About

Joseph Kruse is a pianist based in Stockton, California. He currently studies classical music at University of the Pacific’s conservatory, but don’t let that fool you. He experiments with multiple mediums to perform with the farthest and smallest voices he can. Joseph’s sole mission is to form connections between people through music. He has performed in a variety of Stockton’s many stages. Joseph has been found in Tillie Lewis Theater performing Jazz, on Atherton’s stage playing with wind ensembles and orchestras, and Whirlow’s jazz scene. Joseph has been mainly found in Delta College’s recital hall performing solo piano programs, described by audiences as “raw” and “passionate.”

Joseph has since broadened his repertoire to the music of different cultures. He studies the music of Ethiopia and its variety of instruments. With the help of the Ethiopian dance community of the bay area, Joseph is working to compose for small ensembles to contribute to their art. He has also toured around the valley with the Azores Band of Escalon, performing in small parades and the large Portuguese events hosted in Artesia. The band has asked him not only to perform, but conduct performances and compose pieces for the group. Joseph has since been invited to give a tour on the Portuguese’ Azores islands in the Summer of 2020. Although cancelled due to COVID-19, he is expecting to make an appearance in 2022.

Joseph has also ventured into electronic music and recording, beginning projects at home on his computer. He has been recording music at home during the COVID-19 pandemic to encourage his peers and continue to connect with his quarantined audiences. His series of recordings includes solo piano recitals, Jazz ensembles with friends, video analysis of compositions and transcriptions, and experimenting with the rhythms and modes of various cultures. Joseph’s main goal is to share with others the joy, inspiration, and curiosity that music gives him.