Hi, my name is Howard F. Arner, Jr. and this is my blog/web presence for my musical endeavors. I am a keyboard player and vocalist and am also on the board of directors of the Musicians Association of Jacksonville, #444. I play out a lot and do recording session work, use the number at the top of my website if you want to contact me about a gig or hiring one of the bands I am associated with.
On this site, you will find my music, information about the various bands I play in and my blog which is mostly about songs that I am working on or producing. I also have lots of information about my cats and my aneurysm.
I have been playing piano since I was about 5 years old and I got interested in synthesizers around 7th grade. I mowed lawns and got a job cataloging tapes at a local computer room and saved my money to purchase my first synthesizer, a Yamaha CS-10 I think it was. I traded that in for an ARP Odyssee, I had an EML-101, a Yamha SK-20 and a host of other fun synthesizers during my high school years.
I was accepted into Jacksonville University and there I was able to work on their custom Moog system that was designed by Bob Moog himself. Unfortunately, I did not matriculate from JU; I found I liked making money more than I liked attending college. I spent the next 36 years playing music with various bands and had a successful career as a programmer and later started my own software business which I still run today.
For the last 20 years I mainly have worked in my studio to produce classical music and electronica. I also produce backing tracks and lighting automation to use in various bands that I have been in or created. My classical music is not “normal”. As an early teen I fell in love with the works of Isao Tomita. I do all my classical recordings as reimagined pieces in the style of Isao Tomita or Wendy Carlos. I use a variety of vintage gear, modern gear, programs and VST instruments and effects to achieve my albums. Check out the menus above to hear some of my stuff.
In addition to bands, session work, working in my studio and programming, I am also running a jam session in coordination with the local musician’s union! We call it “The Real Jam” as we only do songs published in the Real Book as that is the bible of classic American music. The first session was on November 6th, 2024 at the union hall on Shumacher Ave. Each month we do a session, currently on the 1st Sunday of the month starting with a meet and great at 4:00 with a downbeat at 4:30. This link will get you to the page about the Real Jam, the list of songs, keys that we will do them in, and a host of other information about the jam. It is free and open to the public! You do not have to be a union member to participate! hope to hear you there!
Finally, lastly, hopefully not least-ly I am still performing with local musicians. I get calls all the time to sit in on jazz sessions, fill in in classic rock bands or do recording in the studio. My contact information is above, please feel free to email, call me or text me about any project you are working on, maybe I can help!
P.S. Check out my Satie with friend’s project, maybe you want to be one of the friends that participates?