About the album...
Though my career path now revolves more around my original music, I've also studied and performed classical piano for decades and have chosen to honor my musical roots by initially releasing a mostly classical album - an homage to those composers who lit my musical path. In addition to some of my favorite inspiring piano works by Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Brahms, Schumann, Debussy, and Rachmaninoff, "The Pathlighters and the Traveler" features two of my own compositions, "On the Path" and "In the Flow", a foreshadowing of future all-original CDs.

What people are saying...
"I wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying your CD. It is beautiful! I love the selections and the sound quality, but what I enjoy the most is the heartfelt connection to each piece that comes through even in my car stereo. Wow! Your original pieces are amazing and I was especially impressed with the Debussy." - Lisa Marsh, concert pianist, composer and professor at Portland State University

"I love the CD!! Thank you! So incredibly beautiful. ♥ I am listening as I do an art project; what a perfect soundscape for inspired creativity." - Bonnie Dillon, artist

Gary's bio...
After graduating from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s Preparatory Division, Gary Skye M.Mus. studied piano at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. He then earned a B.A. in psychology at Stanford University and a master's degree in piano performance at Portland State University, studying with Lisa Marsh. Equally comfortable with contemporary and classical genres, Gary has performed solo concerts in many parts of the U.S. and has collaborated with nationally and internationally touring artists including NY City Opera mezzo soprano Jennifer Rivera, Broadway singer Charles Holt, members of the Lion King's national touring cast, contemporary inspirational singers Karl Anthony, Charley Thweatt, Laura Berman, Gypsy Soul, Shantala, Jami Lula, Nadine Risha and Lauri Jones, and contemporary fingerstyle guitarist Michael Mandrell.

A prolific singer-songwriter and composer of solo piano music, Gary co-wrote two songs ("Love Will Provide" and "What Falls Away") on Lauri Jones' critically acclaimed 2015 album release, "Walk Your Life". Gary's debut solo piano album, a mix of classical and originals entitled "The Pathlighters and the Traveler", was released in 2011. Upcoming album releases of his many original inspirational songs and piano compositions are planned in the near future.

An active collaborative pianist, Gary is the accompanist for the Oregon Chamber Singers, the Portland Boychoir and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy's regional auditions. He works as a frequent freelance accompanist at Portland State University, George Fox University, Lewis and Clark College and University of Portland. He also enjoys accompanying middle and high school solo ensemble competitions and the NATS competition. Gary has previously held positions as a staff accompanist and vocal coach for the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Sonoma State University’s Dept. of Music, and the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan.

As a teacher, Gary feels honored to be able to help others unleash the music within them with greater physical ease and expressivity. He has been a piano class instructor at Portland State University and taught a "Wellness for Musicians" class on the adjunct faculty of Marylhurst University. Also adept at working with private piano students of all ages and levels, Gary meets each student where they are at on their musical path and incorporates diverse musical styles in his instruction (classical, jazz, and popular). He is a specialist in the areas of improvisation/composition, musician's wellness/injury prevention and Body Mapping.

Gary is the Wednesday Music Ministry Lead at New Thought Center for Spiritual Living in Lake Oswego, OR and has served both as a church music director and as a frequent guest singer-songwriter/pianist for numerous congregations across the country. He feels extremely grateful to be able to spread ripples of inner peace, love, and unity through his contemporary inspirational songs and solo piano music.

Additional Honors...
~ 2-Time National Champion of the Yamaha National Electone Keyboard Festival
~ Chosen as the pianist in the Northwest region to represent Shigeru Kawai in their Artist and Artisan concert series (2013)
~ Inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda, the national music honor society
~ Awarded full-tuition fellowship to study at Aspen Music School
~ Accompanied 4 Oregon NATS Competition winners (musical theater & classical) in 2014, 2015 and 2016
~ Accompanied 5 singers & instrumentalists who advanced to the state level of the Oregon Solo/Ensemble Competition (2016)
garymichaelskye.com

More album reviews...
"Gary's CD The Pathlighters and the Traveler is magical. I listen to it frequently when I need to relax and open my mind and heart to the unfolding of life. I even play it within my classrooms and it helps my young students become quiet and focused. Gary's music speaks to the soul and transports me to a place of peace and serenity!" - Jamie Voelker, teacher & photographer

"My mother had a long stay in acute care and recovery after a serious surgery. We enjoyed this CD very much during that hospital stay. The creativity and passion that comes through was a beautiful support to her healing process. With my whole heart THANK YOU, Gary!" - Laura Perkins, singer and author

"Sitting by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate... listening to Gary Michael Skye's new CD... feeling dreamy, inspired and warm." - Lauri Jones, professional singer-songwriter