Kavyesh Kaviraj

Kavyesh Kaviraj is a critically acclaimed composer, arranger and pianist living and working in Minnesota. The Twin Cities based musician has worked with several internationally renowned artists, including the likes of Wynton Marsalis, David Sanchez, Justin Robinson, Roosevelt Collier & Steve Cole.

Despite being primarily a Jazz pianist, having studied at Berklee College’s Global Jazz Institute, Kavyesh has established himself in an eclectic assortment of music scenes. Whilst being active in hip-hop, gospel, R&B, funk scenes, he has enjoyed working with Jamecia Bennett, The Steeles, I Self Devine, Lady Midnight, Desdamona, Nooky Jones & Toki Wright.

All the while, he has become an important member of the local music circuit, collaborating with local jazz legends like Debbie Duncan, Bruce Henry, Babatunde Lea, Kevin Washington & LA Buckner.

Born in the town of Sohar in Oman to Indian parents, Kavyesh began his musical journey almost immediately, inspired by his family’s rich musical ancestry. Attributing his initial musical curiosity and experience to his upbringing, at the age of 2 he was already sitting behind a piano, being educated in both South Indian Carnatic music and North Indian Hindustani music. From there, he was introduced to both classical and contemporary music by his father, lifelong music educator and skilled musician Kaviraj CG. As a teenager, he took the next step in furthering his musical development by moving from Oman to India, enrolling in one of the best music schools in the region, Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music. In 2016, he moved to the Twin Cities to pursue a professional music education in the United States. 

Kavyesh graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2018, with a Bachelor of Music (BM) degree in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Music. In 2019, Kavyesh received a full tuition grant to pursue a Masters’ degree at Berklee College’s Global Jazz Institute, where he was under the eminent tutelage of jazz masters, such as Danilo Perez, Kenny Werner and JoAnne Brackeen. He graduated in 2020 with a Master of Music (MM) degree in Contemporary Performance.

Beholden to a lifetime of invaluable musical experience, Kavyesh has followed in his parents’ footsteps to become a successful music educator. His passionate and considerate nature has served him well as both a private instructor and college professor. As of right now, he sits on the faculty in the piano department of St. Paul’s own University of St. Thomas. He also features heavily as a visiting instructor at Carleton College and as an instructor for various musical arts at Walker West Music Academy. His work in music education has taken him across the country, leading workshops and classes for children and youth. 

Kavyesh’s compositions and arrangements have been featured on national radio, TV and in collaborative exhibitions.