Will E.

Piano

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William Evans is a performing artist, composer and educator who seeks to inspire audiences and students through the transformative power of music. 

 

From Providence, Rhode Island, Evans began playing professionally during high school, winning honors including 1st place in the 2016 Rhode Island All State competition and the George Wein Jazz Ambassador Award and Scholarship from the Newport Jazz Festival. He completed his undergraduate degree in 2020 with highest honors at Brown University while studying with famed teachers Ed Tomassi and Hal Crook, and a master’s degree at the Manhattan School of Music in 2023 in the studios of Phil Markowitz and Jeremy Manasia. Evans has had the honor of sharing the stage with such distinguished musicians as Jimmy Heath, Ingrid Jensen, Darcy James Argue, Dick Oatts, Matt Wilson, Wallace Roney, Don Braden, Avery Sharpe, Jack Walrath, Luques Curtis and Albert Rivera. 

 

Besides performing frequently in the New York City area, William has taught masterclasses, lessons, and coached student groups for over eight years. He has also been on the faculty at the prestigious Litchfield Jazz Camp since 2022, teaching alongside world-class musicians during the summer, and is a teaching artist at the Manhattan School of Music’s Orto Distance Learning Center. His own interdisciplinary, socially-conscious education informs a teaching style in which he tailors lessons to best suit the goals and needs of each individual student.

 

William believes foremost in inculcating a love of music in his students. Thus, he teaches through positive reinforcement and prioritizes students’ enjoyment and safety during lessons. Students have described William as “an excellent communicator, encouraging, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable,” and that he “not only teaches how to play the piano, but also understanding the notes and music.”

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