Bio

Suzzette Ortiz is a pianist, composer, choral conductor, and educator whose career spans performance, composition, and over two decades of transformative teaching. Originally from Bayamón, Puerto Rico and now based in Pennsauken, New Jersey, she has dedicated her life to sharing the power of music across communities.

As a performer throughout the tri-state area and internationally, Ortiz has appeared at renowned venues including the Philadelphia Clef Club, the Kimmel Center, the Mann Center, and Joe’s Pub in New York. She has been featured as a soloist at the Kennedy Center with the Washington Chorus and as an accompanist at Carnegie Hall. Her career includes collaborations and shared stages with legendary artists such as Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Néstor Torres, and members of the Buena Vista Social Club.

Ortiz holds a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico and a master’s degree in education and composition from Temple University. She has further refined her artistry through advanced studies in Cuba, national and international choral workshops, and training with renowned vocal improviser Bobby McFerrin and his Voicestra.

A passionate educator, Ortiz spent 27 years as the vocal director at Camden’s Creative Arts Morgan Village Academy, where she built an award-winning choral program. Under her leadership, students earned national and international recognition, winning top honors in competitions across the United States and Europe. Her excellence in education has been recognized with multiple Teacher of the Year awards and numerous commendations at the city and state levels.

As a composer and recording artist, Ortiz’s work blends Latin jazz with global influences. Her album Renacer showcases original compositions inspired by her cultural experiences and travels. She is also a published choral composer, with works performed nationally and internationally and published by leading music companies.

Beyond the stage and classroom, Ortiz continues to make an impact through music as a certified music practitioner, providing therapeutic harp music in healthcare and hospice settings. She remains active as a teacher, mentor, and artist, committed to using music as a force for healing, connection, and social change.