Julie Koenig is an accomplished multi-genre vocalist, pianist, and educator based in Fort Collins, CO. Her sound is influenced by the traditions of jazz and blues; key inspirations include Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Anita O’Day, Carole King, and Joni Mitchell.
A pianist since the age of 7, Julie often accompanies herself as a solo performer in both jazz and pop/rock styles. She is a lifelong learner and constantly seeking a deeper, more meaningful understanding of her art.
performance | Julie is an active vocalist, pianist and songwriter in Northern Colorado. She performs regularly at local venues, both as a soloist and with her band, The Thistle Tones. Julie has toured 7 Midwest states with her jazz trio (Domi Edson, Mckenna Reeve). In 2023, she performed at the 20th annual Five Points Jazz Festival in Denver, CO. Julie is passionate about increasing the visibility of women in jazz; her first album and tour featured all female musicians.
Originally from Ohio, Julie performed for several years in the Columbus area, both as a member of the Columbus Symphony Chorus and as a freelance musician. She currently works as a lead vocalist and pianist at Center for Spiritual Living NoCo, and as a pianist for Foothills Unitarian Church.
education | Julie earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education at Otterbein University (Westerville, OH) in 2013. After teaching for several years and studying with renowned jazz vocalist Kim Nazarian, Julie continued her education at the University of Northern Colorado, where she completed her Master’s degree in Jazz Studies (2019). While at UNC, Julie studied with Julia Dollison and Kerry Marsh, and sang with the premier vocal jazz ensemble, Vocal Lab. This DownBeat award-winning group had the distinct honor of performing with Bobby McFerrin in 2018. Julie received a 2019 DownBeat Student Music Award for Outstanding Performance in the Graduate Vocal Soloist category.
teaching | Julie is currently an adjunct instructor of Applied Voice, Applied Piano, and Class Piano at Laramie County Community College (Cheyenne, WY), and instructor of voice and piano at Flourish Music Academy (Greeley, CO). She has also worked as a clinician and adjudicator for events in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Julie has taught in both classroom and one-on-one settings since 2012, and is a strong proponent of the growth mindset.