BIOGRAPHY

Known for his versatility, sensitivity, and imaginative colors, Joshua Pielemeier is a classical pianist originally from Washington state, currently residing in Arizona. Also accomplished as an organist, arranger, composer, and teacher, Joshua performs on a frequent basis both as a collaborative and solo pianist, as well as being involved with music in a wide variety of contexts and events.

Beginning his studies in Everett, Washington, Joshua excelled rapidly in local competitions, festivals, and performances, including placing first in the 2005 Seattle Young Artists’ Music Festival. He went on to pursue academic studies in piano performance at the Eastman School of Music, University of Arizona, and Arizona State University. In May 2024, Joshua graduated with his Master's of Music in Performance with a Concentration in Collaborative Piano, With Distinction, from Arizona State University, under the astute direction and mentorship of of Dr. Miki Aoki and Dr. Andrew Campbell, where he also studied with Robert Hamilton. Previous teachers have included Judy Baker, Russell Ryan, John Milbauer, Tanis Gibson, Douglas Humphreys, and Marissa Ramos, having also studied briefly with Gerardo Teissonnière and Leonard Richter. He has performed in public masterclasses with Nelita True, Barry Snyder, and Craig Shepard, and received coaching from members of the Eroica Trio and Brooklyn Rider String Quartet.

Recent performance experience includes Dohnányi’s Piano Quintet No. 1 at the 2024 Oracle Chamber Music Festival, as well as orchestral pianist with the ASU Wind Symphony on tour in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he had the opportunity to work closely with composers Viet Cuong, Steve Bryant, and Michael Doughtery. He has operated as a rehearsal pianist for the Chandler Opera Company’s production of Verdi’s La Traviata. Most recently, Joshua was featured as collaborative pianist with the New Mexico Performing Arts Society, under the baton of renowned conductor Franz Vote, in performances of J.S. Bach’s Cantata 21, and the world premiere of Aaron Alter’s “Cantata of Praise.” Recent pedagogical experience includes coaching chamber music at the Chaparral Chamber Music Workshop in Prescott, Arizona. Passionate about chamber and new music, Joshua cofounded the Ocotillo Chamber Series, along with colleague Julia Lougheed in 2024, whose mission is to pair time-honored classical repertoire along with newer works, including by underrepresented composers. Highlights of Ocotillo Chamber’s inaugural season include the commissioning of Ithaca-based composer Josh Oxford’s “Clarinet Trio”, and the performance of Messiaen’s seminal Quartet for the End of Time, which received a standing ovation.

Drawn to the sacred and liturgical dimensions of music and sound, Joshua currently serves as pianist, organist, and director of the music program at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Parish, and also maintains an appointment as choir accompanist for the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation. In his spare time, he is fond of swimming, walks, reading, cooking, and spending time with precocious cats Beau and Kira.