Rising Stars: Meet Wayne Bethanis of Downtown, Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wayne Bethanis.

Hi Wayne, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
At the age of 18 I was “airlifted” out of a small town in Maine on a piano scholarship to study at a prestigious conservatory in Southern California. Growing up I had been bullied on a daily basis, so it was a drastic culture shock to show up in Los Angeles and suddenly be recognized as an emerging talent with many friends and a famous teacher. There were other obstacles to overcome, but the path was set for my journey. I began winning competitions for piano and studying composition with William Kraft, a world-renown composer. I went straight through to earn a PhD in Music in my twenties. After my education, I had a great time as the “Beverly Hills” piano teacher, driving mansion to mansion and teaching music to just about everyone there! At one point I was approached to do a reality show called “The Beverly Hills Piano Teacher” but the parents of most of the kids understandably didn’t want that kind of exposure (I would have done it!)

Then… the story took a turn….

I was invited by an “agent” to begin my performance career as a concert pianist and personality. To make the story short: this person stole all my money, my car and many of my possessions. I crash-landed back in Maine with myself in tact, but swirling from the experience.. IRONICALLY I never really lost my awareness of myself and my True North.

Then …. the story gets better ….

Within two weeks of fleeing to Maine I got a call from a local Public TV affiliate to do a half-hour concert/TV special. (I’ll never forget wearing my father’s dress shoes because mine had been stolen by “the agent”). I wrote, produced and starred in my own show where I played piano and told the audience how to express their own creativity through art. The show was a big hit locally and spread. Very soon after that, a casting director contacted me for an audition and I started doing countless acting/modeling jobs, working with many prominent productions. I used the money I earned to rent a grand piano and began composing.

Back to LA….

I came back to LA in the mid 2000’s to pick up the thread of my former life. I was immediately hired at a conservatory and began teaching again — very fun — for two or three years. I also did several TV commercials/acting gigs here in LA, and once again a local station asked me to do a talk/variety show. I embarked on a deeper spiritual journey that took me to yoga classes and inner work in Santa Monica etc. I followed the path and walked through the doors that opened.

When my mother passed a few years ago, I wrote a song for her and released it with an album of other compositions. The album debuted in iTunes new instrumental releases in the Top Ten with no promotion whatsoever. Somewhat stunned, I immediately penned another album, which had similar success. My recording career evolved into an international, multi-award winning career.

Today I produce and host two radio shows for Europe’s #1 New Age station, and my show The Piano Garden is consistently #1 on the global mixcloud charts.

My goal is to show as many people as possible how to unlock their creativity. Creativity is the new abundance!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth ride to SAY THE LEAST: as I stated earlier, I was bullied non-stop in High School, which may explain my prodigious evolution as a musician, since that took place at home. My home-life had several challenges as well, including a conflicted parent.

As if by magic, my musical talent moved me forward through life. Once I settled into college, I was very recognized. The challenge there was to acclimate to an environment that supported me, rather than abuse/sabotage me. I think many talented people go through this process.

The me-too movement did not exist when I was coming up, however I was compromised repeatedly by two professors.

As stated earlier, I had a MASSIVE upheaval when a person consigned to by my agent promised all kinds of support to advance my career, but ultimately lied and stole everything from me, as well as assaulted me on many levels. People told me this was “Show biz” 101……but I had to recover my trust to move forward, and that was very challenging. Financially I endured some very “creative” moments as well…. I am qualified to tell anyone wishing to pursue a career in the arts what to look for and what are red flags.

Plenty more struggles, but those are the highlights!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Today I am a highly established recording artist, radio/TV personality and teacher. I am considered a luminary in the New Age/ Contemporary genre of music, and my radio shows are very highly rated on the global Mixcloud charts. I teach piano/voice to many famous and infamous people as well!

I’m proud of the fact that I have a keen focus on unlocking/supporting creativity in others. I have a gift for recognizing people’s potentials and assisting them to reach their artistic goals, both in a one-to-one level, a global level, and through example of my own career. I also have a PhD in Music which allows me to navigate a very broad spectrum of layers in the creative arts.

But I’m most proud of the fact that I overcame many challenges to become a fulfilled artist, and that I can make other people’s lives better because of it. I’m also very grateful for the spiritual awareness that allows me to keep remembering more of who I am.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Great question! I’m continuously scrolling through videos on consciousness and conscious awareness. When there’s time I’ll sit on the couch and watch one after the other!

Lately I’ve been obsessed with reruns of the Mary Tyler Moore Show — I love all things Seventies, and I love the music and scene of that show and that decade!

(shhhhhhhhhh) I also play Block Blast on my phone and have reached an expert level!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.waynebethanis.com
• Instagram: Wayne_Bethanis
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wayne.bethanis
• Youtube: PIanoceleb

Image Credits
photographer Chris Mortenson (gives permission)