Special Guest, Anita Houser

It's time to Discover, Learn, and Play Jazz Piano!Anita G. Houser was born and raised in Georgetown, South Carolina. At age seven, Anita’s singing ability was recognized and nurtured by her church’s Minister of Music, who often featured her as a soloist. Anita quickly discovered that she had a gift and passion for music. She started piano lessons at age eight, and taught her first piano student at age 15. She earned 1st chair clarinet in her high school band. In chorus she competed with students throughout the state, earning placement in the South Carolina All-State Chorus and Honors Chorus, and was featured as a soloist. Anita also performed as piano accompanist for her high school chorus. She was also hired to sing and play piano for various events throughout the community. In 1989, Anita graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Music, Magna Cum Laude, with concentration in Classical Piano Performance. While in college, she traveled on tour with the glee club. The Spelman College Jazz Ensemble, with Anita as keyboardist, opened for the late great jazz pianist, Geri Allen, at the Capitol City Jazz Fest in Washington, DC.Post college, Anita shifted from the pursuit of music to enjoy world travel. This desire was realized as a Delta Airlines flight attendant for four years. Marriage, family, and entrepreneurship as a work at home mother, became her next chapter.Anita rekindled her love of music through taking and teaching private piano lessons. She was an integral part of the music ministry at Unity of Columbia, South Carolina, where jazz was often performed. Anita moved to Augusta, Georgia, and became Music Director of Unity of Augusta. She also established a private studio, teaching piano and voice. Anita sang and played keyboard in a local R & B band, performed jazz and R&B at private events, and provided piano accompaniment for school soloists and choruses.In addition to her roles as wife, mother, musician, and teacher, Anita was the family caregiver during her mother’s four-year Alzheimer’s journey.As both a desire to further develop her singing, and have an outlet from the demands of her daily life, Anita applied and was awarded a scholarship to train with Richard Fink IV, founder of Throga (throat-yoga), a patented vocal training technique for speakers and singers of all genres. Anita became Throga’s first certified instructor. The inner tug of Anita’s love of jazz piano inspired her to take formal lessons with Donald Macey in Augusta, Georgia. During the pandemic, Anita stumbled on the jazzpianoskills.com website. Dr. Bob’s training, resources, and support continue to be a guiding light in Anita’s jazz piano development. She was invited to play keyboard for Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra, and piano for the Palmetto Chamber Orchestra. Anita recently sang her original song, “God Dwells Within You” with the Columbia County Orchestra. The music was arranged, for orchestra, by David Ezell, Artistic Director. David is a longtime mentor and friend to Anita.Anita teaches piano and voice remotely. Her current project is JAM, Jazz Awakening Mind, a monthly spiritual gathering led by musicians, featuring jazz music.Support the show