Bethany Pickens

Bethany began her keyboard training under the watchful tutelage of her Father, world class Jazz Pianist Willie Pickens, followed by more classical training at the American Conservatory of Music. Bethany recalls being a member of the Chicago Children's Choir for nine years, as the single-most musically impactful experience of her formative years. While in college, Bethany received Outstanding Pianist and Composer awards at the Elmhurst Jazz Festival, Notre Dame Jazz Festival and Music Fest USA(Philadelphia).

Since graduating from the American Conservatory of Music she has performed at various Jazz and Music Festivals such as, The Chicago Jazz Festival, Jacksonville Jazz Festival and Ibiza Jazz festival in Spain. Bethany has performed duo concerts with her Father at Symphony Center, Ravinia, The International Association of Jazz Educators, and the Steinway Society.
Living in Chicago has given Bethany the opportunity to write music for Theater, Commercials and Film as well as conduct clinics, "sit in", perform and record with such artists as Ray Brown,Branford Marsalis,Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Courtney Pine ,Von Freeman, ClarkTerry, Terrance Blanchard,Oscar Brown Jr., Roy Hargrove, Darryl Jones, Jon Faddis, Louis Bellson and DeeDee Bridgewater.