John Oatis

Hi my name is John! I was brought up in church and began playing the piano at the age of three. Around 15 years old, I began to blossom as an independent composer, producing music for other artists. Within a year, I was offered my first position as a music director for a local church in Milpitas, CA.

Part of my duties was to teach, direct, and lead staff musicians in producing a cohesive musical blend, which resulted in creating an orchestral sound utilizing just a handful of lay musicians. This led to becoming a highly sought-after musician and director, playing at a variety of Bay Area venues over the next seven years.

One of my most unique skills is learning music entirely by ear—I don't rely on sheet music. This allows me to capture the authentic feel and nuance of any genre, adapting quickly to your vision and bringing a natural, organic quality to every performance.

In 2014, I was recruited by Stanford University to play for their annual Black History production "Higher Ground". A musical that journeyed through historical African American Negro Spirituals up and through modern Gospel music.

From 2010 until the present day, I have been the Music Director for Bible Way Christian Center located in San Jose, CA. In addition to my many responsibilities at Bible Way, I continue to share my musical talents at local concerts, weddings, and other venues, oftentimes collaborating with an array of Bay Area artists.