About this Artist

Josh Childs is a pianist, composer, and arranger born and raised in New Jersey. The youngest of 6 siblings with 5 older sisters, Josh became curious about the piano by listening to his sisters play when he was just 3 years old. Not classically trained, Josh learned piano by ear throughout his childhood and took lessons with a local pianist. Josh arrived at Jazz music later in high school after being introduced to the music of Duke Ellington. This was the catalyst for Josh’s love and curiosity of Jazz history, improvisation, and composition. He quickly started studying jazz piano right before heading off to the University of Vermont. Josh chose to study other subjects at university, but his love of music kept him performing and taking lessons simultaneously. Although not a music major, he participated in several ensembles in the music department and learned a great deal from the professors and adjunct faculty. Josh performed in renowned trumpeter Ray Vega’s band regularly while in Vermont, sparking his love for Latin Jazz and Afro-Cuban music. He graduated in 2019 with a double major Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Computer Science and completed a Master’s degree in the latter the following year. Since moving to Southern California in 2021, Josh has been an active member of the LA music scene diving into various genres. He has performed with artists such as Marvin “Smitty” Smith and Ralph Moore and continues to strive to be a part of the ever growing music community in LA. Josh is currently the pianist for the Moraga South American Jazz collective, led by percussionist and drummer Christian Moraga. He also teaches private lessons, arranges, composes, and performs with many other groups across LA. Josh is currently writing and recording music for his first album release this year.