A graduate of the University of Southern California’s prestigious Thornton School of Music, Gayle has a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Jazz Studies with minors in Music Education and Electro Acoustic Media. Equally musician and educator, Gayle's sound spans generations and includes a powerful combination of jazz, funk, soul, blues and hip-hop.

 

She received her Master’s of Music from the University of Southern California and an undergraduate degree in music from the University of LaVerne after studying at the Dick Grove School of Music. Gayle is a well-respected featured artist and educator. In addition to leading her own jazz duo, trio, and quartet, she has performed with the musical likes of Rosemary Bailey, Joanne Grauer, Joyce Collins, Dr. Reed Gratz, John B. Williams, Jennifer Leitham, Paul T. Smith, Stacy Rowles, Betty O’Hara and the Jazzbirds, Jack DeJohnette, Gilad Atzmon, Yarone Levy, Dion Neuble, Pamella Bowen, Seiler Piano Company, Hammond Organ Company, the world renowned Les Brown Orchestra, and The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra.

 

Gayle is a proud Hammond artist and plays frequently in the Southern California area. Her areas of musical interest include; jazz organ, jazz piano, the history of jazz and hip-hop, the art of improvisation and music therapy. She is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society and has received numerous awards from the National Association of Jazz Educators.

 

A Senior Adjunct Faculty at The University of La Verne, a veteran teacher of Music Appreciation and Piano Lab at Etiwanda High School and a non-profit STEM and Music program director, Gayle's musical influence is expansive and her students include Charlie Puth bassist and keyboardist, Danny Mills, Los Angeles based film composer, Kevin De Leon and Frank Ocean producer, Michael Uzowuru.

 

Gayle performs live with her band, On the Soul Level.

"As both a working musician and high school music teacher, Dr. Serdan brings an unselfish perspective to the funky jazz organ music she plays. Always with her students in mind, she includes the younger interpretations of today's music and embraces the possibilities that arise. "

                                                             - Pete Fallico, Doodlin' Lounge