Hank's History
Hank Milligan (b. 1966), from Chicago, began piano lessons at age 6 and continued through college. Since the early 80s, Hank continues to be a passionate professional pianist.
At 16, Hank attended summer courses at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. At New Trier High School, he was Illinois All-State Jazz Pianist two consecutive years. He has a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies from DePaul University, where he studied classical piano with master teacher, Melody Lord, of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and jazz piano with renowned teacher and author, Alan Swain.
In Chicago from 1984 - 1992, Hank worked piano jobs at banquet halls, blues bars, casinos, country clubs, downtown department stores, festivals, hotel lobbies, jazz clubs, private homes, and restaurants. He held steady solo gigs at the Hilton Orrington/Evanston, Lincolnshire Marriot Resort, Chicago Yacht Club, Dupage County Club, Nordstrom, Cite Elegant Dining at the 70th floor of Lake Point Towers, and afternoon and evening daily cruises from Navy Pier aboard the Spirit of Chicago.
At sea from 1993 - 2001, as bandmaster for Princess Cruises, Hank directed the show band on cruise ships, including the original "Love Boat" of the hit television series. He conducted a 7-piece orchestra though broadway-type shows with a click track and accompanied many top entertainers.
Hank then moved to western Connecticut to where his parents had retired. His dad, Frank was a jazz drummer in the style of Buddy Rich. Together, as a father/son jazz duo, "Frank & Hank" performed concerts at the Merryall Center for the Arts in New Milford, CT four consecutive years (2001-2004) to enthusiastic audiences. Hank developed a solo piano act with singing and comedy performing each year (2005 - 2017) at the Merryall Center and at the Richter Association for the Arts in Danbury, CT. At J.D Tucker's Restaurant in Washington CT, he played twice weekly year-round (2006 - 2010) and then (2010 - 2020) at Casablanca, later named Alexander’s, and now named Agora Restaurant in Brookfield, CT. Most recently, weekends year-round (2013 - 2022) at Bernard’s Restaurant in Ridgefield, CT. Currently every Sunday at Rosy Tomorrow’s in Danbury, CT.
In 2004, Hank completed a Teacher Certification Degree in Secondary Education - Mathematics at Western Connecicut State University. He then taught Algebra and Geometry at Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury, CT (2004 - 2006) and directed two musicals, Jesus Christ Superstar and Jeckyll and Hyde. As general music teacher at Saint Joseph School in Brookfield, CT (2006 - 2010), he directed their annual Christmas pageants. At WCSU (2004 - 2022) each summer with the Upward Bound Trio program, he taught math and music to college-bound minority students.
Hank teaches music lessons at Hank Milligan Music in Sherman, CT, and at ABC Music School in Litchfield, CT, plays live piano music for private parties, restaurants, and weddings, and entertains at assisted living residences and senior centers.
Hank plays year-round, Sundays noon - 3pm, at Rosy Tomorrow's in Danbury, CT (203-743-5845),
Download Hank's CDs here or buy them wherever he plays or teaches.