Roberta Piket

Roberta Piket is a highly talented jazz pianist, composer, and educator known for her inventive approach to music and her dynamic performances. Here are some key facts about her:

1. Early Musical Training: Roberta Piket was born into a musical family in Queens, New York. She began studying classical piano at a young age and later discovered her passion for jazz music. Piket's early exposure to a variety of musical genres, coupled with her formal training, laid the foundation for her versatile and eclectic style as a pianist and composer.

2. Jazz Education and Influences: Piket studied jazz piano at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where she had the opportunity to learn from esteemed jazz musicians such as Fred Hersch and George Russell. She draws inspiration from a wide range of jazz pianists, including Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, and McCoy Tyner, as well as non-pianists such as saxophonist John Coltrane. Piket's diverse musical influences are evident in her playing, which seamlessly blends elements of bebop, modal jazz, and contemporary improvisation.

3. Versatility as a Musician: Roberta Piket is known for her versatility as a musician, adeptly navigating various styles and settings within the jazz genre. She has performed and recorded as both a leader and a sideman in small ensembles, big bands, and vocal groups. Piket's ability to adapt her playing to different musical contexts while maintaining her distinctive voice as a pianist has earned her widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike.

4. Recording Career: Piket has released several albums as a leader, showcasing her original compositions and inventive arrangements of jazz standards. Her debut album, "Unbroken Line", was released in 1997 and featured her trio with bassist Harvie S and drummer Billy Mintz. Since then, Piket has continued to release critically acclaimed recordings, including "West Coast Trio" (2016) and "One for Marian" (2020), paying tribute to the legendary pianist Marian McPartland.

5. Jazz Education and Mentorship: In addition to her performance career, Roberta Piket is passionate about jazz education and mentorship. She has served on the faculty of various music schools and workshops, including the Stanford Jazz Workshop and the Litchfield Jazz Camp. Piket is committed to passing on the tradition of jazz music to the next generation of musicians, inspiring students with her knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm