Joe Augustine’s serious study of the piano began at age 15. He played professionally six nights a week while earning a degree from Youngstown State University. Classical training with Dolores Fitzer and extensive jazz and compositional training with Gene Rush coupled with study in New York with masters in the jazz field distinguishes Augustine’s work from other players.
Classically trained, Augustine has been performing and teaching jazz piano nationally and abroad for 40 plus years. He is a master at creating meticulous, distinctive arrangements so that his listeners hear the music in exciting new ways. Augustine draws on his own experience as pianist, composer and arranger to create just the right blend of melody, harmony and rhythm. Whether playing classic standards or his own compositions, his inventive musical style has been described as accessible and engaging, lyrical and dynamic. He has produced 37 CD’s including 15 recordings for QRS Pianomation and another 5 recordings for PianoDisc. He is always writing new music for another CD.
Augustine’s performance credits include concerts, symphony performances, jazz clubs, benefits, receptions, openings and Steinway sponsored concerts and promotional events with his trio or solo.
Augustine also lectures extensively at colleges and universities on subjects such as “Music as a Business and Anxiety and Performance.” This seminar is designed to help students with marketing themselves and their music skills. On many campuses, he often conducts Master Classes as well. These programs have been given rave reviews by college faculty and students nationwide.

During his career, Augustine has received numerous honors, including selection to the roster of Steinway artists in 1995, a life-long honor. He has appeared in a variety of musical settings from jazz clubs to symphony halls and is featured as guest artist with the Youngstown Symphony for their first commercial recording, Home for the Holidays.

Join us as we welcome one of Northeast Ohio’s most treasured & swingin’ pianists in his BLU debut, backed by some of the finest musicians in the state: bassist Dave Morgan and drummer Jim Rupp –