Meet Kevin Venier

We were lucky to catch up with Kevin Venier recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kevin, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I’ve often found myself as ‘the only one in the room,’ and one example that stands out is my journey to earning both a medical degree and advanced degrees in jazz performance—a path that’s certainly uncommon. While I’m sure others have done it, I’ve yet to meet anyone in person who shares this dual experience. That uniqueness has shaped how I approach challenges and opportunities.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is to trust my own judgment and not be deterred by voices saying, ‘That’s too hard,’ ‘That’s impossible,’ or ‘No one does that.’ I’ve realized that just because something is rare doesn’t mean it’s unachievable. By staying true to my passions and focusing on what I know I’m capable of, I’ve been able to navigate spaces where I’m the only one of my kind and thrive.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Kevin Venier, and I am a guitarist, composer, and arranger, with a focus on jazz, funk, and fusion. I was born and raised in Italy, where I earned both a bachelor’s degree in jazz guitar performance and a medical degree—a rare combination that reflects my lifelong passions for both science and music.

Music has been a central part of my life since childhood. My dad, while not a musician, always shared his love for music with me, and my uncle, an esteemed jazz pianist, further inspired my journey. My earliest musical memory is playing on a little drum kit my dad brought home when I was five. I later took up classical guitar at age eight, working intensively at it until I was 18. Though classical guitar wasn’t my true calling, it led to an exciting promise from my dad: if I became good at it, he’d buy me a Fender Stratocaster like Jimi Hendrix’s. He eventually fulfilled that promise, though I opted for a sunburst model instead of white!

At 13, I got my first electric guitar, a cheap Ibanez, and fell in love with rock and heavy metal, playing music by Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Dream Theater, etc. Around 16, I discovered jazz, and it resonated deeply with me. Improvisation, in particular, became my favorite form of musical expression. My jazz playing incorporates elements of my rock background, and my love for fusion reflects that mix.

I’m also deeply inspired by Latin music—bossa nova, flamenco, Cuban rhythms—which I’ve embraced since moving to Miami. I believe Italians and Latinos share a cultural connection rooted in passion and emotion, and this is reflected in my music.

In 2022, I had the incredible honor of moving to Miami on a Fulbright scholarship to pursue my Master’s in Jazz Guitar Performance at the Frost School of Music, graduating in 2024. Now, I’m continuing my studies in the Doctor of Musical Arts program at Frost. Miami has been an incredible environment for me as a musician—the vibrant and diverse music scene constantly inspires me.

I perform regularly in Miami and have had the privilege of playing in cities like Los Angeles, Aspen, Cincinnati, Gainesville, etc. I’m currently working on original compositions and plan to release my own music soon. In the meantime, I’d love for people to follow my journey on Instagram at @kevinveniermusic.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: organization, curiosity, and the ability to think outside the box.

First, strict organization has been essential. Balancing a medical degree and a musical degree simultaneously would have been impossible without discipline and precise planning. From my earliest university days, I maintained a detailed agenda and focused on finding a sustainable balance between personal life, study, and practice. My advice to others is to develop strong time-management skills early and commit to small, consistent efforts toward your goals.

Second, curiosity has driven me forward. Medical school taught me an invaluable lesson: the more you learn, the more you realize how much you don’t know. This mindset keeps me open to new knowledge and reminds me that “not knowing” is not only ok, but it’s an opportunity to grow. I encourage others to embrace lifelong learning and to see every person and experience as a potential teacher.

Finally, thinking outside the box has allowed me to explore paths others might overlook. Coming from a culturally conservative area where many people settle for the familiar, I’ve learned the importance of pursuing what truly makes you happy, even if it’s unconventional. My advice to those just starting out is to listen to your passions, ignore discouraging voices, and take risks to carve out a unique and fulfilling path. Life is too short to live according to someone else’s expectations—follow your dreams boldly.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

A significant challenge I’m currently facing is uncertainty about what comes next after finishing my DMA. While I’ve been deeply focused on my studies and performing, I’m starting to ask myself big questions about my future as a musician. What shape will my career take? Will I be part of a group, focus solely on performing, or take on a side job to support my artistic endeavors?

Another layer of this uncertainty is where I’ll live. By the time I graduate, I’ll have spent five years in Miami, but I’m not sure whether to stay here, move to a city like New York or Los Angeles—where there are even more opportunities—or return to Europe. Europe might offer fewer career opportunities in this field, but the lifestyle is something I’m very familiar with and often miss.

Right now, I’m trying to embrace the ambiguity and stay open to possibilities, but it’s definitely a challenge not knowing what my life will look like in a few years. I think this is a feeling many people share as they approach new chapters, and I’m learning to view it as an opportunity to explore and define what “success” means for me in the long run.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kevinveniermusic
• Youtube: @kevinveniermusic

Image Credits

Savannah Marie’s Photos
Sydney Billings
muskuy_photography