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Assel Jean-Pierre Jr

Haitian-American pianist, composer, producer, and educator Assel Jean-Pierre Jr. creates music where jazz improvisation, classical virtuosity, gospel, Haitian and Caribbean traditions, and contemporary influences meet. A graduate of the University of Central Florida, he holds a bachelor’s degree in classical piano and a master’s degree in jazz and composition, a dual foundation that shapes an approach to the piano that is both technically demanding and deeply rooted in improvisation, rhythm, and audience connection.

Jean-Pierre’s musical influences range from Oscar Peterson and Art Tatum to Michel Camilo, Mario Canonge, Cory Henry, and the broader Caribbean piano tradition. Rather than treating those influences as separate musical worlds, his work increasingly explores what happens when they become part of one language.

As a performer, Jean-Pierre has appeared at Carnegie Hall, SOB’s in New York City, Judson’s Live at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Heidi’s Jazz Club, and venues throughout Florida and beyond. His performances are designed as complete musical experiences, moving freely between original compositions, jazz standards, Caribbean music, classical repertoire, gospel, and contemporary song.

His original composition “CANONGE” reflects this evolving musical identity particularly clearly. Inspired in part by Martinican pianist Mario Canonge and the rhythmic virtuosity of Michel Camilo, the composition places Caribbean rhythmic language alongside jazz improvisation and virtuosic piano playing.

Jean-Pierre continues to develop and release original music while expanding his live performance work nationally and internationally, with the goal of creating a musical language in which the different parts of his background do not have to exist separately—they all belong in the same room.

Gear

Montage 88 Key

Nord C2D

Nord Piano 5

Yamaha 88 Key GB1

... and more

Tags

Primary Instrument

Piano

Location

Orlando

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

Assel Jean-Pierre Jr. is a pianist, composer, and educator with nearly three decades of experience at the piano. He holds a bachelor’s degree in classical piano and a master’s degree in jazz and composition from the University of Central Florida.

His teaching draws from both classical and jazz traditions, with emphasis on technique, improvisation, harmony, musicianship, repertoire, and developing an individual musical voice. Lessons are available for beginning through advanced students, including experienced pianists seeking to strengthen their jazz improvisation, classical technique, or overall command of the instrument.