Jake Nalangan (2000) is a pianist, composer, and educator from Sacramento, CA. After hearing Oscar Peterson for the fist time, Jake fell in love with jazz, started playing in traditional jazz bands while in middle school. While still in high school he won numerous awards and scholarships, including an award from Downbeat Magazine for his piano trio. After receiving a full scholarship, Jake attended the University of North Texas where he studied under professors Dave Meder and Frederick Sanders.

While at UNT, Jake held the piano chair with the storied One O’Clock Lab Band- recording on Lab ’23 as well as drummer Allison Miller’s Big and Lovely. After graduating, he was invited to The New York Times building Ravinia Steans Music Institute in Chicago to study composition under Billy Childs, Rufus Reid, and Steve Wilson. During his time in Texas Jake became a fixture in the Dallas scene- playing with local legends like Andrew Griffith, Brad Leali, Stockton Helbing, and Ed Soph.

In 2024, Jake moved to New York City to attend The Juilliard School where he is earning his Master’s Degree in Jazz Piano studying under Professors Geoffrey Keezer, Donald Vega, and Kenny Washington. Since moving to New York, Jake has performed at locations such as the Tiffany and Co Landmark, Grand Central Terminal (in conjunction with Humans of New York), Dizzy’s Club, and the Blue Note. In 2024, he also toured outside of New York City, including a week-long stint in Northern California with the Sunhouse Singers, opening for Rachel and Vilray with NYC vocalist Kate Kortum, and two separate residencies at Marian’s Jazzroom in Bern, Switzerland.

Jake has continued to establish himself as an up-and-coming voice in the New York scene. His style remains rooted in the early jazz he grew up playing, strongly influenced by Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, and Billie Holiday.  Click here to hear more.