“Arnie has got the touch. He plays the piano with sensitivity and swing. What more can you ask?”

– Michael Wolff

Arnie Sainz is a pianist, composer, and educator based in New York City. Drawing inspiration from his firm roots in the San Francisco Bay Area, Arnie’s voice spans ensembles and genres, finding his footing in both large-scale new music compositions and intimate improvised music settings.

He stays active as a leader and a sideman all around NYC, performing at notable venues including Dizzy's Club, Bar Bayeux, Jazz Club at the Aman, and Arthur's Tavern. His debut trio album Darts was released by Adhyâropa Records in June 2023, featuring Marshal Herridge, Tony Moreno, and a fresh lineup of energetic original compositions. 

Arnie’s playing can be heard on numerous recordings alongside acclaimed artists including Michael Rodriguez, Ron McClure, Alan Ferber, and Drew Gress. As a composer/arranger, Arnie has written for a wide array of musical acts and award-winning short films. Most notably, his arrangement of Matthew Fullen’s composition “Elegant” was nominated for Best Instrumental Composition for the 2024 Taiwan Golden Melody Awards. 

Arnie’s upcoming septet album Driftwood Children is set to release in 2025, featuring saxophonist Billy Drewes and trombonist Alan Ferber. Also set to debut live in 2025 is the Arnie Sainz-Michael Dudley Jazz Orchestra, awardee of the 2024 New Music USA Creator Fund.