New York | RIVENMASTER ARCHIVES 2009-2016

“Whatever happens with my life is all in God’s hands…Im just enjoying the ride He is taking me on!”Â Â Christopher McGinnis

Christopher McGinnis first came to my attentionÂ back in 2011 when I stumbled across a YouTube video of him when he was just 8 years old playing a Red Garland rendition of “Bye Bye Blackbird”. At just 8 years old, Christopher was an accomplished pianist playing mostly Jazz, Latin and Classical piano. (A sophisticated pianist to say the least!)

In his formidable years, his father taught Christopher and started him on the piano at 5 years old. He was classically trained at 7 yrs old by the Master pianist David Tong from the Julliard School in New York City. As time passed, Christopher grew musically at a rapid pace, studying with the great Jazz pianist Eldar Djangirov and Zacai Curtis. Â

He has played Madison Square Garden 3 times, entertained for Senators, and performed for the United States Army with a song he wrote for Veterans called “The War Song An American Hero.” He was the youngest pianist to play once a week at the Jazz Standard in NYC with the Youth Orchestra at 11 yrs old and has played at many NYC comedy clubs opening up for headliner comedians.

Christopher McGinnis live concert selfy — Christopher McGinnis captures the moment at SOLD OUT live concert.

Christopher is truly a gifted musician. He is one of a kind.

Today at 16 years old, Christopher McGinnis is a busy young teen to say the least. His newest accomplishment is his alliance with the Catholic Archdiocese of NY. He is one of the youngest church organist and singers hired at age 15 and currently works for three different churches.

Continue reading “Christopher McGinnis the NEW PIANO MAN”

Soon to be 14-year-old Sawyer Christopher Fredericks was born March 31, 1999, on a blue moon. He lived in Connecticut, first in Newtown, then in Roxbury, with his mother, father and two older brothers until 2007, when they moved to upstate NY and bought a small family farm.

Like many young talented musicians, Sawyer was singing before he could even speak, basically singing with perfect pitch. While his words I’m told were nonsensical (baby scat), there was no doubt that he had already found his vocal gift. Not only was his singing notable, but Sawyer was quick to pick up melodies that he heard and also began to create his own melodies.

While no one in his immediate family has ever pursued a career in music, there is certainly a great love for listening to and creating music.

Sawyer’s grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all show signs of being musically inclined or talented. Sawyer’s own unique talents have blossomed in an encouraging and rich musical environment. As he got a little older, he became self-conscious of his singing and would only sing in front of people in his immediate family, but no matter where he was or what he was doing; there was always a song in his heart and on his lips.

It wasn’t until he was 11 years old that he decided he might be ready to sing in front of others and joined a local summer children’s choir. The director of the choir was local accomplished singer-songwriter Katy Cole who is also an elementary school music teacher. In addition to being enrolled in Katy’s choir, Sawyer began taking vocal lessons from her. Katy believes Sawyer is a musical prodigy of sorts, and the singing seems to come naturally. The only problem was Sawyer’s stage fright and shyness – he would sing so quietly; it was almost a whisper. To get him to relax, Katy allowed him to sing down the hall where he couldn’t be seen. After quite a while, Sawyer developed enough courage to show what he could do. Surprising everyone, Sawyer chose to perform a short solo during the choir recital.

Continue reading “Sawyer Fredericks from Stage Fright to Spot Light a Young Artists Journey”