Ray Santisi

Raymond Santisi (October 24, 1928 – June 28, 2014) was an American jazz pianist and educator. He was best known for his work as a faculty member at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he taught for over 60 years. Santisi performed with numerous jazz legends, including Stan Getz, Buddy Rich, and Sonny Stitt, and he also released several albums as a bandleader.

Ray Santisi earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music and his Master's degree in Music Education from Boston University. He studied classical piano with Margaret Chaloff and jazz improvisation with John LaPorta.

Ray Santisi played a significant role in shaping the curriculum and pedagogy at the Berklee College of Music. He developed innovative techniques for teaching jazz piano, including the use of printed and recorded materials, which have been widely adopted by jazz educators worldwide. He mentored numerous aspiring musicians and influenced countless lives through his teaching.

Throughout his career, Ray Santisi received several awards and honors for his contributions to the field of music education. He received the Berklee College of Music's Distinguished Faculty Award in 1986 and was designated as a Distinguished Professor in 1996. Additionally, he was the recipient of the Jazz Educator of the Year Award from the Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education in 1999.

As a bandleader, Ray Santisi released several albums showcasing his skills as a jazz pianist. Some notable recordings include "Which Way to My Dream," "In the Spirit of Jazz," and "Portraits," which featured original compositions and arrangements. He also recorded as a sideman with renowned jazz musicians such as George Garzone, Herb Pomeroy, and Nick Brignola.