The late guitarist Russell Malone called Will “a pianist of exceptional heart.” With a Master’s degree from Juilliard under his belt—and as a current member of their Artist Diploma ambassador ensemble—Will is among the vanguard of his generation bringing the continuum of jazz to new audiences and stages across the globe. Raised in the midwest and having lived in Montreal, Los Angeles, and now New York City, with his diverse studies Will stands at the crossroads of jazz, folk, and classical music. He currently tours with legendary singer Judy Collins of the folk revival movement.
His jazz credits include performing with globally acclaimed artists such as Dave King, Jerry Bergonzi, Adam Nussbaum, Sinne Eeg, Benny Benack III, Billy Peterson, and Karrin Allyson, and he is also a regular touring collaborator with the classically trained crossover cello duo Empire Wild. A prolific composer and bandleader, Will has performed his award-winning lyrical compositions across America at venues including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Ravinia’s Bennett Gordon Hall in Chicago, and Dizzy’s at Lincoln Center.
Will has won numerous awards as a performer/composer, including being selected by GRAMMY-winning composer and pianist Billy Childs as a winner of Ravinia’s Bridges Composition Competition. He is also a winner of the Yamaha Young Performing Artist Competition, the Angel City Jazz Festival Young Artist Competition, and the Jazzfest Bonn International JazzBeet Competition. He is an alumni of Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead and the Steans Institute, and has performed for Herbie Hancock as a finalist for admission to the prestigious Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz.
Will grew up performing in his hometown of Saint Paul, Minnesota, and pursued jazz and classical music at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan before earning a B.F.A. at the California Institute of the Arts in 2019. He enjoyed a burgeoning career in Los Angeles before returning to Minnesota to weather the pandemic. In 2022 he moved to New York, having received an invitation to the Juilliard Jazz program. When he’s not on the road, Will is currently focused on producing and releasing his own music. His current projects include the Will Kjeer Trio, a jazz quintet with folk crossover; and a jazz/classical chamber ensemble featuring string quartet. He has collaborated for the past three years with Midwest folk icon Larry Long, often referred to as “the Pete Seeger of Minnesota.” Will is an active music educator and has been a clinician at Lincoln Center, California State University Fullerton, the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, and Shell Lake Arts Center, in addition to his private studio. He specializes in advanced jazz piano, as well as audition preparation lessons.
