Jesse Taitt
Coach/Collaborative Keyboardist
Jesse Taitt is a multifaceted pianist, composer, arranger, and educator with a rich and dynamic musical journey. He holds a dual degree in Jazz Composition and Professional Music from Berklee College of Music, where he honed his sensitivity and technical prowess. His musical foundation began at the Boston Arts Academy, where he studied Classical music under Boston Conservatory Professor Harriet Lundberg and explored Jazz/Contemporary music through the Berklee City Music Program.
Throughout his academic and professional journey, Jesse has engaged with a wide array of musical luminaries, including Phillip Bailey, Seymour Bernstein, Dr. Billy Taylor, Regina Carter, George Duke, Walter Beasley, Laszlo Gardony, Joanne Brackeen, En Vogue, Patrice Rushen, Geri Allen, Gavin DeGraw, Mark Gross, Lou Cash, the Boston Pops, Hugh Masekela, Bill Charlap, Vincent Herring, and Cecil Bridgewater.
An active figure in the Boston music scene, Jesse directed the Boston-based group Jazz Urbane, led the Jesse Taitt Trio, and distinguished himself as an AmeriCorps Community Leader and Public Allies Leader. He also served as an Artist-Educator in the Boston Arts Academy’s Alumni Creative Core program. Internationally, he was recognized as an International Guest Artist in Rwanda during the summer of 2013, where he led master classes, headlined the Kigali UP Festival, and collaborated with esteemed artists such as Joey Blake (Bobby McFerrin), while contributing to projects alongside George Duke, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Christian Scott.
In 2017, Jesse earned a Master’s in Music with a focus on Jazz Arranging and Composition from William Paterson University. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor in the Harmony and Jazz Composition Department at Berklee College of Music, Lecturer of Jazz Piano at Dartmouth College, and Coach/Piano Collaborator at Wellesley College.
Jesse’s work as a pianist, composer, and educator reflects his dedication to both artistic and philanthropic endeavors. His diverse experiences as a bandleader, sideman, and educator have left an indelible mark across Boston, New York, and New Jersey. With upcoming projects that promise fresh artistic perspectives and innovative collaborations, Jesse continues to expand his creative horizons and inspire others through his music.
Education
- B.M., Berklee College of Music
- M.M., William Paterson University of New Jersey