Testimonials

“James creates one of the most amazing musical experiences you’ve ever had.”

-Contemporary Fusion Reviews

“A prodigiously gifted composer and virtuoso pianist.”

-World Music Report

“Listening to James’ seemingly effortless command of the piano provides no small amount of satisfaction.”

-Textura Magazine

“Cutting edge. Fernando should inspire forward thinking pianists across the genre spectrums.”

-Chalked Up Reviews

“His touch on the ivories is deep and thoughtful.”

-Jazz Weekly

“Fernando’s sense of creativity is vibrant, he is limitless in his ability to articulate his ideas.”

-Jazz Sensibilities

“With each note he plays, James creates another constellation within his vast universe of sound that he shares with us.”

-Tiger Okoshi

“Fernando opens a multitude of doors for other composers.”

-The Vinyl Anachronist

Short Bio

Hailed as a 'prodigiously gifted composer and virtuoso pianist,' James Fernando creates music at the intersection of jazz, classical, and electronic genres. His original compositions fuel dynamic performances on prestigious stages worldwide. A Berklee College of Music graduate, he has released five albums and collaborated with internationally acclaimed, award-winning artists.

Long Bio

James Fernando (b. 1995) is a Philadelphia-based pianist and composer whose music seamlessly blends jazz, classical, and electronic influences. He has been described by World Music Report as a “prodigiously gifted composer and virtuoso pianist,” by Jazz Sensibilities as “limitless in his ability to articulate his ideas,” and by Contemporary Fusion Reviews for “creating one of the most amazing musical experiences you’ve ever had.”

A former Strathmore Artist in Residence (2021–2022), Fernando has earned recognition from DownBeat Magazine, the National YoungArts Foundation, and first prize at the West Virginia International Piano Competition. In 2017, he attended the prestigious Banff International Workshop in Jazz & Creative Music. He graduated summa cum laude from Berklee College of Music in just three years.

Fernando has performed at major venues and festivals around the world. He has collaborated with artists such as GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award winner Tom Paxton, GRAMMY winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, steelpan virtuoso Victor Provost, and jazz luminary Chris Cheek.

An accomplished recording artist, Fernando’s discography spans six albums, including Extended Layover (2018, with Mingjia), his critically acclaimed solo debut The Lonely Sailor (2019), Blackbird/Fly (2021), The Grind (2022, with Matt Lagan), and Piano Poetry (2023). His debut jazz trio album, Philly 3, will be released in February 2026 on Spring Garden Records.

Beyond performing and composing, Fernando is a passionate educator. He teaches at Levine Music in Washington, D.C., and regularly leads workshops at universities and community music schools across the United States.