Deanna Witkowski

Pianist, composer, scholar, and published author specializing in jazz, sacred music, and American music history. PhD in jazz studies/musicology with seven recordings as bandleader, a nationally award-winning book on Mary Lou Williams, and a record of performances at major venues including the Kennedy Center, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and international jazz festivals. Brings deep expertise in research, curriculum design, public education, and arts communication to every project.

Director, Jazz Ensemble / Jazz Combo Coach at Wheaton College / Evanston Township High School (2025-01 – Present)

• Directed the Wheaton College Jazz Ensemble and coached jazz combos at Evanston Township High School.

Adjunct Professor of Jazz Piano at Elmhurst University (2024-01 – Present)

Online Course Designer and Instructor at Jazz at Lincoln Center (2024-01 – 2024-12)

• Designed and taught a six-week online course on the music of Mary Lou Williams.

Associate Director of Music at Advent Lutheran Church (2015-01 – 2016-12)

Interim Minister of Music / Artist-in-Residence / Assistant Musician at Park Avenue Christian Church (2012-01 – 2015-12)

• Composed ten choral works in contemporary classical and gospel styles, plus congregational music.

Adjunct Assistant Professor at LaGuardia Community College (2015-01 – 2015-12)

• Taught theory and musicianship.

Visiting Faculty at Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music (2012-01 – 2012-12)

• Taught Brazilian music history, contemporary jazz harmony, composition, and arranging.

Director of Music at All Angels' Episcopal Church (1997-01 – 2000-12)

• Composed two jazz Masses, gospel choir arrangements, and congregational music.

PhD in Jazz Studies/Musicology – University of Pittsburgh (2024-12)

MA in Jazz Studies – The City College of New York (2008-12)

BM in Piano Performance – Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL (1993-12)