About JK

JUSTIN KAUFLIN IS AN AWARD-WINNING JAZZ PIANIST, COMPOSER, PRODUCER AND EDUCATOR.  HE APPEARS ON 30+ ALBUMS AS SIDEMAN, PRODUCED 8 ALBUMS AS LEADER AND RECORDED OVER 50 ORIGINAL COMPOSITIONS FOR ALBUMS AND FILM

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Born March 10, 1986 in Silver Spring, MD, Justin began music at age 4, switched from classical violin & piano to jazz piano in high school, attended the Vail Jazz Workshop & Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead Residency,  performing jazz professionally at age 15, most notably with the Jae Sinnett Trio.

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Justin attended William Paterson University, NJ where he studied with legendary trumpeter, Clark Terry, and his heroes, jazz pianists Mulgrew Miller and Harold Mabern.  He moved to NYC on graduation day, and at age 23 led, produced, composed and performed on his debut CD, Introducing Justin Kauflin.

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He won the VSA International Young Soloist Award, was voted VEER's Jazz Artist of the Year and selected as semifinalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition while simultaneously scoring and being filmed for the award-winning documentary, Keep On Keepin' On, appearing on the Today Show and Queen Latifah Show.

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He is signed for management by legendary producer and music icon, Quincy Jones and is a Yamaha Artist.

Diversity & Inclusion

"BEING BLIND IS ONLY A PART OF WHO WE ARE ... IT SHOULD NEVER BE SOMETHING THAT DEFINES US"  -JK

Justin was diagnosed with proliferative exudative retinopathy in both eyes at 7 months of age and was totally blind by age 11.  The following resources have enabled him to study, work and travel as independently, competently, and safely as possible:

Press

“WHAT GIVES THE AMERICAN PIANIST, JUSTIN KAUFLIN ANOTHER EDGE OVER HIS RIVALS IS HIS SOULFULNESS ... THIS IS A MUSICIAN WHO WANTS TO DO MORE THAN MAKE YOU ADMIRE HIS VIRTUOSITY" - THE TIMES