About
Kayla Waters is a chart-topping jazz pianist, composer, producer, and music director known for her expressive blend of contemporary jazz, R&B, and classical influences. Born into a musical family and introduced to music by her father — acclaimed smooth jazz saxophonist Kim Waters — she began piano studies at a young age and went on to earn a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Howard University. As a recording artist she has achieved multiple number-one singles on the jazz charts and made history as the first female pianist to hold the top spot for six consecutive weeks.
As a live performer, Kayla brings warmth, technical precision, and emotional range to every stage. Her performances move between intricately crafted originals and inventive arrangements, showcasing her command of melody, harmony, and rhythm. She has shared the stage with legendary artists and played acclaimed festivals, theaters, and venues across the U.S. and abroad, connecting with audiences through both virtuosic playing and heartfelt expression.
Beyond performance, Waters is a creative leader — producing, composing, and directing music that reflects her depth of training and personal voice. At the core of her work is a belief in music as a vessel for connection, inspiration, and shared experience, delivered with grace and artistic purpose.