Andy LaVerne

Andy LaVerne is a distinguished Professor of Jazz Piano at the Hartt School, University of Hartford, and serves as a Visiting Affiliate Artist at Purchase College Conservatory of Music. With a career spanning decades, LaVerne has established himself as a premier jazz pianist, composer, and educator whose work bridges performance excellence and pedagogical innovation.

LaVerne's research interests focus on jazz piano technique, harmonic exploration, and composition. His work demonstrates a deep understanding of the jazz tradition while pushing boundaries through innovative arrangements and original compositions. He has developed specialized approaches to chord substitution, improvisation techniques, and the integration of technology in music education, particularly through his work with the Yamaha Disklavier system.

His extensive discography reveals a consistent exploration of harmonic complexity, conversational interplay between instruments, and the evolution of musical ideas from simplicity to complexity. LaVerne's work often examines the relationship between piano and other instruments in small ensemble settings, particularly guitar-piano duos that continue the legacy of Bill Evans and Jim Hall.

• Recipient of five Jazz Fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts
• Winner of the 2000 John Lennon Songwriting contest for his tune 'Shania'
• Author of influential educational materials including 'Handbook of Chord Substitutions' and 'Tons of Runs'
• Frequent contributor to Keyboard Magazine since 1986

As an educator, LaVerne has mentored countless students through his university positions, private lessons (offered in multiple formats), and participation in the Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the integration of technical proficiency, theoretical understanding, and creative expression, with a particular focus on developing individual artistic voices within the jazz tradition.