Biography

Michael Ragonese, a highly accomplished jazz pianist and composer based in Los Angeles, has been immersed in music for over 25 years. Born and raised in LA, his musical journey began with classical piano and later evolved into a deep passion for jazz during his high school years. This pivotal shift led him to pursue a degree in jazz piano at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where he earned top honors at festivals like Reno and Monterey and was recognized as an outstanding soloist. Since graduating, Ragonese has become one of the most sought-after young pianists of his generation, performing, touring, and recording with legends such as Barbra Streisand, Walter Smith III, Mark Turner, Charnett Moffett, Bennie Maupin, Dave Koz, Rick Braun, Norman Brown, Alphonso Johnson, John Daversa, Tierney Sutton, Stanley Jordan, Engelbert Humperdinck, Sue Raney, Tom Jones, Shoshana Bean, Dave Binney, Bob Sheppard, and more.

Ragonese made his debut as a leader in 2019 with the release of Day to Day, featuring Walter Smith III. His second album, Stracci, arrived in 2023, honoring his Italian heritage and classical background.

 

After releasing five singles in 2024, Ragonese is now preparing for the release of his highly anticipated third album, Chasing Calm, due out October 10, 2025. The record showcases his quartet featuring Walter Smith III, JK Kim, and Luca Alemanno and represents his most personal and reflective work yet, blending modern jazz, classical textures, and complex rhythmic ideas.

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Beyond recording, Ragonese has headlined premier jazz venues across the U.S., presented masterclasses at top music institutions, and is embarking on an extensive U.S. tour in Fall 2025, with a European tour to follow in early 2026.

An equally passionate educator, Ragonese founded the Rags School of Music in 2021. In 2023, he launched the "Modern Artist" program with Alex Hahn, helping high school students prepare for music careers. In 2024, he partnered with Libretto Jazz Club in Paso Robles, CA—recognized by DownBeat Magazine as one of the top jazz clubs in the U.S.—to launch the Libretto Conservatory. This ongoing program, under the umbrella of the Rags School of Music, provides advanced training and mentorship for high school and college musicians pursuing professional careers in music.