Born in Memphis, Tennesse, Paul Hailes, has been a proactive member with JAZZEDGE for three years.
Music has always been a part of Paul’s life, beginning with the guitar at 11 years old. This transitioned into jazz guitar around 14 years old. In 1971 his professional jazz guitar career began with his high school Jazz band. The band was invited to compete in the first high school Montreaux Jazz Festival, located in Switzerland. In total 12 bands participated, leaving this new competition pretty intense, in the end Paul’s band came in second place.
In college Paul continued his professional music career while also continuing his education. During that time he played with people like: James Williams, Donald Brown, and Mulgrew Miller.
Unfortunately music did not follow Paul after college, he entered the work force and let music fall to the wayside.
Then his son went off to college and Paul began playing piano with a private instructor, who was great but not focusing on the material he truly wanted to learn. After some online research Paul found Willie’s radio shows on iTunes, leading him to PianoWithWillie.com.
Now a Gold Member with JAZZEDGE’s piano lessons program Paul raves about how he is finally able to get into all the styles and techniques his creative music personality dreamed of.
How pleasing to read on this story of Mr. Paul Hailes and to know that I am not alone when I feel that Willie Myette has the best material out there for learning to perfect your musical skills as an instrumentalist, singer, performer >> period. Case Closed! Albeit, some colleges have special projects one can only learn as a jazz student by being there in person, but focus on each style, technique, genre and just a clear cut path to learning is 2nd to none with Willie. I havn’t even become a full fledge member yet and I have learned so so much. Way to go Paul……you are in good hands.!