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Justin Nelson Jazz

Winston-Salem, NC

Starts at $150

Pianist

Travels up to 200 miles

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Promotional video thumbnail 1 for Justin Nelson Jazz

Winter Wonderland

Promotional video thumbnail 2 for Justin Nelson Jazz

Promotional video thumbnail 3 for Justin Nelson Jazz

Don't Think Twice, It's Alright

Promotional video thumbnail 4 for Justin Nelson Jazz

Radiohead Cover "Kid A"

Promotional video thumbnail 5 for Justin Nelson Jazz

Star Eyes (Funky Improv)

Let's get em' dancin'!

Playing at the breathtaking Raffaldini Vineyards

5 Videos 5 Audio 10 Photos

Overview

I provide beautifully executed, audience appropriate music for any event. I play music based in the jazz idiom but also branch out to classical music as well as pop piano covers, motown, r&b, and funk if the occasion calls for it, as well as some fun easter eggs hidden in there for the audience to find. Basically, I create an ambiance that is compelling and classy, as well as entertaining.

-Justin Nelson

I am willing to travel long distances, but please keep in mind your location and the amount of travel time involved so we can come to a balanced, mutual agreement for pricing.

Reviews

30 reviews

Tim S.

August 31, 2026

Verified review

Great Addition to Our Annual Casino Night

This was our first time having the pleasure of working with Justin, and he was great from start to finish. Communication was excellent throughout the entire process, and when he arrived for our annual Casino Night for Dean Financial clients at Rock Barn Country Club & Spa in Conover, he was professional, in great spirits, and ready to go.

We had more than 150 clients in attendance, and Justin played for three hours, creating exactly the atmosphere we were looking for. His music fit the event perfectly and added a classy, relaxed feel without overpowering the room.

It was a pleasure working with Justin, and we would absolutely work with him again for a future event.

Hired as: Pianist

Dwight S.

December 15, 2025

Verified review

Rehearsal Dinner & Welcome Party

Perfect touch for allowing guest to talk and listen to some Christmas, Jazz, easy listening music.

Hired as: Pianist

Sherry V.

December 15, 2024

Verified review

Just what we were looking for!

Justin provided music for a holiday-themed rehearsal dinner for our son’s wedding. He was pleasant and very versatile. When the group was ready for some music that was more than in the background, he willingly stepped up. We would hire him again!

Hired as: Pianist

Justin Nelson Jazz

Thank you, Sherry! It was cozy, warm, and exciting party. Hope to cross paths again soon :)

Michael

November 29, 2024

Verified review

Music was great!

Justin is a talented musician and his abilities were above expectations!

Hired as: Pianist

Doug S.

June 11, 2024

Verified review

Above and beyond

Justin is the best. Professional and performed beyond expectation! Couldn't recommend him enough.

Hired as: Pianist

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Booking information

Price range: Starts at $150

Languages: English, Spanish

What to expect

I provide beautifully executed, entertaining music for any event. I play music based in the jazz idiom but also branch out to classical music as well as motown, r&b, and funk if the occasion calls for it. Basically, I create an ambiance that is compelling as well as entertaining.

About

Justin Nelson is a pianist born in Gainesville, Florida. He began studying the saxophone at age 12 and ever since has had an intense passion for music. He received his A.A. from Florida State University (FSU) with an emphasis in jazz saxophone performance and philosophy. During his time there he had the pleasure of learning from great musicians such as Chick Corea, Rufus Reid, Bill Peterson, Bill Kennedy, Leon Anderson Jr., Rodney Jordan, Scotty Barnhart, Doron Kima, and Marcus Roberts.

On deciding to switch instruments to the piano he then transferred to the University of Florida (UF) to pursue a degree in English. During this time Justin began studying the piano seriously and realized it was what he wanted to do with his life. In his time since graduation, he has had the pleasure of working with Gordon Goodwin and his Big Phat Band including but not limited to: Wayne Bergeron, Eric Marienthal, Andy Martin, Sal Lozano, Bernie Dresel, and Brian Bromberg. He has also had the pleasure of performing international in Paris and Prague at various locales. He stands on the shoulders of giants and recognizes the humble nature that is intrinsic to becoming great in the field of music.

Upon his graduation from UF, Justin then attended and graduated from a groundbreaking course in piano music-making and technique entitled "Injury-Preventive Keyboard Technique", created by world-renowned musician Barbara Lister-Sink. To learn more follow this link: (link hidden) This 3-year program helped him to free himself from physical limitations at the piano in order to. allow his artistic ideas to flow freely. He is a certified teacher of the Lister-Sink Method and a fervent proponent of its principles. He resides in Winston-Salem, NC.

Services offered

Pianist Keyboard Player

Past booked events

August 2026

28

Friday

22

Sunday

Christmas Party

3:00pm - 7:30pm

•

Stephens City, VA

Birthday Party

2:00pm - 5:00pm

•

Belleville, IL

November 2022

13

Sunday

House Party

5:00pm - 6:30pm

•

St Louis, MO

05

Jazz Standards :

The Way You Look Tonight
Fly Me to the Moon
Unforgettable
Take the "A" Train
It Had to Be You
Ain't Misbehavin'
Polkadots and Moonbeams
Take Five
I've Got the World on a String
My Way (Sinatra)
All of Me
I'll Be Seeing You
Someday My Prince Will Come
How High the Moon
On The Sunny Side of the Street
On Green Dolphin Street
The Girl from Ipanema
Moon River
Night and Day
Misty
My Funny Valentine
Ruby, My Dear
'Round Midnight
Wave (Jobim)
Stormy Weather
Body and Soul
Sophisticated Lady
In a Sentimental Mood
Mood Indigo
Chelsea Bridge

Classical :

Bach- Prelude in C
Chopin- Mazurka in A Minor Op. 67 No. 4
Chopin- Sonata #2 in Bb Minor III. Marche Funèbre Op.35
Schumann- Von Fremden Ländern und Menschen

Pop

Piano Man (Billy Joel)
Can't Take My Eyes Off of You (Lauryn Hill/Frankie Valli)
Tiny Dancer (Elton John)
Blackbird (Beatles)
Yesterday (Beatles)
Con Te Partirò (Bocelli)
Human Nature (Michael Jackson)
Isn't She Lovely (Stevie Wonder)
Once in My Life (Stevie Wonder)
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Stevie Wonder)
My Girl (The Temptations)
XO (Beyoncé)
Roses (Outkast)
Hold On, We're Going Home (Drake)
Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana)
Lollipop (Little Wayne)
Can't Feel My Face (The Weeknd)
Thinkin' 'bout You (Frank Ocean)
Your Hand in Mine (Explosions in the Sky)
Say My Name (Destiny's Child)
Big Poppa (The Notorious B.I.G)
Still Dre (Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg) + Dre Medley

There are many many others, probably 50 more or so, including honky tonk and stride piano, plus original compositions, but I'm in the process of writing them down.

Influences and inspiration

Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Joe Sample, Vince Guaraldi, Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, Red Garland, Brad Mehldau, Chick Corea, Aaron Goldberg, Benny Green, the list goes on and on, and that's just pianists!

Setup requirements

If a piano is provided on location, I don't require anything! If not, I just need a space to play and electricity for a keyboard.

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