Jon Dryden

Orbit | Updated: September 26, 2026

Biography
Articles

Born: November 10, 1968

Jon Dryden is a pianist/keyboardist/composer currently residing in Northern California. He graduated from the Berklee College of Music and moved to Brooklyn, NY, where he spent nineteen years as a professional musician. He performed or recorded with Norah Jones, David Byrne. Regina Carter, Lenny White, Natalie Merchant, Paula Cole, Michal Urbaniak, Charlie Louvin, Gaby Moreno, Madeline Peyroux, Sara Ramirez, and many others. Dryden appeared on The Chappelle Show and contributed music to film and television. He has released three piano trio albums, all recorded in New York: Some of My Lies Are True (2026), Trio (2022), and Memento Mori (2020). Trio and Some of My Lies Are True were produced by Grammy- winning singer-songwriter Jesse Harris. Dryden is currently an adjunct professor and lecturer of Jazz Studies at San Jose State University and Santa Clara University. Dryden is also the author of two books: Reading Lead Sheets and The Pro Keyboardist’s Handbook, both published by Alfred Music. He performs regularly in Northern California, New York, and Europe.

Gear

At home: 1913 Mason and Hamlin BB grand piano

Fender Rhodes Suitcase

Nord Electro

Casio Privia

Accordion

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