Tim Brey

Tim Brey is a young in-demand jazz pianist living in Philadelphia, and a recent graduate of Temple University with a Bachelor’s of Music in Jazz Studies, where he studied under pianists Bruce Barth and Tom Lawton. He has had the privilege of performing in small groups led by Terell Stafford, Dick Oatts, Noah Preminger, Joanna Pascale, James Moore, and John Swana; featured in ensembles with Branford Marsalis, Wycliffe Gordon, Houston Person, Karrin Allyson, and many more.

Brey’s extensive knowledge of the Great American Songbook and bebop tradition, as well as his forays into electric jazz fusion, hip-hop, R&B, and house music have led him to a diverse career as a solo pianist/keyboardist, bandleader, and sideman in Philadelphia and beyond. His eclectic performances evidence Brey’s commitment to keeping jazz fresh and relevant in a constantly evolving, modern musical climate.

At just 26 years old, Brey has performed and studied internationally at the “Keep an Eye on Jazz” competition at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (2012), and with saxophonist Raymond McMorrin in Urayasu and Fukishima, Japan (2013). Leading his own piano trio, he has opened for the Philly Pops at the Kimmel Center of Philadelphia and at the grand opening of the new Convention Hall In Cape May.

In June 2015, Brey was a fellow at the Ravinia Steans’ Music Institute. While attending this prestigious, invite-only workshop, he studied composition and improvisation under the direction of jazz legends Billy Childs, Nathan Davis, and Rufus Reid.

In addition to a busy performance schedule, Brey also has a passion for education. Having taught privately for over 10 years, Brey was hired in Fall 2014 by the Boyer College of Music at Temple University, and in Fall 2016 at the University of the Arts as an instructor of jazz piano, theory, and improvisation in the MM in Jazz Studies Program. Recently in July 2016, touring a new duo album “Upwards” with Mike Cemprola, Brey gave a master class and performance at the West Virginia Governor’s School of the Arts.

Every Sunday he can be found running the “Midtown Jazz Jam with Tim Brey Trio” at Time Restaurant and Whiskey Bar in downtown Philadelphia. He also performs regularly at Chris’ Jazz Cafe, the Rittenhouse Hotel, and weekly as a solo pianist at the Prime Rib in Rittenhouse Square.