Isaiah J. Thompson is a jazz pianist, bandleader and composer from West Orange, New Jersey. He began studying at The Calderone School of Music at the age of 5. Soon after, Isaiah discovered great jazz programs such as Jazz House Kids and NJPAC Jazz For Teens. He was later admitted to The Juilliard School at the age of 18, and graduated with his B.M. in 2019 and his M.M. in 2020. Isaiah has performed with major artists, including Christian McBride, Steve Turre, John Pizzarelli, Joe Farnsworth and Buster Williams. His recording debut was featured on Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Blue Engine Records’ Handful of Keys album with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. He recently worked on the Golden Globe nominated soundtrack for Motherless Brooklyn, and has been awarded other accolades including receiving the 2018 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award and earning second place in the 2018 Thelonious Monk (now Herbie Hancock) Institute of Jazz Piano Competition. Isaiah believes that artistry is a direct channel into the mind and soul of an artist, and as such, feels that it is important to not lose sight of one’s individuality or that of others. This had led to his ardent advocacy for diversity both in and outside of his field. As a performer, he tries to emit a feeling of joy and convey his personal experiences through music, and through his everlasting love of jazz.