Werner has been teaching the steps described in his book, Effortless Mastery, to individuals for many years and this is his third workshop at The Banff Centre. "The response has always been extremely positive, with students from all over the world praising Kenny as a visionary and a mentor. Because the program has such a limited enrollment, Kenny can really focus on each musician, and they leave the session with a whole new set of ideas, having been directly exposed to his philosophies and methods," says Isobel Rolston, artistic director of The Banff Centre’s Music and Sound department. "Kenny Werner practices what he preaches impressively," she adds.

Kenny Werner’s career as a pianist began at an early age. At eleven years old, he made his first TV appearances playing stride piano. Upon completion of his high school studies, he went on to earn a Concert Piano Major from the Manhattan School of Music. Being drawn to improvised music, Werner transferred to the Berkley School of Music where he studied jazz and began to find his creative direction.

Today, Werner is one of the most accomplished and in-demand pianists in the jazz world. His credits include performances with Bob Brookmeyer, John Abercrombie, Lee Konitz, Joe Henderson, John Scofield, Jack DeJohnette, Dave Holland, Charlie Haden and Joe Lovano, to name just a few. He has also made a name for himself as a composer and arranger of music for his own groups as well as for various other ensembles.

Tickets to Werner’s solo jazz piano performance (Saturday, August 17 at 8 PM at The Banff Centre’s Rolston Recital Hall) are $15 adults, $12 students and seniors, $8 for children and FREE for Arts Lovers Passholders. Contact The Banff Centre Box Office for more information at 762-6301 or toll free at 1-800-413-8368.