I am an accomplished professional pianist now based out of Eastern Iowa. My specialty is cocktail piano but I've been in regionally successful jazz, country, gospel, and variety combos as both pianist and backup singer. If I know a song I can play it in any key. Some clients fly me out of state to even play horse shows and church programs. I also do light classical. I tune in quickly to my crowd, and look for clues to see if they need more soulful, flowing tunes, or zesty melodies or just a good all around mix. I play songs from the 40's on forward and for special events have no problems learning certain pieces upon request. References provided upon request.
Your event pianist,
20 reviews
Theresa B.
October 27, 2025Larry was great to communicate with. He arrived on time, handsomely dressed and played beautifully for our afternoon tea. What class and joy filled the room with this musical presence!
Hired as: Pianist
Larry Jensen, Professional Pianist
Thanks! Theresa had a way of making the hired help feel almost like the guest of honor. That's what a superb hostess does. I was supported with helpful information, from the time of booking the event, when I arrived and all up until the moment I left the happy guests. She even honored me with a picture that I use on my website now (with credit).
Caleb
August 11, 2025Larry put on a wonderful show for our dinner service! I highly recommend him for future parties!
Hired as: Easy Listening Band, Pianist
Larry Jensen, Professional Pianist
Not only in dealing with the details of making the booking happen, but also afterwards, Caleb and the several staff members that I was involved with were tremendously helpful, friendly, and efficient in taking care of the details of helping me load in, set up, etc. The atmosphere was genial and the food/drink that I had were great. I recommend this venue for a classy, delightful experience.
Dawn M.
June 27, 2025My fiance' and I arranged for Larry Jensen to play the piano to lead the processional and recessional for our wedding ceremony, and also to accompany the dance leader and provide background music during our wedding reception. Larry learned a number of new songs unique to our wedding, and he played these well. He was very flexible, adapted quickly to the ebb and flow of events, and kept the musical mood expressive. His music was inspirational and fit the wedding venue well. I was very pleased with his work.
Hired as: Pianist
Larry Jensen, Professional Pianist
Thanks for the kind review. I was made to feel quite welcome and a part of the "party" as well, and everyone was quite gracious to work with in the rehearsal and wedding itself. Delightful people, delightful venue.
Brianna C.
December 23, 2024Larry played for our corporate party and made the ambience just what it needed to be. He was timely, communicated effectively, and did a wonderful job playing!
Hired as: Pianist
Rachel K.
December 19, 2024Larry was a wonderful addition to our holiday party. He knew every holiday song and our guests enjoyed joining in singing along to holiday carols. He was friendly and engaged well with guests, all communication and planning was clear and he was a joy to work with.
Hired as: Pianist
Price range: Contact for rates
Languages: English, Spanish, Fairly Proficient In S.e.e. (Sign)
Gig length: 60 - 240 minutes
My mission is to make the event planner and/or host have one HUGE worry off their minds. I come prepared, on time, professional looking and sounding, and do everything possible to accommodate special needs of the day. If I'm on a piano that's out of tune, I don't throw a fit and walk away. If I don't know a request, I don't get snarky, but I find a suitable alternative, if one exists, and that makes a lot of folks happy, because I'm doing what I can to please THEM. I consider everything from the room's acoustics, to the placement and angle of the piano or keyboard, from the skirting (if applicable), to making sure if I need a pitcher of tea or water, I arrange that ahead of time so I don't need to bother anyone else. You won't see a sheaf of loose papers or a stack of music books, because I work from a memorized repertoire of well over 1000 songs. If I am asked to do a special request ahead of time, I'll find out quickly if it's something in my wheelhouse or not, and if it is, I'll be ready when it's time to play. I'm not satisfied until the last smiles have left the room because it's empty.
Born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, I took a few lessons then taught myself how to read and play. I have a vast memorized repertoire covering a wide variety of genre. As I also play by ear, I can play anything I know in most any key. I've had success with accompanying live theatre, playing in duos, combos and big bands. As well, I've played and sung in country, rock and jazz bands, as well as Christian contemporary and Southern Gospel groups. Besides cocktail piano, one of my favorite gigs is the horse show, where I play mood music for the horses and have to keep up with the changing gaits of each class. I've played for scores of company parties and private events, and in my country band activities, I've had the privilege of opening up for Keith Urban, Aaron Tippin, Andy Griggs, John Michael Montgomery, Little Texas, The Bellamy Brothers, Neal McCoy, Gene Watson, and several others.
I love people, and I love to see how my music affects them. I believe it's important to play to the crowd, to play with passion, but to play with finesse as well. Having a deep well from which to draw, and having an INFJ personality type (for those of you who know what that means), I can really hone in on what a crowd wants and make it happen. Playing a live karaoke setting is fun for me and vocalists appreciate getting to pick the key they want.
My work ethic means I MUST deliver a good presentation, of both myself and my set up (when applicable), I'm at LEAST on time, and I SOLVE problems for my client, instead of creating them. I want my music to be one of the things they keep talking about long after the event is over.
Happily situated now in the Iowa City area, I'm easily accessible to airports and wherever I'm called to serve.
I have professional keyboard, amplification, skirting, and everything it takes to provide a great musical experience, whether a venue has a piano or not.
If I have to bring my gear, I need 2 outlets, in a practical location. My other needs are few, except I do want to be able to face the crowd, at least at an angle, if not straight on. I find that many people want to be able to see the hands on the piano.
Refer to website
A multitude of performers, including Elton John, Ferrante & Teicher, Harry Connick, Jr., John Legend, Dino Kartsonakis and many others.
Pianist
