Andru Dennis

Andru Dennis is a accomplished pianist and composer whose musical journey has taken him from his birthplace in North Canton through some of the most prestigious jazz education programs in the country, ultimately bringing him back to Northeast Ohio as a vital contributor to the region's vibrant music scene.

Dennis's formal jazz education began at the renowned Tri-C jazz studies program, one of the most respected community college jazz programs in the nation. During his time there, he was fortunate to study with a remarkable roster of Cleveland's most esteemed educators, including Jackie Warren, Joe Hunter, Ernie Krivda, Dave Sterner, and Steve Enos. These mentors provided him with both technical foundation and deep understanding of jazz tradition, while also exposing him to the rich musical heritage of Cleveland.

The Tri-C program also afforded Dennis extraordinary opportunities to meet, share the stage with, and perform for distinguished guest artists, including Helen Sung, Diego Figueiredo, Janis Siegel, Christian McBride, Dominick Farinacci, Terri Lyne Carrington, Amina Figarova, Peter Mazza, and Terence Blanchard. These interactions with world-class musicians provided invaluable real-world experience and exposure to diverse approaches to jazz performance and composition.

Building on this strong foundation, Dennis continued his studies at the University of Hartford's prestigious Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz, named after the legendary alto saxophonist and educator. At Hartford, he had the privilege of studying with an equally impressive faculty, including Rick Germanson, Steve Davis, Nat Reeves, Javon Jackson, Pete Woodard, Loren Schoenberg, and Gabe Herman. Each of these educators brought unique perspectives and expertise, further broadening Dennis's musical understanding and technical abilities.

The University of Hartford experience also provided Dennis with opportunities to meet, perform for, and share stages with jazz luminaries such as George Cables, Jack DeJohnette, Eddie Gomez, Bobby Broom, Donald Harrison, Wynton Marsalis, and Mike Stern. These encounters with masters of the art form provided inspiration and practical insights that continue to inform his approach to music.

Currently, Dennis maintains an active performance schedule throughout Northeast Ohio, working with various local musicians and groups across multiple genres. This versatility demonstrates his adaptability and broad musical interests, allowing him to contribute to everything from traditional jazz settings to more contemporary and fusion-oriented projects. His willingness to explore different musical styles reflects both his solid technical foundation and his open-minded approach to musical collaboration.

Beyond his regional activities, Dennis periodically travels around the country for performance opportunities, expanding his musical network and gaining exposure to different regional music scenes. This national perspective helps inform his work back home in Northeast Ohio, bringing fresh ideas and approaches to the local music community.

Dennis also dedicates significant time to educational outreach, accompanying high school choirs in the area. This work demonstrates his commitment to supporting young musicians and his understanding of the importance of exposing students to professional-level musicianship. Through these collaborations, he helps bridge the gap between educational and professional music-making.

As a private piano instructor, Dennis brings a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to teaching. His primary goals as an educator center on presenting music as a language—a perspective that emphasizes the communicative and expressive aspects of musical performance rather than viewing it merely as a technical skill. He is particularly passionate about imparting the joys of improvisation to his students, recognizing that this spontaneous creative process is central to jazz and can enhance any musician's expressive capabilities.

Dennis also emphasizes the importance of informed listening, teaching his students not just how to play music but how to truly hear and understand it. This holistic approach to music education reflects his own comprehensive training and his belief that technical proficiency must be paired with deep musical understanding and appreciation.

Through his performing, teaching, and community involvement, Andru Dennis represents the best of Northeast Ohio's jazz education tradition—an artist who has received world-class training, gained experience with renowned musicians, and now dedicates himself to advancing the art form through both performance and education in his home region.