Brandon Goldberg
Brandon Goldberg’s earliest musical memories began at the family piano. At just three years old, he surprised his parents when his playful improvisations gave way to recognizable melodies from his favorite preschool songs. It was the first sign of a remarkable musical instinct—one that emerged well before he learned to read music.
“He may be one of the greatest young musicians I have ever had the privilege to be around.”
—David Foster
At six years old, Brandon auditioned for a music summer camp with the University of Miami and the Frost School of Music. He secured a spot in the high school and college-level program, where he met instructors like jazz legend Ira Sullivan.
Drawn to the creativity and elegance of artists such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Bill Evans, and Hank Jones, Brandon gravitated toward playing jazz. At 13, he began studying classical repertoire under teacher and Artistic Director Giselle Brodsky, whom he credits with fostering the enduring appreciation for classical music that continues to shape his work as a jazz musician.
Before turning 18, Brandon performed at the Miami International Piano Festival in both Miami and Italy. Reflecting on his career so far, he points to his collaborative experiences as his most meaningful accomplishments, especially the creation of his three albums. When Brandon was 11, bassist Ben Wolfe became an influential mentor, producing his debut album.
In 2024, Brandon enrolled at The Juilliard School, where he studies classical piano with Jerome Lowenthal and Ted Rosenthal while also receiving mentorship from Fred Hersch and Bill Charlap.
Extended Bio
Brandon Goldberg is an award-winning pianist and composer from Florida. He is a 2024 YoungArts Winner with Distinction, a 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute Piano Competition semifinalist, and a recipient of the ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award.
Early in his musical development, Brandon studied under numerous mentors, including Ben Wolfe and Dan Miller. He has been a featured performer at the South Beach Jazz Festival, the Miami International Piano Festival, and the FAENA Summer Jazz Series. He was also commissioned by The Miami Symphony Orchestra to write two original compositions for piano and orchestra, “Surroundings” and “Rhapsody in F minor,” which were both performed live and recorded by MISO.
Brandon first performed at the Newport Jazz Festival at age 13. He has since appeared at festivals including SFJAZZ and the Caramoor Jazz Festival, as well as renowned venues such as Dizzy’s Club, Birdland Theater and Mezzrow. He has also performed internationally in India, Spain, Switzerland, and Sweden.
He has released three albums — LET’S PLAY! (2019), In Good Time (2021), and Brandon Goldberg Trio: Live at Dizzy’s (2024), with the first two recognized among DownBeat’s Best Albums of the Year. Brandon has appeared on national television on Good Morning America, Live with Kelly and Mark, and the Harry Connick, Jr. Show.
Brandon composes instinctively, embracing both the freedom and discipline of jazz while drawing inspiration from a wide range of classical, jazz, and Broadway influences. He is pursuing a BM at The Juilliard School in New York, where he studies with Ted Rosenthal and Jerome Lowenthal while also receiving private mentorship from Fred Hersch and Bill Charlap.