Keaton Royer – piano (class of 2009)
Keaton started playing in the Northview High School Jazz Ensemble when he was only in 7th grade. He continued to play in the band until his senior year which he finished up at the Interlochen Arts Academy before entering the University of Michigan.
At age 11 he began taking jazz theory and classical lessons with Kurt Ellenberger. In 2005, while in 7th grade he received the Outstanding Soloist Award from Downbeat Jazz Magazine in the Junior High School category. At the University of Michigan he earned his BFA in Jazz Studies and studied composition and improvisation with internationally acclaimed pianist Geri Allen.
While at U of M Keaton performed with many jazz greats such as Lee Konitz, Robert Hurst, Curtis Fuller, Buster Williams and Wendell Harrison. Keaton continues to live in Ann Arbor where he performs, records and also works as a musical accompanist in the U of M Department of Dance.
Keaton started playing in the Northview High School Jazz Ensemble when he was only in 7th grade. He continued to play in the band until his senior year which he finished up at the Interlochen Arts Academy before entering the University of Michigan.
At age 11 he began taking jazz theory and classical lessons with Kurt Ellenberger. In 2005, while in 7th grade he received the Outstanding Soloist Award from Downbeat Jazz Magazine in the Junior High School category. At the University of Michigan he earned his BFA in Jazz Studies and studied composition and improvisation with internationally acclaimed pianist Geri Allen.
While at U of M Keaton performed with many jazz greats such as Lee Konitz, Robert Hurst, Curtis Fuller, Buster Williams and Wendell Harrison. Keaton continues to live in Ann Arbor where he performs, records and also works as a musical accompanist in the U of M Department of Dance.