Armen Donelian
Armenian-American jazz pianist and composer (b. 1950)
About Armen Donelian
Born 1950. Armen Donelian is an American pianist, jazz musician, music professor, music arranger and composer.
Armen Hrant Donelian (born December 1, 1950) is a jazz pianist, composer, educator and author.
Donelian was classically trained at the Westchester Conservatory of Music in White Plains, New York. He has appeared since 1975 as a featured soloist and bandleader, and with an array of jazz musicians, including Sonny Rollins, in international venues. A composer of over 100 works reflecting Classical, Middle Eastern and jazz influences, Donelian has produced 13 albums. He has received multiple awards as a Fulbright Senior Scholar and Specialist and an NEA Jazz Fellow. An educator at several New York institutions for 30 years, including The New School and William Paterson University, Donelian is also the author of Training The Ear Vol. 1 & 2 and offers master classes at leading throughout the world. A graduate of Columbia University and private student of Michael Pollon, Carl Bamberger, Ludmila Ulehla, Harold Seletsky and Richie Beirach, Donelian is the co-founder with Marc Mommaas of the Hudson Jazz Workshop.
Discography
As leader/co-leader
As sideman With Billy Harper Trying to Make Heaven My Home (MPS, 1979) The Believer (Baystate, 1980) The Billy Harper Quintet (Poljazz, 1981) Jazz Jamboree 1980 Various Artists (Polskie Nagrania Muza, 1983)
With Mongo Santamaria Afro-Indio (Vaya/Fania, 1975) Sofrito (Vaya/Fania, 1976) Mongo and Justo (Vaya/Fania, 1976) A La Carte (Vaya/Fania, 1976)
With Night Ark Moments (RCA/Novus, 1987) In Wonderland (PolyGram/EmArcy, 1996) Petals on Your Path (PolyGram/EmArcy, 1999)
With Bobby Vince Paunetto Commit to Memory (Pathfinder, 1976; Bomba, 1998) Composer in Public (RSVP, 1996) Reconstituted (RSVP, 1999)
With Rory Stuart Nightwork (Cadence, 1984) Hurricane (Sunnyside, 1987)
With Datevik Hovanesian Listen to My Heart (Sony, 1998)
With Julie Lyonn Lieberman Mixing America (Huiksi, 1996)
With Roy Ayers Step into Our Life (Polydor, 1978)
With Cosmology Cosmology (Vanguard, 1978)
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Important facts
People in Armen Donelian's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Armen Donelian's
Frequently asked questions
Who is Armen Donelian?
Armenian-American jazz pianist and composer (b. 1950)
When was Armen Donelian born?
Armen Donelian was born on 1 December 1950 in New York City.
What is Armen Donelian's occupation?
Armen Donelian is a pianist, jazz musician, music professor, music arranger and composer.
What nationality is Armen Donelian?
Armen Donelian is American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Armen Donelian. https://biography.guide/armen-donelian/
MLA: "Armen Donelian." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/armen-donelian/.
Chicago: "Armen Donelian." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/armen-donelian/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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