Max Gage

Piano

Max Gage is a young, self-taught pianist from Grand Rapids who specializes in creativity and artistic ingenuity. As a young musician, Max always followed his ear and began teaching himself piano by improvising over classical piano pieces and playing the other instrument parts in band class. Max became the youngest member to ever join the Grand Rapids symphonette at 12 years old, playing both clarinet and piano.

His talent quickly caught the attention of local musicians, who introduced him to the great jazz pianist Jeremy Siskind. Inspired by Siskind's ability to improvise over any style, Max started his jazz career in late high school and received the Jamie Aebersoeld Best Soloist Award as the All-State Jazz Pianist in his first year. The next year, he was selected for the District X All-Star band and was recognized at the Savannah Jazz Festival.

Max has become one of the most in-demand jazz pianists in Michigan and leads his own Trio that can be found playing at clubs and venues all over Michigan. Max has been featured at multiple festivals around Michigan and has recorded with Michael Dease and Jackson Hacias. He has performed in Europe twice, most recently as the house pianist for the Seabourn Encore, which toured the Middle East and Southern
Europe. Some of his notable collaborations include Walter Blanding, Michael Dease, Randy Napoleon, Sarah Reich, and Carmen Bradford. Max now studies jazz at Michigan State, where he focuses on his passion for the development of both music and people.