Press Info
"Bethany's peformance is sparked by her adventurous compositions..."
DOWN BEAT MAGAZINE
Influences
"Steeped in tradition, commited to creativity" is how Bethany describes her musical outlook. " A musical menu-----something for everyone."
Bio
Bethany began her keyboard training under the watchful tutelage of her Father, world class Jazz Pianist Willie Pickens, followed by more classical training at the American Conservatory of Music. Bethany recalls being a member of the Chicago Children's Choir for nine years, as the single-most musically impactful experience of her formative years. While in college, Bethany received Outstanding Pianist and Composer awards at the Elmhurst Jazz Festival, Notre Dame Jazz Festival and Music Fest USA(Philadelphia). Since graduating from the American Conservatory of Music she has performed at various Jazz and Music Festivals such as, The Chicago Jazz Festival, Jacksonville Jazz Festival and Ibiza Jazz Festival in Spain. Bethany has performed duo concerts with her Father at Symphony Center, Ravinia,The Steinway Society and The International Association of Jazz Educators.
Ms. Pickens is a Illinois State Board Certified Music Educator in Instrumental Music Grades Pre-K-12.
She has worked as an Artist in Residence with the Jazz Institute of Chicago,Chicago Public Schools All-City Elementary Jazz Ensemble and is an occasional Instructor with the Ravinia Jazz Scholars Program. Ms Pickens is currently a Piano Lab Teacher at Kenwood Academy High School, her Alma Mater!
Living in Chicago has given Bethany the opportunity to compose music for Theater, Commercials and Film as well as conduct clinics, perform and record with such artists as Ray Brown,Branford Marsalis,Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Courtney Pine ,Von Freeman, Clark Terry, Terance Blanchard,Oscar Brown Jr., Roy Hargrove, Darryl Jones, Jon Faddis, Louis Bellson and DeeDee Bridgewater,Pattie La Belle, Josh Groben, Aretha Franklin, Rascal Flats, and Usher!