BIOGRAPHY

Known for his versatility, sensitivity, and imaginative colors, Joshua Pielemeier is a classical pianist originally from Washington State, currently making his residence in Southwest Arizona. Joshua performs on a frequent basis as both a collaborative and solo pianist, in a variety of contexts.

Beginning his studies in Everett, Washington, Joshua excelled rapidly in local piano competitions, festivals, and performances, including being named a contest winner in the 2005 Seattle Young Artists’ Music Festival, going on to perform the first movement of MacDowell’s Concerto No. 2 in D Minor with the Northwest Sinfonietta. He was also a medal winner in the 2004 NW Chopin Competition. Pursuing academic studies in piano performance at the Eastman School of Music, University of Arizona, and Arizona State University, Joshua obtained his Master's of Music in Performance with a Concentration in Collaborative Piano, With Distinction, in Spring 2024 from from the latter institution, under the direction and mentorship of of Dr. Miki Aoki and Dr. Andrew Campbell, where he also studied with Robert Hamilton. His primary mentor and piano instructor has been Judy Baker. Other teachers have included Dr. Douglas Humphreys, Russell Ryan, John Milbauer, Tanis Gibson, and Marissa Ramos, having also received instruction from Gerardo Teissonnière and Leonard Richter. He performed in public masterclasses with Nelita True, Barry Snyder, and Craig Shepard, and has participated in chamber group master classes with 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, having 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 (now Valley Opera) production of Verdi’s La Traviata, as well as their 2026 production of L'elisir d'amore. 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 Dr. Julia Lougheed, 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.

In 2020, Joshua released his EP A Slow Peace, which focused on works of an earthy and meditative nature, including original compositions and arrangements for piano and viola. Drawn to the sacred dimensions of music and sound, Joshua serves as liturgical pianist, organist, and director of the music program at Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Parish in Tempe, Arizona, as well as maintaining 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.