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Suzzette Ortiz

Pianist, composer, arranger, singer & teacher

About Me

Suzzette Ortiz, hailing from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, is a gifted pianist, singer, arranger and composer. She is versatile in many musical styles and holds a Bachelors degree in Piano Performance from the Music Conservatory of Puerto Rico as well as a Masters degree in Music Education from Temple University (Philadelphia, PA). She also studied Choral Conducting at Julliard School of Music (New York, NY) and at the University Of The Arts (Philadelphia, Pa). Suzzette has studied vocal improvisation with singer Bobby McFerrin and Rhiannon Watson.

Suzzette has also studied with great piano master teachers including: Jimmy Amadei, (pianist for Mel Torme); Cesar “Pupi” Pedroso, (former pianist of renown Cuban ensemble; Los Van – Van); Orlando Fiol from Philadelphia and acclaimed Jazz pianist Sumi Tonooka. She is also a Member of the International Women in Jazz Society, BMI, South Jersey Steinway Society and the ACDA (American Choral Directors Association).

Suzzette has traveled vastly both national and internationally not only as a piano performer but as a choral conductor. She is considered one of the premier female piano players in the tri state area. As a pianist, she continues to perform with many musicians throughout the area of New Jersey, Philadelphia, and New York. She has opened for the likes of the late Tito Puente, Compay Segundo (Buena Vista Social Club), Eddie Palmieri, Charlie Palmieri, Brenda K Starr, Hilton Ruiz, Lalo Rodriguez, Tito Nieves among others.

Suzzette has also recorded with many local areas and many of her compositions have been recorded by local and International ensembles. Two years ago, she recorded with Orquesta La Paz from Philadelphia. Their album, “Déjà Vu” was nominated for 4 Latin Grammys.

Suzzette is currently the Choral Director for the Award Winning Concert Choir from the Creative Arts Morgan Village Academy in Camden, New Jersey. Her work as a teacher has been recognized multiple times receiving all kinds of awards including Teacher of the Year in four occasions. One of them was “Wal-Mart’s State Teacher of the Year”.

Suzzette has just released her first all original Latin Jazz CD entitled “Renacer”,(Re-birth). Her music not only portrays Latin Jazz but world music as well; a reflection of people she met and places that she has visited.

She is currently writing her First Book of Memoirs which documents her long years of teaching music from the perspective of a Performer Turned Teacher. The book is to serve as a guide for new teachers wanting to teach in urban schools.

In the summer 2011, Suzzette joined a panel of outstanding teachers at the Oberlin Conservatory, as part of a conference entitled “Music in America”. She has also participated Rowan University’s Summer Programs to share her experiences as a teacher with aspiring teachers wanting to teach in urban schools.

Ms. Suzzette Ortiz Biography has been published in “Who’s Who Among America”, “Who’s Who Among Women” and “Who’s Who among Teachers”.

Overcoming many social and cultural obstacles to share her message of hope and love though music, Suzzette Ortiz is truly making a difference!

My Jazz Story

Music has been in my life since I remember. I was motivated to study classical music from my mother; and Jazz and Latin Jazz from my father. I love jazz because of the spontaneous creation I was first exposed to jazz by my father I met Tito Puente, Oscar Hernandez, Chucho Valdez, Compay Segundo, Bobby McFerrin One of the best show I ever attended was in Puerto Rico where I went to see Chick Corea and his electric band. The first jazz record I bought was Bill Evans My advice to new listeners is to always listen to the legends as well as the new artists.