Jazz Pianists for Hire

Hire a Jazz Pianist in the UK

A jazz pianist is one of the most versatile solo musicians you can hire for an event. Whether you need relaxed background music during a drinks reception, elegant accompaniment over dinner, or a lively set to get guests listening and tapping along, a skilled jazz piano player can read the room and adapt. Jazz pianists are a popular choice for weddings, corporate hospitality, restaurant evenings, private parties and cocktail events, and many acts also offer their services as a singing pianist if you want vocals alongside the keys.

What does a jazz pianist play?

Most jazz pianists build their repertoire around the Real Book, the standard collection of jazz standards that includes classics like Fly Me to the Moon, Autumn Leaves, All of Me and Take the A Train. Each player brings their own influences to these tunes, whether that is the lyrical touch of Bill Evans, the swing of Oscar Peterson, the harmonic sophistication of Herbie Hancock or the angular creativity of Thelonious Monk. Beyond standards, many jazz piano players also offer pop and soul hits rearranged in a jazz style, which can work brilliantly if you want the atmosphere of live jazz but have a younger audience or guests who are less familiar with the traditional repertoire. If you have specific songs in mind, most pianists are happy to learn requests given enough notice.

Singing or instrumental?

Some jazz pianists sing as well as play, covering vocal jazz classics from the Great American Songbook alongside instrumental pieces. Others focus purely on piano performance. The difference in atmosphere can be significant, so it is worth listening to audio and video samples on each act's profile to decide which style suits your event. A vocalist-pianist tends to command more attention and works well as a focal point, while an instrumental jazz pianist often sits more naturally as background music during meals or receptions.

Practical considerations

If your venue has a house piano, let your pianist know in advance so they can check whether it has been recently tuned. Most jazz piano players carry a portable electric keyboard as a backup, but a well-maintained acoustic piano will always sound superior. For outdoor events or venues without mains power, confirm equipment requirements early. Sound limiters are increasingly common at wedding and event venues, but a solo pianist rarely causes issues even at venues with strict noise restrictions, making them a safe choice where louder acts might struggle.

Jazz pianist prices

Jazz pianists are currently priced between £65 and £1534, with an average price of £327. Pricing varies depending on the length of performance, travel distance and time of year, with peak wedding season (May to September) typically at the higher end. Use the price comparison section on this page to compare rates across the 126 jazz piano players listed. If you are looking for a broader range of keyboard players, browse the full pianists and keyboardists category, or consider a jazz band for a fuller ensemble sound or a jazz singer if vocals are the priority.