Gary ‘Doc’ Collins, a multitalented professional; musician, singer, published songwriter, quietly celebrated teacher and gifted counselor with over 40 years of vast eclectic experience in music, the performing arts, committed “inner work” and life. With remarkable success, Doc has taught for 25 years in Northern California, gratefully serving Sonoma, Marin, Napa and Mendocino counties, as well as at Sonoma State University where he assisted his colleague and piano mentor Gary Marks, working collaboratively to spread the “good news” of Gary’s alternative piano method. To this day, the foundational components of Gary’s method are still essential parts of the evolving musical tapestry of Doc’s current teachings.
Doc has an essential love for teaching and the ability to gently, patiently and clearly guide his “noble guests”, while maintaining a focused conscious intention dedicated to help awaken, uplift and cultivate the unique potential in EVERY student, no matter what their life experience, musical background, or lack of it! (All LEVELS, age 12 & up, up and up).
A truly seasoned musician, Doc’s career spans: touring internationally, recording, video, film, radio, television and theatre, including receiving high praise for his leading role as (singer, actor and dancer) in San Francisco’s legendary Beach Blanket Babylon. As a solo performer and as lead singer, guitarist and a songwriter for the Collins & Levine Band, Doc has opened for, performed or been billed with many leading artists including: Van Morrison, Tom Waits, Etta James, Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, Aaron Neville, Neville Bros, Emmy Lou Harris, Maria Muldaur, David Grisman, Dire Straits, Jimmy Buffet, Dave Mason (of Traffic), Lindsey Buckingham (of Fleetwood Mac), Jessie Winchester, Jimmy Cliff, Mose Allison (jazz piano), Stephan Grapelli, Elvin Bishop and Huey Lewis to name a few. Doc also wrote, co-wrote, collaborated, produced and arranged for many other artists and working musicians over the years. He is a sought after collaborator and counselor.
Doc has also performed the National Anthem on opening day for the San Francisco Giants at historic Candlestick Park as well as for the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena in Oakland.
Doc holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, Music/ Communications/ Recording Engineering from Sonoma State University, and a B.S. in Psychology (counseling focus) from Hiram Scott College. Additionally, he completed courses in Music Law, Recording & Communication Technology, Sound & Video Production, Songwriting, Electronic Music Composition & Keyboards at the College of Recording Arts in San Francisco.
I’ve known Doc both personally and professionally for forty years. I know him well. He is a consummate songwriter, musician, singer and teacher; a professional who remembers himself.
– Morty Wiggins
President/CEO Second Octave Talent
Former V.P./ Partner Bill Graham Presents
Former GM A&M Records
Former President 33rd Street Records