John Proulx is a singer, pianist, composer, and educator. In addition to touring with his own trio, John has performed with the likes of Anita O'Day, Natalie Cole, and Melissa Manchester. His four albums have garnered national and international acclaim.

As a composer. John has written songs for many notable vocalists. Jazz legend, Nancy Wilson, recorded "These Golden Years", a song that John co-wrote with lyricist D. Channsin Berry, for her Grammy-winning CD, “Turned to Blue”. Most recently, John co-wrote a song called “Stained Glass” with Melissa Manchester for his new album, “Say It”. John and Melissa also co-wrote a song called “Big Light” for her 20th studio album, “You Gotta Love The Life”, featuring a duet with Melissa and Al Jarreau. Jazz singer, Mary Stallings, recorded "Stuck in a Dream" (2005, “Remember Love”), and “Before You Know It” (2010, “Dream”), two songs John co-wrote with lyricist K. Lawrence Dunham. Deana Martin also recorded “Stuck in a Dream” on her latest album, “Destination Moon”.

John began his formal musical education at the age of three in Grand Rapids, MI on Suzuki violin, but quickly switched to classical piano lessons. His late grandfather, Clyde Proulx, was a jazz guitarist who introduced him to the world of jazz. Hooked on the freedom of improvisation, his education took him to Chicago to study at Roosevelt University’s Chicago School of Performing Arts where he received his Bachelors of Music in 1999. In 2001, John moved to Los Angeles to further his musical pursuits. He emerged as a young talent on the Los Angeles jazz scene and loved the wide-range of opportunities the city had to offer. John also spent four months in 2009 at the prestigious Feinstein’s at the Loews Regency hotel in New York City playing a nightly solo piano/vocal engagement.  Since then, John has appeared on Michael Feinstein’s radio show on NPR, “Song Travels” as well as on Marian McPartland’s radio show, “Piano Jazz”. John recently received his Master’s degree in jazz vocal performance from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and now serves as adjunct faculty at Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State Long Beach. He is also gives online jazz voice and piano lessons at jazzvoice.com.

About John Proulx

Education

Bachelor of Music - Roosevelt University
Master in Jazz Vocal Performance - Western Michigan University


Favorite piano styles
  • Swing
  • Jazz Ballads
  • Contemporary
John Proulx's Latest Courses

This course will help you master Angels We Have Heard on High at the beginner level. We'll learn the right hand melody, left hand shells, and a few easy tricks to spice it up for a final arrangement.

Using the popular jazz standard “Heart and Soul" by Hoagy Carmichael and Frank Loesser, we will explore various accompanying techniques so you’ll sound like a pro!

The most comprehensive course on the smooth jazz style for more advanced students. Learn essential chords, grooves, soloing techniques, and more!

The most comprehensive course on the smooth jazz style. Learn essential chords, grooves, soloing techniques, and more!

View All of John Proulx's Courses

John Proulx's Quick Tips (Instructor)

Discover essential jazz piano skills for transforming the lead sheet for "Blue Monk" into a complete, solo jazz piano arrangement.

Discover 10 of the most recognizable and most requested jazz piano ballads. Explore jazz ballad techniques specific to your playing level.

Discover pro tips for transforming the lead sheet to Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies" into an impressive solo jazz piano arrangement.

Invited to play a song for an event? Chances are, you'll be tapped to improvise some background piano music too. Best to be prepared.

View All of John Proulx's Quick Tips (Instructor)

John Proulx's Smartsheets

This course will help you master Angels We Have Heard on High at the beginner level. We'll learn the right hand melody, left hand shells, and a few easy tricks to spice it up for a final arrangement.

Discover essential jazz piano skills for transforming the lead sheet for "Blue Monk" into a complete, solo jazz piano arrangement.

Using the popular jazz standard “Heart and Soul" by Hoagy Carmichael and Frank Loesser, we will explore various accompanying techniques so you’ll sound like a pro!

The most comprehensive course on the smooth jazz style for more advanced students. Learn essential chords, grooves, soloing techniques, and more!

View All of John Proulx's Smartsheets

John Proulx's Latest Shows
Live Workshop (December 2024)

Using the well-known Christmas song, "Deck the Halls", we will explore various techniques and approaches to playing this fun tune so that you'll be a hit this holiday season!

Live Workshop (November 2024)

Using the well-known Christmas song, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel", we will explore various techniques and approaches to playing this wonderful tune so that you'll be a hit this holiday season!

Office Hours (October 1)

Office Hours are an opportunity to get interactive feedback from a professional piano coach!

Student Recital (September 2024)

Recitals are an opportunity for students to showcase a performance in front of a live audience!

Learn from John Proulx

Get access to all of Jonny May's courses, lessons, quick tips and more with a PWJ membership!


Guided Learning Tracks

View guided learning tracks for all music styles and skill levels

Progress Tracking

Complete lessons and courses as you track your learning progress

Downloadable Resources

Download Sheet Music and Backing Tracks

Community Forums

Engage with other PWJ members in our member-only community forums

Become a better piano player today. Try us out completely free for 14 days!

Get Started