Joe Williams is an active pianist, scholar, visual arts curator and proud uncle from Tacoma, WA. He holds a B.M. in Piano Performance from Oberlin Conservatory and a M.M. in Piano Performance from Cleveland State University. He has been invited to perform at venues across the country including Merkin Hall in NYC and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., as well as abroad in the Middle East.
Williams’ transformational leadership touches many communities and sectors within the arts: he is currently researching Florence Price's keyboard catalogue having been awarded the 2022 Paul Charosh Independent Scholar Fellowship from the Society for American Music; he serves on the Tacoma Arts Commission; he is on the curator roster for the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA); he is a member of the international DEI committee for Music Teachers National Association.
An educator at heart, Williams is Director of Programs at The Residency. The Residency seeks to build a powerful community of young hip-hop artists equipped with the artistic and leadership skills, business acumen, and mentorship necessary to become professional artists and cultural change makers. Through their participation in The Residency, young artists from low-income families in the Seattle area acquire tangible artistic and professional skills while also gaining confidence, teamwork, and a deepened understanding of their own identity and power.
He sincerely feels honored to co-create vibrant and embodied worship experiences at Plymouth in tandem with the Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown.
Contact Joe at JWilliams@PlymouthChurchSeattle.org.