“No one can build you the bridge on which you, and only you, must cross the river of life. There may be countless trails and bridges and demigods who would gladly carry you across; but only at the price of pawning and forgoing yourself. There is one path in the world that none can walk but you. Where does it lead? Don’t ask, walk! ”
ABOUT JEN ALLEN
Jen Allen is a dynamic pianist, composer, author, and educator, captivating audiences worldwide with her artistry and creative vision. She frequently performs as a leader or collaborator in venues across New York, the Northeast U.S., and internationally, including appearances at the Winnipeg Jazz Festival, Cambridge Festival of the Arts, Greater Hartford Monday Night Jazz Series, and Wexford Performing Arts Centre in Ireland.
Jen has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Don Braden, Jimmy Greene, Freddie Hendrix, Camille Thurman, Nat Reeves, and Sarah Caswell. An active recording artist, her discography includes her debut album Pieces of Myself, Sifting Grace, her upcoming release Possibilities, and collaborative projects like Raise Up by Trio 149. She has also contributed to numerous other recordings as a sideman.
Her compositional work spans big bands, studio orchestras, string quartets, and small ensembles, earning her a place in the prestigious BMI Jazz Composers Workshop. Notable commissions include her 2018 residency at St. Peter’s Church (NYC) Jazz Lauds and her immersive piece Collective Breath, which integrates music, visuals, and breathwork to foster connection and reflection.
Jen’s educational endeavors are equally impressive. She holds degrees in performance and composition from The Hartt School and UMASS Amherst. Currently, she serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at Trinity College in Hartford and Visiting Faculty at Bennington College. Jen has also presented masterclasses, clinics, and has been a guest-conductor for numerous universities. She has been a senior teaching artist for Litchfield Performing Arts since 2010.
Jen’s accolades include the 2023 Artistic Excellence Award from the Connecticut Artist Fellowship Program and the 2024 Greenstage Artist Award. Jen also co-authored Sitting In: Jazz Piano with Noah Baerman, which won Music Inc. Magazine's Editor's Choice Award in 2015. Her
Her innovative and multifaceted contributions to music and education continue to inspire audiences and students alike.
