Pillich teaches courses in the music of the world and jazz.
Dr. Pillich's professional work includes roles as a consultant on musical style and culture to the film industry and as a sought-after session musician on the bass. A musician since the age of 5, he has recorded or performed with such artists as Chuck Berry, Nell Carter, Ry Cooder, Alice Cooper, Melissa Etheridge, John Hiatt, Al Jarreau, Eartha Kitt, and the Stylistics; played on Broadway and in national tours for Rent, The Wiz, Grease, The King and I, and other shows; performed on the soundtracks of more than a dozen movies, and served for six years as host of "The Global Village" on KPFK-FM. A member of the International Assn. for the Study of Popular Music and of AFM Local No. 47, he also has taught at Chapman University, Cal State San Bernardino, the University of La Verne, and UCLA.