Belmont University School of Music
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 7:30 p.m.
McAfee Concert Hall
Jazz Piano Concert Series
Isaiah J. Thompson “Selah
Piano”
Program
solo piano
Selections will be announced from the stage.
About the Performer
Pianist and composer Isaiah J. Thompson, a native of West Orange, New Jersey, began his musical studies at an early age with Alla Epelbaum at The Calderone School of Music and Bob Mikula. He later enrolled in Jazz House Kids and NJPAC’s Jazz for Teens before attending The Juilliard School, where he completed both his Bachelor and Masters degrees. He later pursued further education in Christian Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary.
Thompson joined the John Pizzarelli Trio in 2019 and has performed with other major artists such as, Christian McBride, Steve Turre and Catherine Russell. His recording debut was featured on Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Handful of Keys with Wynton Marsalis, and he has since released several recordings as a leader.
Thompson contributed to the Golden Globe-nominated soundtrack for the film Motherless Brooklyn, was named a Steinway Artist, and has been awarded other accolades including, the 2018 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award and second place in the 2018 Thelonious Monk Competition. In 2023 he was named the winner of the American Pianists Awards and the Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz. In 2024 Thompson joined the Jazz Studies Faculty at The Juilliard School.
As a jazz musician, he seeks to embody love, spirit, and respect, using his artistry as a creative expression of evangelism and a means to communicate the gospel.
Biography courtesy of isaiahjthompson.com
Jazz Piano Concert Series
The Belmont University Jazz Piano Concert Series was inaugurated in January 2012 with guest artist Billy Childs. Underwritten by the Steinway Piano Gallery of Nashville, this series brings top national and international jazz piano performers to Belmont students and the Nashville community. Along with the classical Woods Piano Concert Series that takes place in the fall, these two events together showcase the very best current classical and jazz pianists in solo concerts.
Concert Series Guest Artists
2025 Kenny Werner
2024 Tamir Hendelman
2023 Ted Rosenthal
2020 Benny Green
2019 Christian Sands
2018 Gerald Clayton
2017 Helen Sung
2016 Sullivan Fortner
2015 Geoffrey Keezer
2014 Bill Charlap
2013 Fred Hersch
2012 Billy Childs
Special thanks to the Steinway Piano Gallery of Nashville for their generous sponsorship of this event.
Belmont University is an All-Steinway school.
Upcoming Concerts and Events
Jazz Band I & II Thursday, February 26, 7:30 p.m. Massey Concert Hall
Music and Discourse: Jason Jedlička “Performing Minimalist Music” Wednesday, March 11, 10:00 a.m. Hitch 130
World Fiddle & Bluegrass Ensembles Wednesday, March 11, 7:30 p.m. Massey Concert Hall
Guitar Ensemble with special guest W. Mark Akin
Thursday, March 19, 7:30 p.m.
McAfee Concert Hall
Musical Theatre: “9 to 5”
Friday, March 20, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 21, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 22, 2:00 p.m. The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts Reserve your tickets here
Faculty Brass
Tuesday, March 24, 7:30 p.m.
McAfee Concert Hall
Join Belmont University’s College of Music and Performing Arts for Sounds of Belmont: The 36th Annual President’s Concert & Reception on Saturday, April 25th in the Fisher Center at Belmont University. Experience an evening of stories and songs to support our talented students. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by a festive dessert reception for all guests and performers. The purchase of a ticket to this concert and reception will benefit endowed music and theatre scholarship funds for students in the college. Premier works from the College of Music and Performing Arts Fall 2025-Spring 2026 performance season will be showcased. This concert and reception is celebrating its thirty-sixth year (formerly the President’s Concert and Reception).
Reserve your tickets here.
