Meet Jennifer.
Biography.
Hailed as a pianist “in the league of Carnegie Hall,” a “rising star” whose playing is “lush, sensual and colorful: like a painting” (Sulzbach-Rosenberger, Germany), a “powerhouse” (Victor Forman, CPR), and one who possesses an “extraordinary skill” (D. Frantztreb, SCC), Jennifer Reason is a vibrant young performer in consistent demand, and the recipient of Sacramento Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 Award for 2016. She gave her first solo recital at the age of 5, and had acquired her first Staff Pianist position by the tender age of 12. She has since gone on to appear in solo and ensemble performances across 15 states and 14 countries, including such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall, the Vatican, and the Liszt Academy in Prague. Festival appearances include the Festival of Peace and Brotherhood in Italy, the Interharmony International festival in Germany, the Schlern International Festival in Italy, the Music and More Summerfest in Bosnia, and the Orfeo International Festival in Italy.
Dearest to Ms. Reason’s heart is collaborative work, and as such she is a founding member of the 15 year old contemporary sextet Citywater, currently Ensemble-in-Residence at CSU Sacramento and the recently appointed Music Director of the Rogue Music Project, a music collective formed to challenge current perceptions of opera through unpredictable, adventurous, and socially conscious performances. She has recently concluded her eight year tenure as the Artistic Director of RSVP, an acapella group that sings to raise money for local charities, during which time they were nominated for an Emmy. She has shared the stage with such noteworthy artists/personalities as Josh Groban, Wayne Brady, Dr Cornell West, John Rutter, members of Journey, Tower of Power, Santana, and Sly and the Family Stone, Governor Jerry Brown and Billy Bob Thornton. Ms. Reason also enjoys working with musical theater companies such as Broadway SF and Broadway Sacramento, and as Music Director for staged productions-including the world premiere of Max Understood in San Francisco and the Bay Area premiere/adaptation of Shakespeare In Love.
Away from the concert hall, Ms. Reason is the Midday Classical Host and Local Music Manager for Capital Public Radio, a District Advocate to Congress on behalf of professional musicians, Governor at Large to the Recording Academy Board of Directors, SF Chapter and a Voting Member of the Recording Academy for the Grammys. Her students have been accepted on scholarship to collegiate music programs such as the Hartt School of Music, University of North Texas, CSU Long Beach, UC Davis, UCLA, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, CSU – Sacramento, Oregon State University, William Jessup University and Cosumnes River College, and include a Grammy winner.
Testimonials.
WOW!
Shirley Schmitt
Best on the piano ever.
Jeremy D.
Jennifer is very talented. She sang graciously for our Victim's Right Week Event. Wish her the best in all her future endeavors.
J. Patel
Jennifer is a wonderful musician. She performed at our HQ event celebrating the National Week of Victim Rights. We were blessed to have her participation in our program; her music was well thought out and appropriate for our event. We hope to have her back next year.
Kerry Danis
Great pianist, great teacher.
C. Florin
Jennifer's piano planning is truly moving. It is like listening to poetry. No one else has moved me to tears with their playing like Jennifer. She is a fabulous pianist as well as a fantastic person.
Janis Jonas
As both conductor and singer, I have worked with Jennifer many times. She has also accompanied many of my students in recital and concert work. Jennifer is a complete professional. She has wonderful expression, and plays BEAUTIFULLY.
Ed Halbach
I have worked with Jennifer on several occasions and she is always my first choice when I need an accompanist in the Sacramento Area! I highly recommend her both for her amazing piano skills and for her rehearsal attitude!
Kathrine Bamfield O'Leary
A Brilliant Pianist!!
Peter Francis
One of the best pianists in Sacramento! Polished excellence, on top of her game.
Pavel Kravchuk
She's Amazing !!!!! Thank u for sharing your gift with all of us .....Your music is breathtaking!!
Janae Smith
Jennifer is an accomplished pianist who is well trained and plays with great passion. She's also easy on the eyes.
Rich Gereg
I am blessed to hear the joy that comes from Jennifer's hands. I sit 2 rows back from her piano and can't take my eyes off her. It is pure magic what she is able to do and her love for music pours out in every note she plays.
Cam Harder
Videos.
Testimonials.
A stunning and versatile performer. I have been working with Jennifer for many years and have seen her perform various styles of music with an unsurpassed prowess and finesse, from classical to new music, from jazz to pop. She does it all and does it extremely well."
Stephen Bingen
As an event manager, I've hired Jennifer Reason many times over the past 5 years. She is not only an accomplished pianist but she is dependable, great to work with and absolutely stunning! Jennifer always exceeds expectations. I highly recommend her!
Judy Collinsworth
Jennifer Reason is remarkable artist and has performed more than 30 times for me over the past 6 or 7 years. She has the ultimate respect for her ability from the many people that have seen her play, which are in the thousands. I look forward to her performances because I know she is always going to deliver whatever is needed to make an event outstanding.
Jeff Trager
Outstanding pianist and singer who can perform a wide variety of musical styles.
Karen Percy
Gifted pianist, versatile singer and a wonderful person!
Beth Steele
JennIfer is just magical!! Truly one of a kind. If you've had the privilege of hearing her or working with her, you know what I'm talking about. I've seen her fill so many musical roles, she continues to astound me with her versatility and incredible amount of talent in whatever venue she is placed. I have yet to see the full expression of her musicality! Such a personality too... Everyone always enjoys her as much as the beautiful music she creates!! Expect great, great things from this musician in the near future, and involve yourself in her music as much as possible while she's not world famous (Oh wait...)!"
Laurin Cummings
An amazing talent and dedicated artist.
Jennifer Vaughn
Awesome! Truly an amazing and gifted performer. I could listen to Jennifer perform all day - She's a 5-star talent, loaded with style and grace!
Amy Huusko
As Ms. Jennifer's student, I couldn't ask for a better all-around piano instructor. Her wonderful capability not only to play the piano, but to teach as well, ignites a sense of determination, self-confidence and a desire to try all the harder to meet one's goals. Along with her dedication to music, she has a warm personality that creates a comfortable atmosphere where one can share a smile and a laugh with her. Ms. Jennifer is a blessed individual and without hesitation, I would recommend her to any and all searching for a piano instructor or accompanist.
Ruben Kutsar
On a scale of 1-5, I give Jennifer 6 gold stars! Not only is she an outstanding musician and respected professional but she is also a fun and engaging person. She accompanied my daughter for a cello recital and we were so thankful to have been referred to her (and even more thankful that she was available on the date we needed her). During their rehearsals, she demonstrated remarkable teaching skills as well. She provided instruction/suggestions in a manner that was encouraging and positive. She was very supportive when my daughter was struggling with a certain portion of a particular piece of music. Jennifer is so talented and professional and just an amazing person. We can't wait to work with her again.
Mary Dougherty
I cannot think of any word that is good enough to describe Ms. Reason's talent. She is an exceptional musician. Her playing is like a gorgeous painting with many layers of beautiful colors; it has so many voices that can speak to any soul. She is able to take music to people's heart, as well as sharing her love and passion for the piano to others. A phenomenal musician and teacher!"
Hannah N.
Radio Host.
Listen to Jennifer Reason as Midday Classical Host on Capital Public Radio (88.9FM) Monday through Friday 10am- 2pm. Streaming at www.capradio.org
Testimonials.
She plays like an angel.
Rachel
She is quite phenomenal and to be so talented she has a very down to earth personality. Can't find anyone who can do what she does.
David L.
I could listen to Jennifer play the piano all day long!
Scott McAllister
Jennifer has an amazing voice and is a wonderful artist. I find joy is listening to her sing and play piano.
Alycia
I have been fortunate to hear Jennifer perform on numerous occasions - seeking out these opportunities and inviting friends to join me. These performances have included classical music, modern chamber music, and accompanying a choir. It is more telling that I have often thought of Jennifer's playing when she was not the performer - attending a concert, listening to another pianist, and imagining how the music would have been improved if that pianist had Jennifer's clarity, understanding of individual composers, range of style, strength, subtlety, ability to shape to and support a soloist ... the list goes on.
Dan Sackheim
Ms. Reason is a very talented accompanist and solo artist. I am a singer and have had the pleasure of collaborating with her several times. She is extremely professional, easy going, and one of the best sight readers I've worked with. Ms. Reason has accompanied me in performances of Gospel, Opera, and Musical Theatre. She plays all of these styles with ease and wonderful expression.
Leslie Sandefur
I've known Jennifer for many years and have experienced her broad spectrum of musical abilities. Not only is she capable in any professional situation, she goes above and beyond and is an exceptional performer and entertainer. Not only is she exceptionally well trained and experienced, but she plays with a genuine passion and love for music which is truly moving. I have had the honor of seeing her in concert on several occasions and attended her personal recitals as well; I would want Jennifer at any function I was attending or sponsoring.
Bekki Nelson
Jennifer is one of the most gifted and talented piano players I have ever worked with either on stage or in studio. I see big things coming her way in the future.
David VenDegrift
Jennifer Reason is a most accomplished pianist who is comfortable playing a wide variety of musical styles. I have had the privilege of hearing her perform recitals of classical compositions. I am also familiar with her remarkable ability to accompany others with sensitivity and precision. Jennifer is also very personable . With her enormous musical talent and delightful personality Jennifer Reason is a performer you are going to want to hear and to have play at any special event you are planning. Five stars plus from this reviewer!
Jane Frey
I've seen Ms. Reason play a number of times, both as a soloist and with ensembles. Each time I am blown away by both her talent and selections. Recently, I saw her perform with Citywater, where she pushed the envelope of what I knew of a piano's capabilities. Her contemporary playing is simply amazing, but my favorite is still her classical solo performances. I have played classical and jazz music, academically, competitively and professionally for 12 years, and she is the most talented and well-rounded musician I have ever known or seen.
Ryan Norman
She's an AMAZING pianist, both as an accompanist and as a performer. I've had the pleasure of working with her on several occasions, and all have been incredibly rewarding experiences.