bIO
Kendrik McKinney is an Oklahoma City–based pianist, keyboardist, bandleader, arranger, and educator. Coming from a family of jazz musicians, he began classical piano training at age five and grew up immersed in a wide range of styles—from Coltrane and Bill Evans to Bach, Prince, Stevie Wonder, and George Clinton.
A sought-after pianist and in-demand music director throughout the southern United States, Kendrik has toured and recorded with multiple groups across the country, performing at the Monterey Jazz Festival, Sunset Jazz Festival, and recording on PBS’s Sun Studio Sessions. He has shared the stage with legend as such as Wayne Newton, John Daversa, Mark Lettieri (Snarky Puppy), The Drifters, The Platters, Terrence Blanchard, Rob Schneider (Comedian), Shawn Stockman (Boyz II Men), RC Williams, and many others.
In 2022, he founded Kendrik McKinney Productions, producing over 15 sold-out concerts that have set a new standard for intentional live shows in Oklahoma and beyond. His productions include A Tribute to the Purple One (Prince tribute), A Toast to Toby Keith, and The Message of Art: An Art Blakey Experience.
Kendrik is also a dedicated music educator, guiding students of all levels to develop both technical mastery and artistic identity. His approach blends classical discipline, jazz language, pop repertoire, and modern creativity, making him a trusted mentor for aspiring musicians.
He currently lives in Oklahoma City, performing with more than a dozen ensembles. Outside of music, he enjoys traveling and golf, and is happily married with three children.