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Suzanne Davis is an Associate Professor of Piano at Berklee College of Music, where she has been teaching since 1995. She is a renowned jazz pianist and composer, active in performance in Boston, New York City, and Paris. Her work spans performance, composition, and jazz education, with a strong focus on improvisation and ensemble interaction.
- Bachelor of Arts in French, Wellesley College (1976)
Her research and artistic interests center on jazz performance, improvisation techniques, jazz theory, comping, and film scoring. She emphasizes 'peripheral listening'—a method of ensemble awareness akin to conversational dynamics—and encourages students to explore diverse styles and develop personal expression through imitation and transcription. Her pedagogy bridges jazz harmony with broader musical applications.
The body of her creative works reflects deep engagement with jazz traditions and innovation. Her recordings and compositions span solo piano, trio, and quartet formats, often blending original works with reimagined standards. Themes of emotional expression, urban life, and narrative storytelling are prevalent. Her film scores demonstrate interdisciplinary artistry, particularly in animated and independent films.
- Print magazine’s 1999 Digital 6 Award for 'Transition Waltz'
- Hubert Weldon Lamb Prize for Musical Composition, Wellesley College
Davis mentors students through private lessons and ensemble coaching, emphasizing technical mastery and creative freedom. She has authored Jazz Piano Comping, contributing to jazz pedagogy literature. While specific grant details are not listed, her sustained artistic output and institutional affiliation suggest ongoing support for her creative and educational work.
She performs regularly with ensembles such as the Suzanne Davis Quartet and has collaborated with prominent jazz artists including Herb Pomeroy, George Garzone, and Grover Washington, Jr. Her presence in the Berklee Piano Department underscores her role in shaping contemporary jazz pianists.
