Welcome to The Pianote Awards! This is a special event where the piano community comes together to celebrate incredible pianists of all styles and the amazing things they are doing.
Keep reading to learn about the categories, meet the nominees, and find out what makes them truly awesome.
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45 nominees. 9 categories. 7 days. You decide who takes home a trophy at this year’s Pianote Awards!
Curious how we picked our short-listed nominees? It all started with some serious research into the biggest accomplishments by pianists in 2024, plus a little help from you—our amazing online community!
Achievements we looked at include collaborations with big names, touring, press, awards and award nominations, album releases, and overall impact and inspiration. But at the end of the day, we looked for people who got us excited about playing the keys!
And now it’s up to you to decide who wins! Cast your votes below—voting is open until January 19, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PT, and we’ll announce the winners at the awards show live stream on the Pianote YouTube Channel on February 20, 2025 (set your reminders).
Pianist of the Year
Pop Pianist of the Year
Classical Pianist of the Year
Jazz Pianist of the Year
Contemporary Pianist of the Year
Social Media Pianist of the Year
YouTube Pianist of the Year
Original Composition of the Year
Most Inspiring Pianist of the Year
This top prize is awarded to a pianist or keyboardist in any genre whose achievements in 2024 went above and beyond. The Pianist of the Year is chosen for their professional achievement, exceptional artistry, technical ability, and impact on the music scene and piano community.
Cory Henry is a musician, composer, and producer known for his exceptional skills on the keyboard and his ability to blend jazz, gospel, and R&B. He earned a 2024 Grammy Nomination, released the album Church, and collaborated on notable singles like “Be or Busy (Mukthi)” with Sadhguru and “Butterfly” with Boney James and Marcus Miller. His musical reach continues to grow, with widespread recognition for his unique fusion of jazz and gospel influences, elevating his standing in both the R&B and jazz music scenes.
A world-class jazz pianist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist, Jesús Molina is a force to be reckoned with. His 2024 achievements include the release of his album Selah, a work blending jazz fusion, Latin influences, and spiritual themes. Highlighted tracks include “Melody,” dedicated to his newborn daughter, and “Quintuplets.” Molina also collaborated with esteemed musicians like Lucia Micarelli and Hubert Laws and garnered praise for his innovative compositions and technical mastery. Additionally, Molina performed at the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival.
Jon Batiste is an exceptional pianist, and composer known for blending jazz, classical, and pop into his signature sound. In 2024, he released Beethoven Blues, Saturday Night (Original Score), and the song “Good Life” for The Garfield Movie. He premiered his first piano concerto, won ASCAP’s Documentary Score of the Year, and launched his first headlining tour. Batiste also joined The Piano as a judge, collaborated with Beyoncé and Dion on American Requiem, and earned an Oscar nomination for his original song “It Never Went Away” in American Symphony.
Alicia Keys is an iconic American singer, songwriter, and producer, celebrated for her powerful voice and musical versatility. Her soundtrack for Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen garnered a Grammy nomination, highlighting its musical excellence. Additionally, her song “If I Ain’t Got You” made history by becoming the first track written, produced, and performed by a female solo artist to surpass 1 billion streams on Spotify. Keys also co-published the art book GIANTS with her husband, Swizz Beatz, accompanied by a gallery show featuring their collaborative works.
Emily Bear was a piano prodigy as a child and has since established herself as a groundbreaking composer and pianist. In 2024, she made history as part of the first all-female songwriting duo to compose for a Disney animated film with Moana 2, as well as the youngest composers ever for a Disney project. She also contributed to the deluxe edition of the Moana 2 soundtrack. Additionally, her music was featured in the Netflix film Our Little Secret, and she continues to shine as a talented pianist and composer.
The Pop Pianist of the Year Award honors a piano or keyboard player of exceptional achievement in popular music over the past year.
Georgie Ward is a classically trained pianist and composer known for her dynamic performances and innovative use of analog synthesizers. In 2024, she completed a tour as the keyboardist for Dua Lipa, performing at notable venues including the Tiny Desk Concert, Saturday Night Live, and Glastonbury Festival. She was featured on Yamaha Synths, showcasing her expertise with the CP88 Stage Piano. Additionally, Georgie released her single “Opening,” further establishing her presence in the music industry.
Clyde Lawrence is the lead vocalist and keyboardist for the soul-pop band Lawrence. In 2024, the band released their fourth studio album, Family Business, for which they embarked on an international tour including a performance at Radio City Music Hall. They debuted on The Tonight Show, performed on the Today Show, and were featured on The Spark, performing “Whatcha Want” and “Something in the Water” at a diner in NYC.
Eric Wortham II is a renowned pianist and musical director who wrapped up his role with Adele’s residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in 2024. His dynamic performance and musical direction were integral to the success of the residency, which captivated audiences for months. Eric has also collaborated with top artists such as Seal, Jill Scott, and Jazmine Sullivan, showcasing his versatility and talent.
Bonnie McIntosh is a versatile keyboardist who has collaborated with artists such as Post Malone, Halsey, Kehlani, and Selena Gomez. In 2024, she completed a tour with Post Malone, showcasing her dynamic stage presence. She was also honored with the She Rocks Award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the music industry. Despite undergoing back surgery, Bonnie demonstrated remarkable resilience by performing just six days post-operation.
Karina DePiano is a classically trained pianist and keyboardist who played a pivotal role in Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in 2024. Known for her expressive, emotive playing, Karina was a key member of Swift’s ensemble, performing with precision and passion throughout the tour. Her standout moment was a solo performance of “Tolerate It,” which won over fans and highlighted her unique musical artistry.
The Classical Pianist of the Year Award honors a piano or keyboard player of exceptional achievement in classical music over the past year.
Yunchan Lim is a young pianist who gained international recognition after his viral Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 performance at the 2022 Chopin Competition. In 2024, he achieved several milestones, including a Carnegie Hall debut, BBC Proms appearance, and a “Chopin Études” album release. Named Gramophone‘s Young Artist of the Year, Lim graced the magazine’s cover and earned accolades with recordings shortlisted for the Gramophone Classical Music Awards.
Bruce Liu, the 2021 winner of the International Chopin Piano Competition, is a Canadian pianist known for his exceptional skill and expressive performances. In 2024, he released Tchaikovsky: The Seasons, a deeply personal exploration of the Russian composer’s work, garnering attention for his unique interpretation. Liu was awarded the prestigious Opus KLASSIK award and his music was also featured in the UEFA Euro 2024.
Víkingur Ólafsson is an Icelandic pianist celebrated for his profound interpretations of Bach. In 2024, he was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Classical Instrumental Solo category for his performance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations. Named Musical America’s Instrumentalist of the Year, Ólafsson also served as artist-in-residence at Tonhalle Zürich and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic. His year included a Tiny Desk concert and acclaimed performances at Wiener Musikverein.
Martha Argerich, widely regarded as one of the greatest living pianists, continues to captivate audiences with her artistry at 83 years old. In 2024, she performed Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 alongside Daniel Barenboim with the Berlin Philharmonic. Her recording of 2019 performances saw its third installment released this year. Argerich also judged the Concurso Internacional de Piano and presented the inaugural Martha Argerich Steinway Prize. Additionally, she received the 13th Obayashi Prize.
Ryan Wang, a 17-year-old Canadian pianist, has become one of the most inspiring young musicians of 2024. This year, he won the BBC Young Musician Award with a stunning performance of Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto, as well as the prestigious Prix du Piano Bern and Prix Cortot. The Glenn Gould Foundation also recognized him for his impressive musical achievements.
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The Jazz Pianist of the Year Award honors a piano or keyboard player of exceptional achievement in jazz music over the past year.
Jesús Molina is a world-class jazz pianist, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and Berklee College of Music graduate whose artistry continues to inspire. In 2024, he released Selah, an album rich in jazz fusion, Latin influences, and spiritual themes. Highlights include “Melody,” dedicated to his daughter, and “Quintuplets.” Molina’s collaborations with esteemed musicians like Lucia Micarelli and Hubert Laws further showcased his technical brilliance and heartfelt artistry.
Eliane Elias is a renowned Brazilian pianist, vocalist, and composer celebrated for her fusion of jazz, classical, and Brazilian music. In 2024, she released her 32nd album, Time and Again, which reached #1 on several jazz charts worldwide, including iTunes and Amazon Best Seller in the USA. The album earned a nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards. Elias continues to captivate audiences globally with her dynamic performances and innovative compositions.
Bill Laurance, an original member of the 5-time Grammy-winning group Snarky Puppy, is a celebrated pianist, keyboardist, and composer. In 2024, he released the EP Rhodes Mk8 Sessions, as well as his album Bloom with The Untold Orchestra. Other achievements include a residency for Portal Sessions, and a Rolling Stone Argentina cover feature.
Tigran Hamasyan, an Armenian jazz pianist and composer, is acclaimed for his original compositions that blend Armenian folk traditions with American jazz and progressive rock influences. In 2024, he released the album The Bird of a Thousand Voices and performed the “Land and Water” concert near Mount Khustup in Armenia. Additionally, he composed scores for the documentaries Areg and Manushak and My Sweet Land.
Brad Mehldau, a Grammy-winning contemporary jazz pianist, is lauded for his innovative interpretations and original compositions. In 2024, he released two albums: After Bach II and Après Fauré. Additionally, he was featured on BBC Radio 3’s “Saturday Morning” and appeared on Rick Beato’s YouTube channel, where Beato referred to him as “the greatest jazz pianist of our generation.”
The Contemporary Pianist of the Year Award honors a pianist or keyboardist’s exceptional achievement in the past year in modern, alternative music styles such as neoclassical, fusion, avant-garde, experimental, and progressive.
Max Richter is a celebrated postminimalist and contemporary classical composer known for blending classical traditions with electronic innovation. In 2024, he released In a Landscape and marked 20 years of The Blue Notebooks with a special edition, touring globally to showcase his work. He held a Mark Rothko residency, and composed for the film Spaceman and the MaddAddam ballet.
Kris Bowers is an acclaimed composer, pianist, and filmmaker known for his versatility and storytelling through music. In 2024, he won an AAFCA Award for The Color Purple and an Academy Award for his documentary The Last Repair Shop. He also earned an NAACP nomination, composed the score for The Wild Robot, and debuted his first concert work, For a Younger Self, solidifying his place as a leading voice in contemporary music.
Jordan Rudess is a renowned keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his work with the progressive rock band Dream Theater. In 2024, he released his solo album Permission to Fly, which received critical acclaim and multiple nominations in the Prog Report Awards. Additionally, Rudess collaborated with MIT’s Center for Art, Science & Technology (CAST) and the MIT Media Lab, exploring the potential of AI in live collaborative musical performance.
Philip Glass is a legendary composer and experimental, minimalist pianist whose work has defined contemporary music for decades. At 87, he released a new album in 2024, while his music was reimagined by artists like Third Coast Percussion and Timo Andres. The British Film Institute honored him with a retrospective of his film scores, and he served as Artistic Director for the 37th Annual Tibet Benefit Concert.
Jonah Nilsson is a Swedish pianist, vocalist, and composer, best known as a founding member of the jazz-fusion band Dirty Loops. In 2024, Dirty Loops released their album Beagle, featuring singles like “Run Away” and “When The Time Is Right.” Additionally, Nilsson’s collaboration with The 8-Bit Big Band on a rendition of “Last Surprise” from Persona 5 has been nominated for a Grammy.
The Social Media Pianist of the Year Award recognizes a piano or keyboardist of exceptional achievement in the past year across Social Media channels such as TikTok and Instagram.
Joshua Aalampour is a self-taught classical composer who began teaching himself composition at 16. In 2024, he achieved a significant milestone with the performance of the first movement of his Symphony No. 1 in G Minor by the UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra. Known for his intricate compositions, Aalampour continues to captivate audiences with works inspired by late Romantic traditions, showcasing his unique voice as a contemporary composer.
Loren DiGiorgi is a musician and content creator known for making music fun and engaging. With a flair for playing songs backwards, blending classical with jazz, and mashing up composers, Loren brings a unique comedic twist to music. In 2024, he released several improvisational and jazz-inspired tracks, including “Meandering.” He has a dedicated following of over 700K across platforms!
Tony Ann is a pianist celebrated for his fusion of neoclassical, instrumental, and popular music, and is known for his fan-interactive “#playthatword” series. In 2024, he embarked on a European tour, captivating audiences with his genre-blending performances. With over 100M views and 4M followers, he continues to inspire younger audiences while building on his successful collaborations with artists like The Chainsmokers and Don Diablo, and his releases with Decca Records France.
Emil Reinert is a pianist and social media content creator who has captivated audiences with his blend of classical and contemporary styles. In 2024, he continued to grow his presence online with over 10M TikTok followers and 5.6M YouTube subscribers, releasing original compositions and dynamic covers. His innovative teaching methods and engaging live performances, including collaborations with international brands like Qatar Airways, solidified his status as a versatile and influential artist.
Eunike Tanzil is an Indonesian composer with degrees from Berklee College of Music and The Juilliard School. Her music blends classical, jazz, and world styles, marked by lyrical melodies and emotive harmonies. In 2024, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performed her orchestral debut, Scenes from a Voyage. Through her Hum Me A Melody series, she transforms street-hummed motifs into orchestral works, making classical music accessible.
The YouTube Pianist of the Year Award recognizes a piano or keyboard YouTuber of exceptional achievement in the past year.
Frank Tedesco is a dynamic composer and pianist specializing in immersive arrangements of video game and anime soundtracks. In 2024, he released two singles—Echoes of the Heart and Evermotion—demonstrating his skillful blend of classical and contemporary piano styles. His YouTube channel surpassed 632K subscribers, solidifying his influence as an online musician. Beyond YouTube, he also streams on Twitch, offering a live window into his creative process and performances.
Charles is a jazz pianist, content creator, and educator known for blending humor and musical excellence. His YouTube channel has expanded to over 1.7M subscribers where he continues captivating audiences with creative interpretations of music theory, jazz, and popular culture.
David Bennett is a renowned musician and educator, known for his engaging piano tutorials and musical insights. He gained popularity through his YouTube channel, where he blends music theory, performance, and humor to teach a wide range of piano skills. He has now garnered over 1.1M subscribers as his work continues to inspire aspiring musicians.
Gamazda is celebrated for her unique ability to perform rock songs on piano. A graduate of the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, she began sharing piano covers on YouTube in 2019, quickly gaining a large following and currently sitting at over 919K subscribers. Her creative visuals paired with skilled performances, like her covers of songs by Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden, and Linkin Park, have earned her widespread acclaim.
Nahre Sol is an acclaimed pianist, composer, and educator known for her innovative blend of classical, jazz, and minimalist influences. She was appointed Creator-in-Residence for 2023/2024 at Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie, where she is creating engaging content about the venue’s artistic offerings. Sol has performed at prestigious venues worldwide, including The Kennedy Center and Walt Disney Concert Hall, and has gained over 772K subscribers on YouTube for her insightful music breakdowns.
The Original Composition of the Year Award recognizes exceptional artistry, creativity, and impact of a piano or keyboard-focused work of any genre from the past year. We hope you find your next favorite song among these selections!
Tony Ann, a Canadian pianist and composer, is celebrated for blending neoclassical and pop elements in his music. In 2024, he released the orchestral version of his acclaimed composition “ICARUS,” garnering over 25M global digital streams. He also completed his first European tour and is continuing his worldwide tour into early 2025.
Jesús Molina is a Colombian jazz pianist, singer, and saxophonist. In 2024, he released the album Selah, showcasing his exceptional talent and versatility. A standout track from this album is “Quintuplets,” which exemplifies his intricate rhythms and sophisticated harmonies.
Peter Bence, a Hungarian pianist and composer, is renowned for his virtuosic performances and innovative piano arrangements. In 2024, he released his original composition “March 88,” showcasing his dynamic playing style. He also performed as a part of the PBS special, Pianosphere in Paris, recorded at the Grand Rex.
Jon Batiste is a Grammy and Oscar-winning musician. In 2024, he released Beethoven Blues, an album reimagining Beethoven’s works with blues and gospel influences. A highlight from this album is his original composition “Für Elise – Reverie,” blending classical motifs with contemporary styles. Additionally, Batiste is scheduled to perform the national anthem at the Super Bowl pregame in New Orleans.
Ludovico Einaudi, an Italian composer and pianist, is known for his minimalist and evocative compositions. In 2024, he released his album The Summer Portraits, featuring the single “Pathos,” which exemplifies his signature blend of classical and contemporary styles.
The Most Inspiring Pianist of the Year award celebrates a piano or keyboard artist whose social impact in service of the piano community was particularly inspiring last year. They embody our vision for a vibrant pianist community and they may break barriers and bring pianism to mainstream attention.
Elijah Stevens made history as the first Bahamian to earn an Artist Diploma from the Glenn Gould School. In 2024, he achieved a milestone debut at Carnegie Hall, showcasing his virtuosity and artistry to critical acclaim. As an ambassador for Bahamian classical music, Stevens continues to inspire audiences globally, blending technical mastery with emotive performances that celebrate his heritage and personal journey in the arts.
Nicholas McCarthy, renowned one-handed pianist, continued breaking boundaries in 2024 as lead consultant for the ABRSM syllabus for one-handed students. His groundbreaking performances inspire audiences worldwide, showcasing his signature blend of artistry and resilience. A dedicated advocate for accessibility in music education, McCarthy’s achievements redefine what’s possible, making classical piano more inclusive and enriching for musicians of all abilities.
Brad Kella, celebrated for his success on The Piano, made waves in 2024 by signing a major recording contract and releasing his debut single to critical acclaim. He performed for iconic audiences, including the Liverpool Football Club and at the Labour Party Conference, further solidifying his rising stardom. Kella’s unique talent and captivating performances continue to inspire fans and elevate modern piano artistry.
Nobuyuki Tsujii, acclaimed Japanese pianist and composer who was born blind, made headlines in 2024 as the first Japanese pianist to sign an exclusive contract with Deutsche Grammophon. Renowned for his emotionally resonant performances and masterful technique, Tsujii continued to captivate audiences worldwide. His 2024 concerts received extensive press coverage, highlighting his extraordinary ability to transcend boundaries through music and inspire listeners across the globe.
Zen Micheline Hung, a rising pianist, gained recognition in 2024 for her unique performances and volunteer work. Featured in the news for playing piano at a New York pet shelter, Hung demonstrated how music can comfort both animals and people. Her captivating artistry and dedication to community service have solidified her reputation as an inspiring and compassionate musician in the classical music world.
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Remember to tune in to The Pianote Awards show on February 20th!
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