JAZZ PIANIST \ COMPOSER

Justin Kauflin is an award-winning, American "jazz pianist who favors a clarity of touch and ideas ... his writing is balanced, tempering post bop tendencies with the assurances of the gospel church" -New York Times.  As leader, player, composer, and producer, Justin has released 10 recordings to date and collaborated on over 40 music and film projects.  Justin is featured in, as well as composed the film score for the Academy Award short-listed documentary Keep On Keepin' On, which honors his mentor, the late legendary jazz trumpet/flugelhorn player, Clark Terry.​  For 10 years, Justin has worked and toured under the management of Quincy Jones and Quincy Jones Productions.​​​  Alongside performing with his own trio, Kauflin has collaborated with The Clark Terry Quintet, The Clayton Brothers Quintet, Corey Fonville Quartet, Katie Thiroux Trio, Brian McCarthy Nonet, Oscar Peterson Centennial Quartet, Thomas Fonnesbaek Trio and continues to tour as a Yamaha Artist.

PRODUCER

Justin has produced much of his own music, and is currently producing Season 3 of his "Jazz Night" concert series at The Governor's School for the Arts in Virginia.   This has been a wonderful opportunity for students and the local community to experience live jazz in a concert setting, free of charge.  Alongside the concert series, Justin is resuming his live stream on Sundays for 30 minutes of "Advent Quiet Time" to which you are warmly welcomed!

EDUCATOR

Performing at jazz festivals worldwide, Justin often incorporated student workshops.  As a Jazz Ambassador with the U.S. State Department, he combines jazz clinics with the award-winning documentary "Keep On Keepin' On" which chronicles his friendship with mentor Clark Terry, KOKO Jazz Outreach.   In 2022, he joined the faculty at the Governor’s School for the Arts in Virginia where he also curates a jazz concert series.

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ADVOCATE

"Being blind is only a part of who we are ... it should never be something that defines us"  JK

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In addition to his musical achievements, Justin is also known for his inspiring story of overcoming adversity and pursuing his passion for music. Despite losing his vision from exudative retinopathy at age 11, he has never let his disability hold him back and has become a role model for people with disabilities and aspiring musicians alike. With support from itinerant vision teachers in Virginia, the National Library Service at The Library of Congress, and accessible music technology, he graduated summa cum laude while also mastering braille and mobility skills.  As a Kennedy Center VSA award recipient, he advocates for disability awareness and collaborates with companies to enhance accessibility for visually impaired musicians and producers.