Jamar A. Woods, pianist etc.

Jamar first discovered his love for making music at age 5. He was born into a musical family going back several generations with both of his grandfathers being touring musicians. His parents soon noticed his affinity for piano and encouraged him to seek out knowledge wherever he could find it. At age 8 he began formal piano lessons studying classical and worship music. At age 11 he picked a second instrument, the French horn, and continued to play it through college. At age 12 he was made the principal pianist at Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church. This included playing during worship services, directing both children's and adult choirs, and traveling throughout the state to perform at various church functions. Throughout high school, he participated in and won several piano, French horn, and voice competitions.

After high school, he attended the University of North Florida and obtained a Bachelor's degree in Classical Piano Performance with a concentration in composition. During this time he had the opportunity to perform at both Carnegie Hall and The Lincoln Center on his secondary instrument the French horn.

After college, Jamar moved to Asheville and toured the country as the lead singer and keyboardist of The Fritz, James Brown Dance Party, and Jazz is PHSH.

Jamar currently plays with the Asheville Symphony who have premiered several of his arrangments for orchestra. He received a certificate as a featured artist on a Grammy Award-winning album by Asheville's Secret Agent 23 Skidoo.

In his free time, Jamar enjoys reading, rock climbing, mountain biking, and spending time with his wife.