SEAN LEBITA

Nebraska/Michigan based Jazz Musician | Collaborative Pianist | Educator

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ABOUT ME

SHORT BIO

Sean Lebita is a jazz and collaborative pianist from Nebraska currently based in Michigan. He is pursuing a master’s degree in jazz studies as a graduate teaching assistant at Michigan State University. Known for being a “swiss army knife pianist”, he is able to fit in nearly any musical situation which has made him a highly sought after musician all across the Midwest. As a bandleader, Sean released his debut album, “Rose-Tinted Glasses” with his Nebraska quintet in late 2024, and is working towards another album set to release in late 2026 or early 2027. He has also been a sideman for various groups, including the Nebraska Vocal Jazz Project, Dana Murray and the NOMA Jazz Ambassadors, Gunhild Carling, and has made multiple appearances with the Omaha Symphony. Alongside his jazz experience, he has a BM in Piano Performance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, spent several years as a collaborative pianist for choirs, and is an avid chamber musician. In his free time, Sean is a huge Pokemon nerd and loves boba tea.

LONG BIO

Sean Lebita is a collaborative and jazz pianist from Nebraska, but currently based in Michigan. He is pursuing a master’s degree in jazz studies as a graduate teaching assistant at Michigan State University, studying with esteemed pianist Xavier Davis. He is known for his energetic and passion filled performances which made him a highly sought after musician all across Nebraska, and is making a breakthrough in the Eastern Michigan scene. In Nebraska, he has performed many times in Lincoln’s coveted venue, the Lied Center for Performing Arts, as well as made appearances with the Omaha Symphony. Sean’s diverse set of skills allow him to be a jazz and classical pianist, accompanist, and chamber musician. Sean graduated magna cum laude with a BM in Piano Performance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, studying under Dr. Paul Barnes. While there, he won the Nebraska MTNA Young Artist competition for piano in 2018. He was also selected for the Glenn Korff School of Music Distinguished Undergraduate Artist/Scholar award in 2021. As a bandleader, Sean leads his own groups, the Sean Lebita Quartet/Quintet. In 2024, the Sean Lebita Quintet recorded his debut album, "Rose Tinted Glasses", a six-track collection of his own composition and arrangements. He also plays keys for the Nebraska Vocal Jazz Project, Bird Watching, Prism Trio, and is an in demand sideman for various musicians and genres around the Nebraska and Michigan area.In addition to performing, Sean takes great pride as an educator. At Michigan State, Sean teaches multiple jazz piano lab classes as well as private lessons. He was also selected to be a teaching assistant for the Brevard Jazz Institute in 2024 and 2025. He has also been teaching for his own private studio since 2019. In 2022-2024, Sean worked at Lincoln Northeast High School as a collaborative pianist and show band director, and frequently taught and assisted the choirs. He was also selected to be a TA for the Brevard Jazz Institute in 2024 and 2025. He also helps clinic high school jazz bands in the Lincoln area, notably being one of the first clinicians with the Ursus Jazz Festival at Standing Bear High School, as well as helping with collegiate chamber musician coaching. He also collaborates with many pianists online, giving lectures and masterclasses, along with hosting online recitals.In his free time, Sean is a huge Pokemon nerd, enjoys coffee shops and boba tea, speedsolves 3x3 Rubik's cubes (he averages 12 seconds), and plays card games. His favorite band is Jukebox the Ghost, and he loves the color pink.

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