Fifth-grader playing big venues

10-year-old Giz Mutlu becomes youngest performer at Dizzy's Club, a premier Lincoln Center jazz venue

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Giz Mutlu, a fifth-grader at Demarest Elementary School, has become a rising jazz prodigy. At just 10 years old, she became the youngest performer ever at Dizzy's Club, a premier jazz venue at Lincoln Center. Giz started playing piano at age 4 or 5 and has since developed a strong jazz performance and improvisational skills, performing at prestigious venues like The New School and Newark Museum.

Why it matters

Giz's success as a young jazz musician challenges perceptions about the age at which people can achieve high levels of musical mastery. Her story inspires other young people to pursue their passions, even in highly competitive fields like jazz performance.

The details

Giz Mutlu started playing piano at a young age after her father suggested she learn an instrument. She was accepted into the prestigious Jazz House Kids program in Montclair, New Jersey, where she honed her jazz skills. Last summer, at just 10 years old, she became the youngest performer ever at Dizzy's Club, a top jazz venue at Lincoln Center in New York City. In addition to jazz, Giz also practices classical piano pieces to help develop her musical abilities.

  • Giz Mutlu started playing piano at age 4 or 5.
  • She joined the Jazz House Kids program as a 6-year-old.
  • Last summer, at age 10, she became the youngest performer ever at Dizzy's Club.
  • This month, she will perform with the Legacy Big Band and Blues and Roots ensembles from Jazz House Kids.

The players

Giz Mutlu

A 10-year-old fifth-grader at Demarest Elementary School who has become a rising jazz prodigy, performing at prestigious venues like Lincoln Center.

Jazz House Kids

A prestigious children's music school and camp in Montclair, New Jersey that focuses on jazz education and performance.

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What they’re saying

“I am a Turkish-American jazz pianist dedicated to developing a strong artistic voice rooted in the bebop tradition, creativity, and disciplined musicianship. My musical journey began at age five and since then I have focused on deepening my understanding of jazz, expanding my improvisational language and growing as a performer. As I continue to evolve, I hope to collaborate with inspiring musicians, share my sound with diverse audiences, and contribute meaningfully to the jazz community.”

— Giz Mutlu (Giz Mutlu's artist statement)

“My dad plays guitar and I saw this music school in Nutley and he asked if I wanted to play an instrument. He suggested the piano.”

— Giz Mutlu, Fifth-grader (essexnewsdaily.com)

What’s next

This month, Giz Mutlu will perform with the Legacy Big Band and Blues and Roots ensembles from Jazz House Kids.

The takeaway

Giz Mutlu's remarkable success as a young jazz musician at prestigious venues like Lincoln Center demonstrates that with dedication and talent, children can achieve high levels of mastery in the arts at a very young age. Her story inspires other young people to pursue their passions, even in highly competitive fields.