Naomi Nakanishi is a Brooklyn-based pianist, composer, and educator. Their practice is rooted in creative bravery, informed by sounds inspired by experimental jazz, classical contemporary, and songwriters, a reflection of their love for improvisation. Naomi leans into playful and intentional practice, guided by intergenerational, diverse communities that challenge tradition and nurture exploration.   

As a bandleader and sought-after collaborator, Naomi has performed at esteemed venues including Roulette Intermedium, The Kennedy Center, Dizzy’s Club, Birdland Jazz Club, and the Academy Museum. Their works have been recognized by Chamber Music of America, United States Artists, and the Asian Arts Initiative. Naomi regularly performs and composes for their piano trio Whimsy, jazz quartet Ikioi, Sparrows duo with vocalist Judette Elliston, experimental trio Three-Thread, which features tap dance, synthesizer, and tenor saxophone. 

Naomi is a recipient of Chamber Music America’s 2025 Performance Plus Grant, which allowed them to record their debut album, Ikioi, produced by Anna Webber and Marta Sanchez, set to release in 2028. Additionally, Three-Thread’s debut album Three-Thread will be released in April 2027 on Endectomorph Music. As a collaborator, Naomi is a key member of Miranda Agnew’s Teeter, The Grace Fox Big Band, Sam Margolis Sextet, and Laura Orzehoski Quartet.

Other recent work includes improvising album Nameless Network (2026)released on People’s Music Supply, Mirrored Hands (2023) commissioned by Mutual Mentorship for Musicians, and Oath of the Sword (2023) an original film score commissioned by the Japanese American National Museum. 

Naomi holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the Eastman School of Music and Master’s from Berklee College of Music.