Quotes

"All of these achievements are impressive enough, but it is Bijan’s personal charm and outgoing personality that have earned him the many performance opportunities in such a wide spectrum of musical endeavors."
-- Robert Estrin, LivingPianos

"He is easily able to adapt to any musical setting." 
-- Brett Ecklund, 
​   KX 93.5 FM Jazz Quest Radio Host

About: Bijan Taghavi

Bijan Taghavi, 20, is a pianist, composer, and educator currently based in New York, NY. At the age of three, he was inspired to play the piano from a film entitled El Dorodo, which featured Bijan's idol, Elton John. Originally trained as a classical pianist, Bijan studied the concertos and monumental works from composers such as Rachmaninoff, Liszt, Chopin, Beethoven, Grieg, Bartok, and Bach under the direction of renowned concert pianist, Robert Estrin. 

From 2008-2012, Bijan toured with Robert Estrin apart of LivingPiano: Journey Through Time: Historic Concert Experience. Dressed in period costumes, they explored the history of the keyboard in musical performance. Bijan played the role of “Young Mozart” by performing Mozart's works on the forte piano. They performed at many venues across California, including: Schumacher Hall, Cal State Bakersfield, Hole Memorial Auditorium at La Sierra University, Music Teachers Association California. 

In 2013, heralded as the “Young Star of the Future” (Orange County Register), Bijan performed the Grieg Piano Concerto with the South Coast Symphony. 

Bijan discovered jazz his junior year in high school, inspired by Oscar Peterson. Aided by his perfect pitch, Bijan assimilated the music instantly. He then studied under scholarship in Boston at the renowned Berklee College of Music’s Summer Performance Program in 2014.

In 2014, Bijan performed with Grammy latin-jazz flutist Nestor Torres at Soka University. Bijan performs with his own group, the Bijan Taghavi Trio. In 2015, Bijan’s California Trio led a weekly residency at Port Corona Del Mar. In 2016, they performed at Alva’s Showroom, Jazz at the Merc, E Spot Lounge, and Birdland Jazzista Social Club. Bijan is also a regular guest on Jazz Quest Radio KX 93.5 Laguna Beach, California

Bijan currently attends the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, and has studied with Fred Hersch and Phil Markowitz. Bijan remains active performing with various groups in NYC, recently having performed at the Beacon Theatre, Minton’s Playhouse Harlem, Apollo Theatre, and the 55 Bar. In April 2018, Bijan performed Jim McNeely's arrangements of Coltrane's A Love Supreme with Joe Lovano at Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, Jazz at Lincoln Center and Aaron Davis Hall. 

Bijan is also a prolific composer and arranger, recently having written works for studio orchestra, big band, and various small ensembles, including performing his original music at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts a part of the Betty Carter Jazz Residency in 2017. 

Alongside a busy performing and writing career, Bijan is very involved as an educator for JazzPianoSchool.com.