CJ (Jake) Briggs is a music director, pianist, and educator with over a decade of experience leading choirs, performing across genres, and supporting students in their musical growth. He’s known for his versatility, collaborative spirit, and unmatched sensitivity and dynamic control at the piano—qualities that make him equally at home in a sanctuary, concert hall, or recording studio.

CJ’s musical journey began at The College of Wooster, where he earned his Bachelor of Music in Composition and premiered Josephine: A Bluegrass Opera as his senior capstone. With piano as his primary instrument, CJ brings both technical excellence and heartfelt expression to every note he plays—whether accompanying a choir, directing a musical theater production, or guiding a student through their first jazz chord progression.

Over the years, CJ has served as Music Director for community choruses, churches, and theaters throughout Ohio, including long-standing roles at Independence Presbyterian Church and the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Community Chorus. His work has spanned sacred music, jazz, musical theater, classical choral repertoire, and original composition. He's known for his ability to meet people where they are—musically and personally—and bring out their best.

As a private instructor, CJ has taught music to students of all ages and levels, with a special love for jazz, improvisation, and helping students develop their own musical voice. He currently offers lessons on Fiverr, virtually, and in-person, combining deep musical knowledge with warmth, patience, and humor.

Now based in the Bay Area, CJ is actively seeking new opportunities to collaborate, teach, accompany, and direct. Whether he's in a rehearsal room, at the keys, or coaching a student through a tricky passage, his joy in music is infectious.

Teaching specialties:

• Piano

• Guitar

• Songwriting

• Composition

• Jazz

• Voice

• Bluegrass & Country

• Children’s lessons