Cyrus Chestnut

Cyrus Chestnut is a Master Instructor of Jazz Piano and Improvisation in the Department of Music at Howard University's College of Fine Arts. A highly accomplished jazz pianist, Chestnut has established himself as one of the finest jazz pianists of his generation with a career spanning several decades.

Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Chestnut began his musical journey at age three under his father's tutelage, and by age nine was playing piano in church. He received formal training at the Peabody Institute's preparatory program before attending Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he earned a degree in jazz composition and arranging in 1985.

Chestnut's research interests and artistic focus include:

• Jazz piano performance and improvisation
• Gospel-jazz fusion
• Music composition and arranging
• Spiritual and classical influences in jazz
• Hard bop and post-bop traditions

Chestnut has released numerous critically acclaimed albums that showcase his versatility across jazz, gospel, classical, and R&B genres. His work often explores the connection between spiritual expression and jazz improvisation, creating a unique musical voice that has earned him recognition as a leading figure in contemporary jazz.

Among his notable honors are:

• Eubie Blake fellowship (1982)
• Oscar Peterson scholarship (1983)
• Quincy Jones scholarship (1984)

Chestnut has collaborated with legendary artists including Betty Carter, Wynton Marsalis, Terrence Blanchard, Donald Harrison, and many others. He continues to tour internationally with his trio while maintaining his academic position at Howard University, where he shares his deep knowledge and passion for jazz with the next generation of musicians.