Tyler Acosta

I aim to provide unique keyboard covers that suit the venue I'm playing at. I play most of my covers using just a piano sound, but there are a couple songs for which I mix in some additional sounds and beats. I enjoy matching songs that have congruent chord structures and performing them live in a medley or mashup style. I like to blend similar-sounding works from different genres to create a surprising and dynamic performance.

If you don't have any specific song/genres to request, I'll read the mood of the event and adjust my setlist to best complement the energy of the venue, always making sure that the volume stays at a comfortable level. If I'm playing at a restaurant or café, you'll probably hear a lot of pop covers played in an easy-listening style. If it's more of a low-fi venue, I might play some of indie hits and downtempo stuff. If I'm playing at a festival or sporting event, I'll probably play some 80's synthpop and rock ballads, as well as some high-energy modern day pop and alternative classics. If you'd like me to play for a private event such as a wedding or birthday party, we can communicate and develop a personalized setlist, and I can learn any songs you want me to if you give me enough notice.

I grew up in Springfield, Missouri, as the oldest of seven siblings in a big, Catholic, homeschooling family. I started learning piano when I was six, but it wasn’t until I figured out how to learn songs by ear that I began to really enjoy it. I started performing at restaurants and events while I was in high school to save money for college.

In 2016, I left home to study Computer Science at Truman State University. I spent most of my free time practicing, performing, and recording music. I was the Director of Praise and Worship at our campus’s Catholic Newman Center, as well as the Production Manager for 88.7 KTRM. I formed the indie geek rock band Khan Queso with my friends, and we played over forty shows. I recorded and produced our debut album “Khan You Hear Us Now?”, and planned a festival and a tour to promote it. I also produced and released a solo single, “5W4H”, in November 2019.

I graduated in 2020, and then God brought me to Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in Saint Louis, to see about becoming a Catholic priest. In addition to prayer and studying philosophy, I picked up electric guitar, organized open mic nights, and played in rock and jazz groups with my seminarian brothers. After a very fruitful eight months, I discerned that He was calling me elsewhere. With great peace, I left the seminary in March 2021, worked a summer job as a youth missionary, and then moved to Mary Esther, Florida in August 2021 to start my current job as Music Director for Saint Peter Catholic Church. Outside of my job, I’m playing with the 80s MTV cover band Arcade Sounds in Panama City Beach, and looking to book solo gigs as my schedule allows.

My main setup:
Yamaha DGX-640 Portable Grand with "X" stand and seat - main instrument
Shure PGA48 Dynamic Vocal Microphone and stand - if vocals are desired
Powerwerks 40-Watt PA - battery-powered keyboard and vocal amplifier with Bluetooth (if filler music is needed)
25ft Power Reel - has four additional outlets
Small table - for business cards and tip jar, if space allows

Additional hardware and software:
Hohner 37-Key Melodica
Yamaha reface DX Synthesizer
Yamaha S03 Synthesizer
teenage engineering PO-16 Factory Sequencer
Fender Acoustic Guitar
Epiphone Les Paul Special Electric Guitar and BOSS Katana 50 MKII Amplifier
Focusrite 2i2 Recording Interface (3rd Gen)
Sterling ST151 Condenser Microphone
Zoom H1 Portable Recorder
Ableton Live 9 Suite
Mainstage 3
KORG Gadget for Mac