Q&A with Bob Hallahan

Who he is: Renowned jazz pianist and adjunct music instructor in VCU’s jazz studies program, who has played solo at The Kennedy Center and alongside many jazz greats.

Profile: 53, Married, Native of Falls Church, Va.

Background: Attended East Carolina University, Majored in music education, studied piano under private teachers in Washington, D.C., before and after college.

Q: What inspired you to be a musician?

A: Every good musician I ever heard or played with.

Q: Who is the most famous pianist you played with?

A: Pianists don’t play with other pianists very often, but I did play one tune with bee-bop piano legend Barry Harris when he was at VCU as a guest artist/clinician.

Q: What is the highlight of your career thus far?

A: Hard to name one above the others – playing The Kennedy Center, playing with Joe Henderson, Pat Metheny, Sheila Jordan and many others.

Q: How is jazz piano different from classical piano?

A: Aside from them being different stylistically in their rhythmic and harmonic language over all, jazz involves the rhythmic element of “swing,” and features a lot of improvisation.

Q: What’s the most enjoyable crowd you’ve played for and why?

A: Some of the concerts I played in Russia would have to rank near the top because everyone was so eager to hear us, hung on every note, and gave us such heartfelt applause and appreciation.

Q: What inspires you to compose music?

A: It varies. Could be a mood, a thought, an idea for a title, an upcoming performance, or something that just pops up when I’m practicing.

Q: What is your advice for budding musicians?

A: Listen, listen, listen and listen. Practice and play with others, not just by yourself.

Bob Hallahan plays as part of VCU’s Jazz Piano Concert Series Sunday, Jan. 30, 6-7:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets call the VCU Music Box Office at (804) 828.6776.