Hi, I'm Isaac Ben Ayala, a pianist, conductor, and composer based in New York. I've performed with legendary artists such as Ray Charles, Leon Thomas, and Wynton Marsalis, and have led ensembles from cruise ships to school productions. My work blends classical training with jazz and ethnic music influences, and I enjoy creating programs that educate and inspire musicians of all ages. I've served as Music Director and Principal Pianist for organizations like the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and the Boys Choir of Harlem, and I continue to freelance across the U.S. and around the world, directing choral and instrumental programs in churches and schools while collaborating with Broadway-caliber players to bring engaging performances to diverse audiences.

Isaac Ben Ayala

Hi, I'm Isaac Ben Ayala, a pianist, conductor, and composer based in New York. I've performed with legendary artists such as Ray Charles, Leon Thomas, and Wynton Marsalis, and have led ensembles from cruise ships to school productions. My work blends classical training with jazz and ethnic music influences, and I enjoy creating programs that educate and inspire musicians of all ages. I've served as Music Director and Principal Pianist for organizations like the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and the Boys Choir of Harlem, and I continue to freelance across the U.S. and around the world, directing choral and instrumental programs in churches and schools while collaborating with Broadway-caliber players to bring engaging performances to diverse audiences.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Isaac Ben Ayala, a pianist, conductor, and composer based in New York. I’ve performed with legendary artists such as Ray Charles, Leon Thomas, and Wynton Marsalis, and have led ensembles from cruise ships to school productions. My work blends classical training with jazz and ethnic music influences, and I enjoy creating programs that educate and inspire musicians of all ages.

I’ve served as Music Director and Principal Pianist for organizations like the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and the Boys Choir of Harlem, and I continue to freelance across the U.S. and around the world, directing choral and instrumental programs in churches and schools while collaborating with Broadway-caliber players to bring engaging performances to diverse audiences.

See more

Experience Level

Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Principal Pianist at Cleveland Jazz Orchestra
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 1993
Served as principal pianist for the orchestra, performing in concerts and tours.
Music Director & Commissioned Composer at Karamu Theater
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 1993
Music director and commissioned composer for theatrical productions.
Pianist at Cunard, Carnival, Princess & Norwegian Cruise Lines
January 1, 1993 - December 31, 1994
Pianist for international cruise line productions.
Jazz Pianist & Principal Pianist at The Boys Choir of Harlem Tour
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2007
Jazz pianist; principal pianist for Boys Choir of Harlem tour.
Pianist, Composer & Band Leader at Self-Employed / Freelance (New York, NY)
January 1, 1995 - Present
Freelance touring jazz pianist, composer, and band leader; based in NYC and performing worldwide.
Pianist at IBM, GE and Corporate Events
January 1, 1997 - Present
Pianist for corporate events across NYC and Tri-State area.
Conductor & Music Director of Musical Productions at Bronx High School of Science
January 1, 1998 - December 31, 2015
Conductor and music director for school musical productions; overseeing musical productions and ensemble direction.
Music Director, Choir Director, Organist & Pianist at New Rochelle United Methodist Church
January 1, 2015 - Present
Music director; choir director (Chancel and Children's Choir); organist and pianist.
Choir Director (Chancel & Children's Choir), Organist & Pianist at New Rochelle United Methodist Church
January 1, 2015 - Present
Chancel and Children's Choir director; organist and pianist for church services and concerts.

Education

Pre-College Piano Lessons, Theory & History Studies at The Juilliard School / Pre-College Division
January 1, 1985 - December 31, 1985
Pre-College Piano Studies at Brooklyn College / Pre-College
January 1, 1983 - December 31, 1984
Pre-College Studies at Hebrew Arts School
January 1, 1985 - December 31, 1987
Bachelor of Music, Historical Performance (Harpsichord) with minors in Classical Piano and Composition at Oberlin College / Conservatory of Music
January 1, 1987 - January 1, 1992

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services