about me

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Hi! I'm Joseph Rivero. I'm a pianist, worship musician, and teacher, with experience spanning concert, church, and studio settings. My work draws on classical, jazz, and faith-centered traditions, blending these influences in both performance and instruction.

My musical journey began by starting piano at age six as I studied under mentors including the late Dr. Richard Lopez and jazz pianist Robert Mason, as well as trumpet with Joshua Decker and Jim Daniels. By age fourteen, I began performing paid jazz gigs at local venues, gaining early experience in professional settings. 

My journey then led me to the award-winning Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida, where I performed with the Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble I, and Jazz Combo. During this time, I performed in festivals and competitions, including All-State ensembles, DownBeat Student Awards, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, and the JEN Conference.

I’ve had the privilege of playing piano in concert and church settings, serving under Christian leaders such as Gabriel Storm and Andrew Aggrey. These experiences have shaped my playing into something expressive, personal, and rooted in worship and servanthood.

Alongside worship work in the church, I currently teach over twenty students each week at a respected Jacksonville music academy as I further my studies at Southeastern University Jacksonville as a Worship Arts student. My teaching combines structure and creativity, helping students grow in technique, confidence, and focus while discovering the joy of music as a gift from God.