John Mortensen

Guest pianist of Chi Yong Yun

Pianist John Mortensen is one of the few artists nationwide who is equally fluent in the technically challenging classical repertoire and the intricacies of improvised jazz. Because he loves many musical worlds, he moves gleefully between them, taking his audiences on a musical adventure of surprising stylistic breadth. 

Narrating his performances with stories and witticisms, Mortensen places even first-time concert-goers at ease.  He appears frequently as concert artist and masterclass teacher at colleges and universities nationwide.

He is committed to educating young musicians for the 21st century and places special emphasis on developing courses that bring improvisation back to the standard college music curriculum.

Mortensen studied with Lynne Bartholomew at the University of Michigan and Anne Koscielny and Raymond Hanson at the University of Maryland, receiving his doctorate in piano performance from the latter.  He holds National Certification in Piano through the Music Teacher's National Association, and is endorsed as an Ohio Artist on Tour through the Ohio Arts Council. He now serves as professor of piano at Cedarville University in Ohio.

Visit his website at www.johnmortensen.com