Patrick Morehead

Pianist, Guitarist, Composer/Arranger, Instructor

Born and raised in the heart of Noe Valley in San Francisco, Patrick Morehead grew up with a powerful love of the arts encouraged and cultivated by his parents. At 14, Patrick entered San Francsico’s famed School of the Arts (SOTA) where he studied acting and theater. While Patrick enjoyed theatrics, music continued to call him and soon became his primary passion. During his 4 years at SOTA, Patrick used his stage and musical talents to perform at local venues with a number of rock bands. This experience exposed him to the challenges of the profession and the fine points of the music business at a very early age.

Patrick has recorded with a wide spectrum of musicians ranging from the soulful, jazz vocalist Gail Dobson to multi-Grammy recording artist Karl Perazzo (Carlos Santana band) to folk artist Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star). He performed with top artists such as Sheila E, Steve Turre, Jerry Gonzalez, Louis Romero, Orestes Vilato, Bobby Allende, Johnny Rivera, Poncho Sanchez, Giovanni Hidalgo, John Santos, Bobi Cespedes and Benny Velarde (Cal Tjader). Patrick was part of the Foreverland Michael Jackson Tribute, Generation Esmerelda and currently a member of the group Mustache Harbor, Benny Velarde y Su Super Combo, The Josh Jones Ensemble, and Mazacote. Patrick is the founder of the Latin-jazz band, Mas Cabeza, which features Smith Dobson, Jr., Steve Herrara, Julio Perez, Carlos Caro, Dave Flores and Karl Perazzo. He has led the group for nearly a decade. Mas Cabeza showcases Patrick’s original compositions and arrangements.

A patient and creative musical instructor, Patrick has taught students of all ages – from 5 to 95. “It is never too early or late to appreciate the joy of playing music,” he says, and is devoted to enabling others to have the ability to do this. He understands that learning music is a very individual process and is adept at tailoring the lesson to fit with the needs and learning aptitudes of his student.

Patrick is well-versed in traditional repertoire and specializes in contemporary forms of popular and Latin music with his more accomplished students. He has worked as a piano and guitar teacher at the New Mozart School in Palo Alto, CA (since 2007). He also gives master classes on vocalist and accompanist techniques alongside Gail Dobson at the Jazz School in Berkeley, CA.