Pianist, vocalist, and composer

Dawn Clement is a joyful and formidable force in the landscape of modern creative music. For over two decades, Clement has served as both a torchbearer of the jazz tradition and a trailblazer in fresh sonic explorations. “In all this world of jazz, there are very few individual voices, no matter what the instrument, but Dawn has come up with a voice that’s unique…” says legendary jazz trombonist Julian Priester.

Clement’s original music is an expansive collection that features her distinctive musical voice across genres, styles, and settings. Her six albums as a leader showcase her impressive range—from master of the jazz piano trio to avant-garde improviser to expressive songwriter and vocalist who effortlessly bridges jazz, indie, and alternative sounds. DownBeat writes, “The revelation is Dawn Clement’s piano, always ready with the lyricism or structure the moment needs.”

As a collaborator, Clement shines. She has performed with jazz luminaries including Jane Ira Bloom, Ron Miles, René Marie, and Julian Priester, and recorded with säje on their GRAMMYnominated debut album, touring internationally with the ensemble.

Clement has been busy recording of late with several exciting projects including: a self-released trio project with guitarist Steve Kovalcheck and bassist Jon Hamar (September, ’24), and Sound & Fury, Esthesis Quartet’s latest release, featuring Guitarist Bill Frisell (May ’25, *Sunnyside records), and her most recent release, Delight with legendary bassist Buster Williams and drummer Matt Wilson (May ’25, Origin records).

Delight is a “legacy trio” project recorded at the storied Maggie’s Farm in Pennsylvania. Born from both serendipity and intention, Delight captures a spirit of connection, lineage, and joy, its title taken from Buster’s closing words of the session: “Matthew, this has been a delight.”

Clement also continues to expand her compositional and collaborative world with tribute to the music of Blossom Dearie, featuring Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton, and Steve Kovalcheck. This is an evocative new project that explores renewal, presence, and the art of transformation and will make it’s appearance Spring of 2026.

In addition to her performing and recording career, Clement is a dedicated educator and mentor. She serves as Associate Professor and Area Coordinator of Jazz and American Improvised Music at Metropolitan State University of Denver, and is a sought-after guest artist and clinician for festivals and workshops across the country. In 2025, she was appointed Artistic Director of Centrum’s Jazz Port Townsend Workshop and Festival, succeeding the legendary John Clayton.

Clement holds a Bachelor of Music from Cornish College of the Arts and a Master of Fine Arts in Music Composition from Vermont College of the Arts. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now makes her home in Denver, Colorado, while maintaining strong ties to both the Seattle and Denver music communities. She continues to balance the ever-evolving dance of teaching, composing, performing, and parenting—remaining, above all, a devoted student of sound, spirit, and connection.