In this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell welcomes legendary pianist, composer, and producer Dan Siegel. With over 23 solo albums and a career that extends into film, TV, and education, Dan offers a rare glimpse into the life of a seasoned musician and educator. 

Starting piano lessons at the age of eight, Dan reflects on his musical upbringing, sharing heartfelt stories of his early days playing in rock bands and the wisdom he gained from a fabulous teacher. He emphasizes the lasting value of learning music with a mentor versus online videos, and even shares a lighthearted story about a girl with red hair who played a part in his piano journey.

Dan dives deep into the world of music production, touching on how his students—many of whom are hip-hop producers—can benefit from stepping outside their comfort zones to explore genres they don’t typically enjoy. He discusses the high-pressure environment of working in television and film, the importance of time management, and the personal challenges he faced when he started in the industry.

Also an educator, Dan teaches music production, intellectual property, and music business classes, offering his students valuable lessons that go beyond the music itself. He emphasizes that storytelling is at the heart of what connects people with music.

As a working musician, Dan’s latest song “Unity” highlights his passion for collaboration and the evolving nature of mixing and mastering music in the digital age. Tune in to hear Dan’s incredible insights, upcoming West Coast shows, and how he continues to innovate in the world of jazz and beyond.