Annie
Piano
About Annie
Annie Orzen is a professional pianist, bandleader, and educator based in San Francisco. While her formal training is rooted in jazz, Annie’s musical voice is shaped by a wide range of influences, from indie pop to classical to jazz-fusion.
She holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Piano Performance from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied with acclaimed pianist Gary Versace. During her time at Eastman, she performed with ensembles including the Eastman Jazz Ensemble (under Christine Jensen), the New Jazz Ensemble, the Studio Orchestra, and the Jazz Vocal Ensemble. She also co-founded several student-led projects, including the jazz/Indian-folk fusion group The Sonic Alchemists and her own Annie Orzen Trio.
Annie currently serves as the musical director and keyboardist for Bay Area indie pop artist Isabel Dumaa. She recently returned from a 10-city European tour with Dumaa, which included opening for pop artists Mark Ambor and Benson Boone. Annie also formed and leads Seldon, a pop-jazz group that has gained online traction with over 100,000 streams across streaming platforms.
In addition to performing, Annie is passionate about teaching and working with kids. She believes in connecting students with music they genuinely love and is committed to helping each student find the right learning approach for them. Whether a student wants to play jazz, classical, pop or just explore the piano for fun, Annie focuses on building joy, confidence, and a longterm appreciation for music.
Q&A with Annie
Which musician would you like to play with?
Joni Mitchell
Which musician has influenced you the most?
Herbie Hancock
What can you teach me better on your instrument than any other teacher?
basic improvisation techniques!
How did you learn to play your instrument?
I had a great teacher in San Francisco who taught me how to play by ear.
Which personal trait helped you the most while practicing?
ability to enjoy the process! loving music is not about performing, but about enjoying the process of practicing, improving, and the routine it can add to your life.
What does your instrument have that others don't?
Endless harmonic possibilities :)
How do you handle children?
I love kids! Working with children is one of the most fulfilling experiences for me personally. I enjoy being around them, and teaching to me is so much more than a means to make income.
What has been your greatest experience as a musician so far?
Starting my own band in college! There is no better feeling than having the music you've written performed by musicians you trust to do it justice. And playing in a band with your best friends is the best.
What was the biggest stage you played on?
Opened up for Benson Boone in Upstate, New York. Sold out amphitheater of 15,000 people!
Which record would you take with you to the desert island?
Works - Keith Jarrett
Besides music, what else is important in your life?
Jazz, Funk, Pop, Rock, Classical
Music style(s)
JazzFunkPopRockClassical
Level(s) Comfortable Teaching
Beginner to Advanced
What languages can you teach in?
English
Videos
Bands, Projects, Notable Performances, Collaborations
Seldon The Band, The Sonic Alchemists, Isabel Dumaa, Annie Orzen trio
Other Music-related work / goals
Music booking/event organization. Primary organizer of San Francisco's "Women In Jazz" concert series. A three part, free, outdoor concert series that highlight local, non-male bandleaders!