Pianist Joshua Espinoza

Classically trained from the age of 11, Josh is well-versed in both classical and jazz styles.  He holds a Bachelor of Music from Furman University in Greenville, SC, and is pursuing his Masters Degree in piano performance from the world-renowned Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University.

Josh specializes in classical ceremony music and jazz in a variety of ensembles.  He can arrange for any type of ceremony music you need, and can even provide cocktail music for a reception, depending on your needs.  He is professional, prompt, and flexible, all qualities necessary for the wedding profession.  Read his reviews here and on his website (www.joshuaespinoza.net) to see what previous clients have to say about his music.

Bio:

In October of 2010, Josh had the opportunity to perform on Furman University's Fall Honors Recital, an honor afforded to select students.  In December of that year, Josh was named a winner of Furman's Biennial Concerto Competition, going on to perform the final movement of Bartók's Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Furman Symphony Orchestra in the Spring of 2011 under the baton of composer Jay Bocook.

In the fall of 2008, Josh was a member of the TIAA Cref All-Star Collegiate Jazz Ensemble in Charlotte, North Carolina, directed by trumpeter/composer Mike Steinel of the University of North Texas.  

Other collaborations include work with trombonist Rick Simerly and the Furman University Jazz Ensemble, Wycliffe Gordon and the Palmetto Posaunen in a performance at the 2009 Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC, as well as Chicago-based drummer Joel Spencer, also with the Furman University Jazz Ensemble.  Josh has performed for large audiences as a part of the Reedy River Jazz Festival and the Fall for Greenville festival, both in South Carolina.

In the fall of 2009, Joshua spent three months in Arezzo, Italy, studying music and Italian at the Accademia dell'Arte. His time at the Accademia included study with pianist Alessandro Tricomi of the Liceo Musicale in Arezzo.  

Besides his work as a solo pianist, Josh has experience accompanying vocalists and instrumentalists, and has performed chamber music in the US and Italy.  In the summer of 2010, Josh spent seven weeks as a participant at the Brevard Music Center in Brevard, NC. BMC is a summer festival that brings in top classical performers such as Yo-Yo Ma, Gil Shaham, and Frederica von Stade.  While there, Josh studied under pianists Donna Lee of Kent State University, and Elisabeth Pridonoff of the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati.

While at Furman, Josh performed with the Furman University Jazz Ensemble, was a member of the Furman Jazz Combos, and was also pianist for the Furman University Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Leslie Hicken.  Josh was a member of the Furman Singers for three years, under the direction of Dr. Bingham Vick, Jr.

Josh is an active performer, playing regularly in local jazz venues with groups of different sizes.  Josh maintains a rigorous musical schedule of performing recitals and teaching students of all ages.