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 (Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone), as well as pop, rock, and soul.
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 maintains an active performing schedule along the Front Range, including small local venues, acclaimed Denver jazz clubs Nocturne and Dazzle, and private events. She performs both as a soloist and with and with her band, The Thistle Tones. Julie also works as a pianist and backup vocalist for other artists. Highlights include two summer tours across the Midwest with her jazz trio (Domi Edson, Mckenna Reeve) and the 2023 Five Points Jazz Festival in Denver, CO.
As a songwriter, Julie is known for her honest, self-reflective lyrics and genre-bending sound, influenced by jazz, rock and soul, and songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Carole King. She has released two albums: Renaissance Woman (2021), a collection of jazz standards and originals played by an all-female quartet, and Intruder (2024), a 5-track EP of original songs.
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 pianist and vocalist as 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 and 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; most recently, she directed the treble vocal ensemble at Wyoming All-State Jazz. Julie has taught in both classroom and one-on-one settings since 2012, and is a strong proponent of the growth mindset.