Rock Wehrmann

Jazz pianist Rock Wehrmann has established himself as one of the Midwest's most versatile and accomplished musicians, building a multifaceted career that encompasses performance, education, production, and music industry experience. His reputation as an in-demand performer across the region reflects both his exceptional musical abilities and his professional reliability in diverse musical contexts.

As a first-call musician for some of Cleveland's most prestigious musical organizations, Wehrmann has demonstrated his ability to meet the demanding standards of professional performance at the highest levels. His work with Playhouse Square, one of the largest performing arts centers in the United States, requires the versatility to handle everything from Broadway productions to touring shows, each with their own unique musical demands and performance schedules.

His role with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra positions him within one of the region's most respected jazz ensembles, where he contributes to performances that celebrate both traditional jazz repertoire and contemporary compositions. The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra's mission to present world-class jazz performances requires musicians who can navigate complex arrangements while contributing to the ensemble's distinctive sound.

His work with the Cleveland Pops demonstrates his ability to adapt his jazz sensibilities to the popular music context that characterizes pops orchestra programming. This versatility between pure jazz and more commercially oriented material showcases the breadth of his musical understanding and performance capabilities.

Beyond performance, Wehrmann has established himself as a skilled producer and musical director, roles that require musical expertise alongside leadership abilities and project management skills. As a producer, he must understand both the creative and technical aspects of recording, while his work as a musical director involves coordinating musical elements, directing other musicians, and ensuring that artistic visions are realized effectively.

His reputation as an accompanist speaks to his sensitivity as a collaborative musician and his ability to support other artists while enhancing their performances. Great accompanists possess the rare combination of technical proficiency, musical empathy, and ego restraint necessary to serve the music and the lead artist while contributing meaningfully to the overall musical experience.

Wehrmann's educational contributions are equally impressive, serving on the jazz studies faculty at both the University of Akron and Cleveland State University. These appointments reflect his recognition within the academic music community and his commitment to developing the next generation of jazz musicians. Teaching at the university level requires performance excellence alongside the ability to articulate complex musical concepts and inspire students to reach their full potential.

His academic positions demonstrate his understanding of jazz as both an art form and an academic discipline, capable of bridging the gap between real-world professional experience and scholarly musical study. This dual perspective enriches his teaching and provides students with insights that combine theoretical knowledge with practical performance wisdom.

Wehrmann's background includes significant experience in the music industry business side, having served as Advertising Manager and Marketing Manager for Moog Music Inc., the legendary synthesizer company founded by electronic music pioneer Robert Moog. This experience provided him with insights into the commercial aspects of the music industry and the marketing of musical instruments and technology.

His role as Advertising Manager at Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., a leading manufacturer of audio equipment, further expanded his understanding of the music industry's technical and business dimensions. This combination of performance expertise and industry knowledge makes him uniquely qualified to guide students and fellow musicians in understanding both the artistic and commercial aspects of professional music careers.