Justin Bird is an acclaimed pianist and teacher whose fresh interpretations include an affinity for underrated repertoire. He has performed with New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, amongst others. During his studies in the USA, Justin won concerto competitions awarding performances with both Florida State University Philharmonia and the Indiana University Orchestra.
Justin began his studies in Auckland with Rae de Lisle, followed by Bryan Sayer. He continued in the USA with Read Gainsford at Ithaca College and Florida State University, and Marian Hahn at the Peabody Institute. Justin then moved to Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music to complete a Doctorate in Music studying with André Watts.
Justin has been sharing his love for music since the 1990s, always maintaining a private studio as well as teaching piano in different colleges and schools. After his Associate Instructorship at Indiana University, he taught at Vincennes University as Adjunct Faculty, and was then appointed as Artist Faculty at Omaha Conservatory of Music in Nebraska.
Now living in New Zealand, Justin teaches students in his Auckland studio, performs viola with various orchestras and ensembles, and tunes pianos.