Reese Pike is a jazz and classical pianist and composer originally from Omaha, Nebraska. As an artist, Reese is interested in exploring the connections between social activism and music. At home in a wide variety of styles, Reese brought her jazz trio to the 2024 Iowa City Jazz Festival and has also opened for Christian Sands and Champian Fulton. She was especially excited to return home to perform with the Omaha Symphony in 2025. The recipient of the 2024 Jazz Education Network Hal Leonard Scholarship and the 2025 Presser Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship, Reese is passionate about expanding representation within the jazz world. Reese recently composed the music for the new musical Ways to Win the Woods. Reese holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance with Jazz Emphasis and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Lawrence University. In addition to teaching, Reese is completing a Master’s degree at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute under the direction of Danilo Pérez, where she received a full scholarship. When she is not at the piano, Reese loves to spend time reading and crocheting stuffed animals for her friends.
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that every student brings something unique to the process of making music, so it is my goal to help students find the musical styles, practices, and strategies that work best for them. I work with students to find their individual voice on the piano, and most importantly, experience the joy of making music. I believe that teaching is the best way to share the incredible joy that can come from music, so I work to make sure that my students feel supported and comfortable while they develop their own creative freedom.
