Join us for a JAZZ@CSUN event, featuring John Beasley and CSUN’S Jazz A and B Bands.

John Beasley is a versatile pianist who backed Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard in his 20s. Since then, he has performed with Dianne Reeves, Christian McBride, Chaka Khan, Kenny Garrett. His 20+ recordings have earned him 2 GRAMMY® Awards, 12 nominations, and 2 Latin Grammy nominations.
Beasley is Music Director for the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz directing “International Jazz Day” global concerts. He was music director for Steely Dan, Queen Latifah, AR Rahman and Chucho. Beasley also directed TV singing competitions, including Duets (Kelly Clarkson/John Legend) and was Assoc MD for American Idol, where he contributed to Carrie Underwood’s win.
In 2017, Beasley formed a big band, MONK’estra, which released three albums. He became an in-demand arranger/conductor for European jazz orchestras, including Germany’s HR and SWR BB, Sweden’s Blue House and Bohuslän BB, along with bands from Belgium to Russia.
Beasley began writing for TV series in his 20s, including Star Trek: The Next Generation, Cheers, and Fame. He can be heard in films with composer Thomas Newman, including James Bond’s Spectre & Skyfall, Finding Dory, He orchestrated and conducted MONK’estra in Steven Soderbergh’s Let them all Talk with Meryl Streep.
Beasley is currently composing a commission for the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, and will release a new album Returning to Forever, a reimagination of Chick Corea/Return to Forever music on August 23. This adds to earlier releases: El Trio: Live in Italy, an Afro-Cuban jazz-rock fusion album and Butterfly Effect that earned 4.5 stars in Downbeat
As an educator, Beasley conducts master classes. He has written commissions for youth orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s YOLA and Carnegie Hall’s NYO.In July 2024, Beasley was appointed President of the Board of Directors of the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers.