Dhiego Costa

Dhiego Costa is a versatile pianist and educator whose artistry spans classical, jazz, world, sacred, and popular music. His eclectic training embraces styles ranging from Brazilian jazz, Bossa Nova, and Latin jazz to pop, rock, and R&B, making him equally at home on the concert stage, in jazz clubs, in the classroom, and in the church.

Academically, Dhiego holds a Master’s degree in Jazz Piano from the University of Manitoba, where he also served as a teaching assistant, and a Post-Baccalaureate in Music Education from Candido Mendes University (Brazil). He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Piano and a Licenship in Music (Licenciatura em Música) in Brazil, a Bachelor’s degree in Sacred Music from the Baptist Theological Seminary of Northern Brazil, and is a certified music teacher. His Sacred Music studies have equipped him for an active role in music ministry, serving as a church pianist, choir director, and leader in worship bands and praise teams.

He has extensive experience preparing students for the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) examinations, from Preparatory A through Level 10, in both piano and theory. Currently, Dhiego teaches as a music educator and director of band and choir, combining strong academic foundations with dynamic ensemble leadership.

Dhiego has been mentored by some of Canada’s most respected musicians, including Will Bonness (Juno-winning pianist), Fabio Ragnelli (Juno-winning drummer), and Jon Gordon (winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition). These experiences have shaped his artistry and deepened his commitment to musical excellence.

As a performer, Dhiego has appeared with ensembles such as the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra (WJO), University of Manitoba Jazz Orchestra (UMJO), Campbellsville University Jazz Orchestra (USA), and Trio Jazz Brazil (Brazil), and he is the co-founder of the Nova Brasil Collective. Internationally, he has performed with the Brazilian Jazz Combo (USA), at the CPIT Jazz School in New Zealand, and led the Dhiego Trio in New Zealand. In Canada, he has performed at the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival with the Dhiego Quartet, the Fort Garry Hotel Jazz Club, and continues to collaborate regularly with local artists in Winnipeg.

In Brazil, Dhiego was the pianist of Group Tangaço, touring extensively with live music and dance performances across Recife, Natal, Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. He also served as pianist with Rubacão Jazz (Federal University of Paraíba), presenting clinics and workshops in multiple states, including at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul. Additionally, he was pianist for the university choir Coral Gazzi de Sá (Federal University of Paraíba), touring throughout Brazil with this ensemble.

Dedicated to inspiring the next generation, Dhiego brings together the rigor of classical tradition, the creativity of jazz improvisation, the joy of popular music, and the depth of sacred music, fostering a well-rounded and engaging musical experience for his students and community.

In my lessons, I emphasize technical proficiency, musical expression, and creativity, drawing on classical repertoire to develop a strong foundation in piano technique and interpretation. Whether exploring the works of classical masters or delving into the realms of jazz improvisation and contemporary styles, my goal is to inspire a lifelong passion for music and empower students to reach their full potential at the piano.

Join me on a musical journey where tradition meets innovation, and where dynamic learning leads to endless possibilities at the piano.