Arlene McDaniel

Jazz Piano

Arlene McDaniel is an instructor of jazz piano at the Michigan State University Community Music School.

Ms. McDaniel received her Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition with an Emphasis on Jazz Composition and Performance from Michigan State University.

As a jazz performer, Ms. McDaniel performs with the Lansing-based Arlene McDaniel Trio, which released a CD in January 2009 which continues to receive nationwide airplay. In addition to her jazz trio, Ms. McDaniel has also played in many ensembles, the most recent performance being with The Truth in Jazz Orchestra. She has also served as the accompanist for the MSU Vocal Jazz Ensemble.

At the Community Music School, Ms. McDaniel teaches students jazz piano (piano experience required), theory, composition and arranging.

Along with giving lessons at CMS, Ms. McDaniel teaches jazz piano and improvisation as a private studio teacher. She was an adjunct faculty member at Olivet College where she gave lessons on musical improvisation on all instruments and served as director of the jazz ensemble and the assistant and accompanist to the vocal jazz ensemble.

Ms. McDaniel is also currently a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).