Jennifer James: Jazz and Classical Piano

Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, The University of Akron

Master of Music in Piano Performance, The University of Akron

 Jennifer James is a pianist based in Akron, OH. She began studying piano at the age of four, exploring various styles of music before dedicating herself to jazz. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from The University of Akron in 2021, studying under Jack Schantz and Rock Wehrmann.

In 2023, she returned to The University of Akron to pursue further studies, earning a Master of Music in Piano Performance in 2024. During her graduate studies, she studied with Chris Coles and Theron Brown. 

Jennifer has performed with several ensembles, including the Sam Blakeslee Big Band, the Jazz Heritage Orchestra, and is currently a member of the Akron Big Band. She also performs regularly with her trio at private events. In addition to performing, she works as a hostess at Blu Jazz in Akron and previously led jazz jam sessions there in 2022.

As an educator, Jennifer is passionate about fostering her students' musical interests. Her teaching philosophy is:

"I aim to nurture each student's unique musical taste by using their favorite songs as a vehicle for exploring key musical concepts and ideas."

Beyond jazz, Jennifer enjoys indie rock and fusion genres. Some of her favorite artists include Mei Semones, Vince Guaraldi, and Laufey.