jazz vocalist, songwriter, teacher, multi-instrumentalist, etc.
Biography
Kiersten Conway is a dynamic songwriter, contemporary jazz vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist, known for her innovative approach to both jazz standards and original compositions. A native of Iowa City, she has built an impressive performance résumé, gracing venues such as Noce Jazz Club and Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines, as well as the Iowa City Jazz Festival. In 2024, she showcased her talents at the Rochester International Jazz Festival alongside Laila Biali and at the prestigious Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans. A three-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner (2023–2025), Kiersten has been recognized as a Vocal Jazz Soloist and for her original composition Black-Eyed Susan. She is currently at the University of North Texas, where she studies with Rosana Eckert and Jennifer Barnes, serves as the vocalist for the Three O’Clock Lab Band, and sings in the vocal ensemble Avenue C. Her work reflects a bold, creative voice shaping the future of jazz.
Born and raised in Iowa City, Iowa, Kiersten Conway began her musical journey under the mentorship of Joel Foreman at Solon High School, where she discovered a deep passion for music. She went on to study at Central College with Gabriel Espinosa before transferring to the School for Music Vocations (SMV) at Southwestern Community College. At SMV, Kiersten trained under Dr. Jeremy Fox, Tobi Crawford, and Dr. Tyler Thomas, developing into a versatile multi-instrumentalist and vocalist with skills spanning jazz, classical piano, bass, drums, guitar, songwriting, and production.
During her time at SMV, Kiersten performed with the jazz choirs Audio Radiance and First Take, the Pop Ensemble, and the singer-songwriter group Multiplicity. She also played drums in the Townline Septet while producing and recording original work in the studio. This wide-ranging experience led to her Associate’s Degree in Professional Music and laid the foundation for her dynamic career.
Kiersten’s performance résumé includes many of the Midwest’s top venues, such as Noce Jazz Club and Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines, as well as the Iowa City Jazz Festival. In 2024, she appeared at the Rochester International Jazz Festival alongside Laila Biali and performed at the Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference in New Orleans.
Recognized for both her vocal artistry and compositional voice, Kiersten is a three-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner in the Vocal Jazz Soloist category (2023, 2024, 2025). Her original song Black-Eyed Susan earned a 2024 DownBeat award for Original Composition, and in 2025 she received national recognition as a member of the Eastman Jazz Voice Ensemble, which was honored in the Large Vocal Jazz Ensemble category. Her solo on “‘Round Midnight” was additionally named Outstanding Soloist.
Kiersten released her debut single Black-Eyed Susan in July 2024, followed by her first full-length album Prescribed Burn: The Voice Memo Archives that November. Both projects highlight her ability to fuse jazz with personal storytelling, marking her as a fresh and innovative voice in contemporary jazz.
From 2024–2025, Kiersten studied jazz voice at the Eastman School of Music under Grammy Award-winning vocalist Sara Gazarek. She is currently finishing her undergraduate studies at the University of North Texas, where she studies with Rosana Eckert and Jennifer Barnes. At UNT, Kiersten serves as the vocalist for the Three O’Clock Lab Band and sings in the vocal ensemble Avenue C.
Through her performances, writing, and recordings, Kiersten continues to push the boundaries of jazz while honoring its traditions. Her work reflects both artistic growth and a commitment to shaping her own distinct voice within today’s music scene.
