Dabin Ryu, a jazz pianist, arranger, and composer from Seoul, South Korea, embodies the essence of musical dedication and artistry. Her journey in music began at the age of four when she first laid her hands on the piano keys. Initially immersed in the world of classical piano, she later expanded her musical horizons by exploring contemporary styles in middle school.

Jazz, with its deep sense of improvisation and expressive freedom, captivated Dabin during her early years, shaping the foundation of her musical exploration. Her dedication earned her a full scholarship to Gimcheon Art High School, where she refined her craft across various contemporary genres. She quickly garnered recognition, winning 3rd Prize at the Kyunghyang Music Competition and 1st Prize at the Star N Wars High School Music Competition, solidifying her place in the jazz arena.

At 19, Dabin formed her own band, performing at festivals and concert halls while developing her voice as both a composer and performer. She continued her studies at Howon University on a full scholarship, where she deepened her understanding of composition and performance.

 

Eager to expand her musical horizons, she moved to the United States after being awarded a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music. At Berklee, she pursued a double major in Piano Performance and Jazz Composition, immersing herself in a wealth of musical opportunities. She collaborated on Ralph Peterson's next-gen big band album I Remember Bu and performed alongside Grammy-winning musicians such as Neal Smith and Godwin Louis at renowned venues like Smalls Jazz Club and Dizzy’s Club.

After graduating, Dabin moved to New York to continue her studies, earning a master's degree from the Manhattan School of Music before being accepted into the prestigious Artist Diploma Program at The Juilliard School. There, she honed her artistry among some of the most talented musicians of her generation.

 

Her versatility and skill as a sideman have led to collaborations with world-renowned artists, including Ralph Peterson, Billy Harper, Bill Pierce, Godwin Louis, Johnathan Blake, Rodney Jones, Carl Allen, Jaleel Shaw, and David Virelles. As a member of David Virelles' Nosotros ensemble, she further expanded her musical language through collaborations with forward-thinking artists.

Dabin's artistic journey continued to flourish as she engaged in various collaborative projects and recordings, leaving a lasting impact on the jazz community. Her contributions to award-winning singer April Varner’s EP Hummingbird, composer Seulah Noh’s album NohMAD, Happi Medium’s album Happi Medium, and Jake Richter’s album Listen to the Birds, among others, highlight her depth as a musician. Additionally, her involvement in groups such as the Newport Jazz Assembly Band, The Modern Collective (a music & poetry collaboration), Happi Medium, and David Virelles’ Nosotros Ensemble have further solidified her reputation as an innovative and sought-after musician.

 

As a bandleader, Dabin has continued to push artistic boundaries. She led a tour in South Korea in 2019, performed at numerous venues, and released her debut album Wall in 2021 to critical acclaim. The album gained recognition from jazz magazines, critics, and radio shows, firmly establishing her as a compelling bandleader and composer. Her 2024 single, Earworm, further cemented her place as an emerging force in the jazz scene.

 

Dabin’s accolades reflect her unwavering commitment to her craft. She has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Outstanding Piano Award at the 2020 Jack Rudin Jazz Championship, 1st Prize at the 15th UNISA International Piano Competition, and was selected as a semi-finalist for the 2023 Herbie Hancock Jazz Competition. Most recently, she was awarded the 2025 Jazz Gallery Residency Commission, an honor recognizing her contributions to contemporary jazz and her potential as a forward-thinking composer.

 

Beyond her performance career, Dabin is also a dedicated educator, serving as an Associate Professor in the Piano Department at Berklee College of Music. As she continues to evolve as both an artist and educator, Dabin Ryu remains a beacon of inspiration, poised to leave an indelible imprint on the world of jazz for years to come.