Dimitri Nassar

Dimitri Nassar was born in East Cleveland, Ohio, and began his piano studies at the age of five, encouraged by his father, Ivan Nassar, a professional piano tuner. His early musical education was shaped by formative training at the Cleveland Music School Settlement and the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied under renowned pianist and jazz educator Cliff Habian. During his high school years, Dimitri performed with the Shaw High School jazz ensemble “Rhythm Teens” and the Ohio Jazz Orchestra for Youth (OJOY). He later continued his studies at South Carolina State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in music education, followed by a master’s degree in music education from Anderson University.

In 1995, Dimitri was inducted into South Carolina State University’s Jazz Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to the field. His talent has been featured at major festivals, including Ohio’s Tri-C and Lakeland jazz festivals and the Count Basie Jazz Festival in Hampton, Virginia. As a bandleader, he has led performances at premier venues such as Blues Alley in Washington, DC; An Die Musik in Baltimore; and Treelawn Music Hall in Cleveland. The Dimitri Nassar Trio has performed at prestigious events including the Multicultural Fest at Mary Washington University, the Congressional Black Caucus, the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, the DC Jazz Fest, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The trio was also a finalist in the 2009 Chick Webb Jazz Competition.

A dedicated educator, Dimitri has taught more than 1,000 pianists, from beginners to advanced musicians. Many of his students have gone on to attend major performing arts academies, conservatories, and collegiate music programs. In 2022, he founded Crescent Piano Studio, offering comprehensive music education for pianists of all ages. He also serves as Executive Director of Black Keys Matter Incorporated, a nonprofit organization committed to promoting and performing music by African and African American pianists while advancing broader appreciation for their cultural and artistic contributions. Dimitri is additionally a National Board Certified Teacher.

Dimitri’s third album as a bandleader, America in the Key of Black, is set for release in March 2025. His fourth album, Dear Cleveland—recorded live in his hometown—will be released in January 2026, celebrating his deep musical roots and ongoing artistic journey.