Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony.
Hi Anthony, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Denver, Colorado, and lived there until I was 13, when my family moved to a very small town in mid-Missouri. I graduated third in my high school class and went on to study music composition at the University of Missouri–Columbia, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in 2009.
After graduating, I worked as an office manager at a bankruptcy law office in Columbia for several years while slowly building up gigs as a piano accompanist. Eventually, with encouragement from my boss, I left office work to pursue music full-time.
Life as a working musician in small-town Missouri was incredibly rewarding. I took every gig I could find—starting with community theatre auditions, then rehearsals, shows, and eventually music directing and conducting. Over time, I built a resume of more than 30 musical theatre productions. I also played for children’s choirs, high school choirs, and community choirs. My first piano gig ever was actually at 15, accompanying my local community choir’s Christmas and Easter concerts—the same choir my grandmother sang in. From that point on, I’ve accompanied a choir every year of my life.
Like most musicians, I also taught private piano lessons from my home studio, often after school or on weekends. My sweet dog, Miss Hildegard—a Pug/Boston Terrier mix who’s now 15—would happily greet each student at the door.
Eventually, I wanted to challenge myself further and take my entrepreneurial mindset to a bigger city. In June 2018, I packed up everything and moved to Los Angeles—a city where I had no family and only a few acquaintances. It was a huge leap of faith, but one that paid off. Within months, I was teaching at several studios, playing for church services, and accompanying choirs across the city. I was driving all over—Norwalk to Manhattan Beach, Palmdale to Ontario, Venice to San Marino—and within two years, I felt like I had truly found my rhythm here.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Shortly after moving to Los Angeles, the pandemic hit, and like many in the arts, I lost nearly all my gigs. Once my contracts ended that summer, I had to move back home just to stay afloat. Instead of letting that stop me, I decided to make the most of the downtime by earning my master’s degree in music composition from my alma mater.
There have also been periods of deep personal struggle. I experienced two short bouts of homelessness—couch surfing, sleeping in my car, and relying on the kindness of friends and strangers. During those times, I kept working and maintained a sense of normalcy on the outside, which ultimately helped me rebuild stability in my life.
I’ve also struggled with addiction throughout my adult life. In 2023, I was arrested and charged with a felony for possession of methamphetamine. It was a turning point. That moment forced me to reflect deeply on who I was and where I wanted to go. Since then, I’ve been focused on sobriety and self-growth. Once I finish parole and clear my record, I plan to continue dedicating myself fully to music—creating meaningful, powerful work that reflects everything I’ve been through and learned.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in accompanying auditions, rehearsals, and performances for musical theatre productions. Over the years, I’ve gained extensive experience working on a wide range of shows, which has helped me land professional opportunities I’m really proud of.
My first professional theatre job was at the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre in Missouri. Even though it was in the middle of nowhere, the productions were top-notch, tightly run, and filled with incredible musicians who became like family each summer. I also worked as an accompanist for Stephens College, one of the country’s top musical theatre programs and an all-women’s school in Columbia, Missouri. Looking back, I realize what a privilege it was to be part of their faculty at such a young age—it truly helped shape me as a musician and educator.
After completing my master’s, I joined the faculty at AMDA (the American Musical and Dramatic Academy) in Los Angeles, another top-tier performing arts college with campuses in both LA and New York City. I’m proud of how far I’ve come—from small-town gigs to working at a nationally recognized conservatory—and I’m excited to continue growing as both a performer and educator.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I absolutely consider myself a risk-taker. One of the biggest risks I ever took was quitting all my steady work in Missouri and moving to Los Angeles without a safety net. I had no family here and only a few contacts—but I felt strongly that it was something I needed to do for my growth.
I believe risk-taking is essential for personal and artistic development. Of course, moderation and timing matter—but sometimes, taking that giant leap can completely change your life. Whether it’s moving across the country, starting a new career, or saying yes to an unexpected opportunity—take the chance. The worst that can happen is that you learn something valuable about yourself. My move to LA taught me resilience, confidence, and fearlessness—lessons that now influence every aspect of my life and career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.HernandezPlaysPiano.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HernandezPlaysPiano
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HernandezPlaysPiano
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/anthonyhernandez-3
