Bethany Pickens

About

Bethany Pickens is an award-winning pianist, composer, educator and bandleader with a career rooted in tradition and exploration. She began her training under the watchful tutelage of her father, world-class jazz pianist Willie Pickens, Bethany earned her B.S Music Ed degree from the American Conservatory of Music. She has performed and recorded with artists such as Clark Terry, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Branford Marsalis, Patti LaBelle, Josh Groban and Aretha Franklin. Bethany’s passion for education includes work with the Ravinia Jazz Scholars Program, Jazz Institute of Chicago’s Jazz Masters Residency Program, and 28 years teaching music in Chicago Public Schools. She ended her teaching career at Kenwood Academy High School, (her Alma Mater) where she inspired countless young musicians. Bethany serves on the board of the Jazz Institute of Chicago and as Vice President of the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. Her debut CD is available at www.bethanypickens.com. Apple Music “ Steeped in Tradition, Committed to Creativity” is how Bethany describes her Musical outlook. “Bethany’s performance is sparked by her adventurous compositions and swinging breeziness”-Downbeat Magazine Follow @bethanypickens on Facebook and Instagram for updates on her music and projects.