not well received; but you had this audience captivated! I am an 84 year old former music teacher and it was a night I will never forget. You made me cry as well as laugh.” - Karen P, Livingston TX concert patron
Victor Valley Community Concert Association (California), Mar 2020
“This was a fantastic concert! I’ve been here for 40 years, and this got more applause from the audience, and enthusiastic applause, than any group that I’ve ever seen before at our concert association. Thank you!!”
“That was the best night of the season. We want to have Jason back every year! We loved it!” - Donors at the Victorville concert
Paris Center of Fine Arts (Illinois), Oct 2019
Jason Lyle Black is an outstanding performer, an audience magnet with hilarity, and an all-around personable musician! Our community recognized and appreciated the multi-faceted styles of music that he performed. Many mentioned they were in awe of his mastery in taking random audience-requested notes and genres and producing a clever, memorable tune in just moments! From Rachmaninoff to ragtime to Disney to improv; he was spectacular! We made a great choice in bringing him to our beautiful venue.” - K. Chittick, Fine Arts Manager
Habitat for Humanity, Middle Tennessee, Nov 2019
“As we continue to reflect on the success of our recent “Houses of Hope Gala”, we remember the highlights…videos, awards, and a silent themed auction. But what stands out is the memorable performance from Jason Lyle Black. We were honored to have Jason perform at our fall fundraiser—the largest in its seven-year history. Jason captivated the audience with his skills on the piano and his humorous songs, engaging the audience not only during the show, but also through personal conversations and photos after the event. We were also grateful to Jason for coming to volunteer at the Habitat build site. I can easily recommend Jason Lyle Black and hope to see him perform again.” - T. Treadway, Director, Wilson Habitat for Humanity
Longhorn Village Retirement Community (Texas), Nov 2019
“I have heard nothing but raves about Jason! “That was the best show!” “He is amazing!” “My family played all those pieces, and I was almost in tears hearing them again.” People are still talking about the “Best show EVER” that you put on.” - K. Brustman, Longhorn Village Retirement Community (Austin, Texas)
Wenatchee Community Concert Association (Washington), Oct 2019
“We had so many positive comments…that was a show stopper…he was so friendly and personable…the video about his grand parents was so touching…appreciated hearing full concert pieces along with the comedy…loved the video screen showing his hands on the keys! Thank you for adding such a fun evening to our season.” - Cheryl B., Wenatchee Community Concert Association
Goddard Center for the Performing Arts (Oklahoma), Nov 2019
“Jason was great. The audience was very receptive. The backing tracks were very effective, and the video of his grandparents was very touching. There was one of Jason’s compositions - with a violin soundtrack - so moving, evoking a joyous feeling of love. Beautiful. With so much commercial music going on all the time, it’s good to hear something original, almost “classical” sounding from the Romantic period of music history.” - Ken B., Goddard Center for the Performing Arts
Josephine County Community Concert Association (Oregon), Jan 2020
“Jason’s performance was very warmly received. We had many positive comments about this charming young man and his performance, including “such a wonderful performance,” “please bring him back again,” and “this concert alone was worth the price of the entire season’s membership.” High praise, indeed!” - Laura B., Josephine County Community Concert Association
Sun City Lincoln Hills (California), Jan 2020
“The show went very well. Two standing ovations! He was great to work with, very professional, as well as talented! Thanks again for the recommendation. Everyone had a great time!” - Deborah M., Sun City Lincoln Hills (Active Living Senior community)
Carthage College (Wisconsin) Oct 2019
“Thank you for everything! An amazing outreach and performance!!!” - T. Conway, Director of Arts Events & Audience Engagement
Hutchinson Community Concert Association
“Jason Lyle Black provided our members with a wonderful evening of entertainment. He is a talented pianist and wonderful entertainer. He engaged our audience from his first song through to the encore. It comes across that he loves what he does and that truly connects him with the audience. We look forward to seeing Jason back on our stage.” - J. Brown, Hutchinson, Kansas
Southeast Colorado Concert Association
“Jason was amazing! Being able to see his hands on the screen made his show even better. We were amazed with his talent - especially when he composed a song on the fly using 4 notes and 4 music themes suggested by the audience. He’s truly BRILLIANT and always welcome back in Lamar, CO!” - N.B., Lamar, Colorado
Fremont Midland Entertainment Series
“Jason received two standing ovations. We had many comments from our patrons…“Best concert ever at Fremont Midland Entertainment Series.” “Great concert.” Patrons said a number of times, “You need to have him back.” Jason had great rapport with the audience. We would be interested in having him back.” - L. Bohling, North Bend, Nebraska
Huron Area Concert Association
“We enjoyed Jason’s performance tremendously. Creating a whole song from four notes given him by the audience was a crowd favorite! And as one Board member put it, "You could tell the audience loved it by the way the applause went on for so long."
One lady brought her grandchildren aged 4 and 6. She was prepared to have them ready to leave by the intermission, but they loved it so much they stayed to the end. They (and the adults in attendance) were thrilled and awed by his ability to play the piano laying on his back without looking!
We heard so many people come out of the performance saying in one way or another, how much they loved it! One patron came up to me and said he nearly did not come because a single performer was not as good a show. But he went on to say that Jason was phenomenal and he left wondering how we could afford such world class talent.” - Susan H., Huron, South Dakota
And many, many more…
“Our residents are still talking about the “BEST SHOW EVER!”” - Karen B., Longhorn Village (Austin Texas, Nov 2019)
“I have lived here in this community for 17 years, and this is the best show we have EVER had.” - Margaret N., retirement community resident, Lincoln, CA (Jan 2020)
“I really appreciated it. That was not a show, that was an experience. I felt like you were sharing you. You were sharing with us, instead of just being a technician. Truly a great performance.” – Patron in Artesia, NM (Feb 2020)
“I was a band director, and my wife’s been on this concert association board for about 20 years, so I’ve been coming to the concerts, and this is the most enjoyable concert, the best one I’ve liked.” - Attendee in Livingston, TX (Feb 2020)
“Just to let you know that Jason’s show was a huge success! Then, to top it off, his outreach at Hartsfield Village was equally successful. They all want him back. What a delight to work with, thanks so much.” - Rosanna, Munster, IN (Feb 2020)
“A phenomenal show, very talented and engaging. The audience ranged from families with young children to senior members of the community, and they were all delighted. We were thrilled to have such a fun, meaningful, and musically powerful night for our community.” K. Pace, Sandy Amphitheater (2016)
"Beautiful music, hilarious comedy, and fun audience interaction. Kept the audience enthralled all night. The crowd absolutely loved him and gave him two standing ovations!” - K. Pratt, City of Raymond, Alberta (2016)
“Every one LOVED it. Great variety of music and Jason is quite the entertainer. Thanks for a wonderful evening!” - Becky S., Mason County Concert Association (Feb 2020)
“Black’s arrangement of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” for choir and orchestra is stunning.” - S. Poulsen, West Valley Symphony / Choral Arts Society (Dec 2018)
“He was a huge hit!! Not only is Jason extremely talented and entertaining, he is the consummate professional in a very positive way. From the time he set up he engaged with our guests and then remained after to sign CD’s and further converse. His method of performing incorporates sheer musical genius with a performer’s approach. He can be serious when required, funny most of the time, and literally amazing when he plays the piano from unheard of positions. We highly recommend Jason as an entertainer who can deliver a performance that is worthy of his hire and will be a favorite with any group for whom he performs!” K. Cullmore, CEO, Dynatronics Corporation (Dec 2018)
“Black will amaze you with his upside down and backwards playing, entertain you with his musical stories, and touch your heart with his music. He clearly has the ability to both inspire and entertain from the stage.” - Ryan S., Heber Valley Chamber (Nov 2017)
“His show was very unique, combining music, comedy, and audience interaction for an unforgettable evening. The audience eagerly gave him a standing ovation following his 90-minute performance and demanded an encore on the spot!” - Jennifer E., Wisconsin Credit Union League (May 2017)
“A phenomenal show…we loved it. My favorite aspect is how he commanded the audience onstage, weaving in his incredible music ability with humor to create a highly entertaining flow for the program.” - Jeff R., Corporate Alliance, Park City, Utah (June 2016)
“Best I’ve ever heard. Had us laughing, crying. So many of our people said that was the best event we’ve ever had. I would heartily recommend him to perform at any events. You’ll love him.” - D. Mantyla, Partner, BDO LLP (Dec 2016)
“Black doesn’t just play the piano, he tunes into the audience and humor and harmonies blend beautifully! It was a wonderful night, and we talked about it for weeks after.” - Ted E., Cache Valley Bank (Dec 2015)
And of course…countless more testimonials that aren’t listed here (we didn’t want you to have to scroll forever!)
Coaching Testimonials
Ben (Adult learner, lawyer): “I’m frankly amazed at my progress in just a few weeks. What felt totally impossible to me when we first started doing improv - where i could hardly do the different rhythms - now feels accessible…I can think about what notes I want to play in the right hand, while playing rhythm with my left. It’s crazy!”
Ryan (Adult learner, entrepreneur): “I’m SO glad that you are my coach. With the problems I have had in my hands, I can’t imagine trying to learn piano without the relaxed techniques you have taught me. And I consider you so much more than just a teacher, you are a friend and someone who has just encouraged me in my life, not just in piano. You are awesome!!”
Trisha (parent of two teenage coaching clients): “Thank you for a being a gift to my family. Bolstering love and appreciation of music back into their lives has been amazing. I’m so glad that our paths crossed. My life is better for it.”
Aimee (Adult client): “When I was in grad school, someone tried to explain these chord progressions to me, but it was just too complicated. Now with how you’ve explained it so simply, music theory makes sense! I’m so excited to use it!! Thank you!”
Monica (Parent of teenage client): “My son is LOVING your sessions. He practices on his own and has a completely diff attitude now about piano. I am so thankful!”