Justin Kessler
Justin Kessler
I am a lifelong jazz pianist with over a decade of experience in the musical instrument and pro audio sales industry in Nashville, TN. I look forward to getting to know each customer, the music they listen to, and the dreams they have for making music. Sharing my knowledge about the tools of our industry to help make those dreams come true is my passion and my privilege.
As your personal contact here at Sweetwater, please let me know anytime I can offer help or advice.
(800) 222-4700 ext 3056
E-mail Justin-
Education/Certifications:
I studied Music Education at Ball State University, and received private instruction in jazz piano at Vaparaiso University. I also completed the highly technical course load at Sweetwater University before representing the company as a Sales Engineer.
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Technical strengths:
I have been classically trained in piano and voice since childhood and I have an extensive background as a jazz pianist. I play guitar as a hobby and I have a passion for great blues, jazz, and classic rock guitar tone. I also record in my home studio.
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Instruments you play:
Piano and guitar
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Gear you own:
Roland 88 key stage piano; vintage synthesizers from the 80s and 90s by Roland, Yamaha, and Ensoniq; Fender Telecaster; Fender Blues Jr; Guitar effect pedals by Boss, Electro-Harmonix, and T.C. Electronic, Taylor Acoustic, recording equipment by Steinberg, JBL, Shure, and others.
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Personal motto:
Success without integrity is failure.
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What did you dream about doing for a living when you were growing up?
When I was quite young I wanted to be a writer, but I haven't wanted to do anything other than work with music since my late teens.
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What in your background prepared you most to help your customers with their audio needs?
Living in Nashville, I had every kind of musician as a client, from free-spirited buskers playing for change on the street, to world famous platinum selling artists. It taught me how to be a professional with each client, and help them find the gear for whatever their goals are.
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Who are some of the notable artists you've worked with?
It has been my privilege to have provided gear and advice to great musicians including Stevie Wonder, George Clinton, Ben Folds, Bela Fleck, Victor Wooten, John Oates, Johnny Hiland, Derek St. Holmes, Steppenwolf, Ronnie Milsap, Gavin Rossdale, The Raconteurs, and many others.
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Links to my music
Piano:
Wave Mechanics Union. "The Rain Song." 2008. Second Season. HXMusic.
https://youtu.be/9ADX6DcZuVI
Piano and Co-Producer:
Wave Mechanics Union. "Selfless, Cold, and Composed." 2012. Further to Fly
https://youtu.be/x8k0TUOdMl4
Interview with Justin...
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I had emailed a question about a MIDI controller keyboard. Justin Kessler called me back to answer my questions. He realized-- from my initial email and from the questions he asked me--that what I was really wanting was an electric piano keyboard which had the ability to be hooked up to a computer. I had not really understood before what exactly a MIDI controller keyboard was. Thank goodness Justin called! I had in fact ordered the wrong thing from Amazon that very afternoon, but after I talked to Justin, I was able to cancel that order and instead got a Casio from Sweetwater. We are very happy with it! I am also very happy to give our business to Sweetwater since I appreciate the personal attention. Thanks,
Heather from Staten Island, NY
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I received outstanding customer service from Justin in sales. He was extremely knowledgeable of the perfect guitar for me and quite professional. I'm a beginner and after speaking with Justin for quite some time, I purchased the perfect guitar for me. I also purchased accessories to aid in my adventure of learning guitar. Thank you Justin; Sweetwater, you have an excellent employee with Justin so I thank you as well. Love my guitar and when I need more equipment, Sweetwater is the place for me.
Denise from Fredericksburg, TX
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Really appreciated a knowledgeable SE...Justin was outstanding on all fronts...really took the time to understand my particular needs...
David from Bethany Beach, DE
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Excellent service. Justin gives 5 star customer service and goes that extra mile calling you to check in and seeing if I need anything. That means alot. You don't get that anywhere else. That little bag of candy was a nice thought too.
Bennie from Crimora, VA
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Absolutely stellar customer service from Justin and staff at Sweetwater. The Ibanez A/E I received is just amazing...I love it and I've always loved ordering from you guys.
Daniel from Manchester Township, NJ
