Award-winning pianist and organist, Roderick Demmings Jr., began his performance career at New York’s Carnegie Hall in a debut, solo performance at age 12. In addition to piano, Rod began taking organ lessons at 12 and merited a full scholarship to attend Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University where he graduated with an undergraduate degree in Organ Performance. There, he studied with the well-known and respected, Donald Sutherland.
Since Carnegie Hall, Rod’s performed around the globe. Having traveled to six of the seven continents, he’s officially toured both Europe and Africa, performing in concert halls and cathedrals, to include the Vatican in Rome, St. Sulpice in Paris, and St. George’s Cathedral in Cape Town (the parish of Archbishop Desmond Tutu). At home, Rod’s performed as a soloist in churches and concert halls in every major city from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles, CA.
Rod has served as a Music Director for venues such as the Kennedy Center, the Washington National Opera, and Arena Players Theatre- the oldest Black theatre in the country. Rod is also conductor for Govans Presbyterian Church’s annual Juneteenth Celebration. Recent credits include John Hopkins University’s Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson, Count Basie Theatre’s Ain’t Misbehavin', and Arena Players' Say it Loud, conceived, directed, and music directed by Rod.
An ardent advocate for justice, Rod formed #BlackMusicMatters, an arts ensemble in Baltimore for singers and instrumentalists aimed at empowering and healing the Beloved Community” through Black Music. In 2018, #BlackMusicMatters performed at the 50th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King in Memphis, TN. As an entertainer, Rod’s transcription of George Clinton’s “We Want the Funk” on Organ garnered international attention going viral online.
Rod is the proud Music Director of the Asbury United Methodist C hurch. In addition to music, Rod is an avid aviation aficionado, a twice Spartan Sprint Race Champion, and a reasonably decent chess player.
