Recording and performing artist Dr. Kristi Kruse has been entertaining audiences in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas with her moving and versatile piano music for several years. With a style that can range from Oscar Peterson to George Winston, Kristi is a highly sought-after artist that never fails to draw a crowd at social venues around the city.
With a Doctor of Musical Arts degree, Kristi divides her time between teaching and performing. As owner, manager, and musical director of Kristi Kruse Studios in Roseville, MN; a faculty music instructor at St. Joseph’s School of Music in St. Paul; and a former teaching assistant at the University of Minnesota’s School of Music, Kristi has worked with students of all ages and abilities. From the young pupil just learning to play, to the experienced pianist struggling with performance anxiety, Kristi’s calm sense of purpose and inspiring ability to motivate makes her one of the most in-demand teachers in the metro.
In addition to running her own studio, teaching, publishing in national music journals, and self-producing recordings that include her own original compositions, Kristi still finds time for performing. Her vivid, unforgettable style makes her the “go-to” pianist for both solo performances and with groups and bands. Her start as a pianist for Dayton’s department stores launched her into a career at many up-scale local venues such as Maggiano’s Little Italy, Sophia’s, and the legendary jazz venue Rossi’s Blue Star Room. Her full calendar of events also includes touring, most recently with Five By Design and David Wells.
