John was invited to participate as a composer in the inaugural class of New York University’s Musical Theater Masters Degree Program where he studied with Leonard Bernstein, Julie Styne, Arthur Laurents, Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Maestro Bernstein was particularly intrigued with John’s talent at improvisation and composition and a lifelong friendship ensued. John was artist in residence for the London Symphony Orchestra’s Leonard Bernstein Festival, performing at a gala for Queen Elizabeth II. 

As a performer, both solo piano and with orchestra, his extensive background includes appearances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, Tanglewood, Wigmore Hall in London, Philadelphia’s Academy of Music, Davies Hall in San Francisco The Hollywood Bowl and London’s Barbican Center. He has appeared with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Boston Pops, San Francisco Symphony, and New York Pops among others. John suffered a stroke in 2008 which left his right side paralyzed and through extensive physical thereby and hard work, John now plays with just his left hand and continues to perform at events throughout the country. 

A prolific recording artist, John’s numerous CD’s have been at the top of the Classical and Classical Crossover Charts since the mid-80’s and many are still available today. His best selling collections include, Bach on Abbey Road (one of the top ten best selling albums of the 1980’s), Bach Meets The Beatles, Romantica, The Puccini Album (Billboard Magazine’s #1 top selling album for 19 weeks), The Movie Album, Circle of Life, Christmas Rhapsody, and West Side Story Variations. Most are readily available through Amazon.com.