Julian Horner

Julian Hartwell is a sought-after pianist, composer, bandleader, and educator based in Philadelphia, PA. He is inspired by many styles of music which all contribute to his distinctive sound, both solo and in a group setting. For the past 12 years he has performed throughout a wide swath of the Delaware Valley and Philly area – from jazz clubs to rock venues, music ministry to high-class cocktail hours, weddings to improv jams and everything in between, and now is an adjunct professor of jazz piano at Temple University. Career highlights so far include sharing the stage with major names Christian McBride, Jimmy Heath, and Jon Faddis at Lincoln Center with the Temple University Jazz Band, in addition to appearing with the latter two musicians on that band’s release from Spring 2015 entitled “Dear Dizzy: A Tribute to Dizzy Gillespie.” Julian’s full skill-set as a composer, arranger, and pianist in his own right are most evident on his band’s all-original debut album “The Julian Hartwell Project,” which released to critical acclaim in October of 2015. He continues to hone his talents as a sideman and leader with The JHP and The Julian Hartwell Trio, as well as exploring a more nuanced and exploratory approach with a growing repertoire of neo-classical compositions for solo piano.

As an educator, Julian has been teaching private piano lessons on and off for the past 10+ years. He is comfortable teaching many styles of music including rock, pop, blues, jazz, gospel and more. Believing that technique should serve as the gateway to authentic creative expression, he doesn’t let rote exercises and mindless practice get in the way of ‘Music’ capital M. His lessons stay fun and lighthearted while incorporating duo playing, improvisation, and rhythm exercises, while keeping track of the larger musical goals and needs unique to each particular student.