About Lee Harbaugh
Jazz pianist and composer based in Arlington, Texas, bringing elegant live piano and jazz to weddings, private events, restaurants, and venues throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
Musical Background
Lee Harbaugh is a jazz pianist, composer, and performer based in Arlington, Texas. His musical journey began early, studying both piano and trombone before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Texas at Arlington.
While his primary instrument in college was trombone, piano gradually became his main voice. Over time, that shift wasn’t just practical—it became expressive. The piano allowed for a deeper, more personal connection to both composition and performance.
After college, Lee spent several years teaching and performing music full-time, eventually transitioning into a professional career that has continued to evolve into what it is today: a blend of performance, composition, and thoughtful musical presence in a wide range of settings.
Original Music & Recordings
Lee’s work as a composer centers primarily around solo piano and small ensemble jazz along with various classical formats. His music ranges from traditional jazz interpretations to original compositions that lean more toward reflection and atmosphere.
His solo piano album The Lighter Side is available on YouTube, along with a growing collection of recordings and performances.
His music is also available on major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and others.
Rather than focusing on volume or output, Lee’s approach to recording has always been about capturing something genuine—music that can stand on its own, whether in a performance setting or in quiet listening.
Collaborations & Performing Projects
Lee performs in a variety of formats, depending on the setting and the feel of the event.
Solo Piano
As a solo pianist, Lee provides a warm, rich sound that works equally well for attentive listening or as part of a broader atmosphere. His approach is rooted in sensitivity to the room—supporting the moment rather than drawing attention away from it.
Harbaugh and Bowen
Lee performs regularly with vocalist Mike Bowen as the jazz duo Harbaugh and Bowen. The duo focuses on classic jazz standards and crooner-style repertoire, presented in a relaxed and approachable style.
Harbaugh and Co.
Lee also performs with Harbaugh and Co., a small ensemble featuring vocalists Amanda Chapman and Amanda Clothier. The group blends jazz, pop, and Broadway elements into a versatile sound that fits a wide range of events and venues.
Where Lee Performs
Lee performs regularly throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area in both public and private settings.
Recent and recurring venues include:
A Personal Note
I believe music is more than just notes and sounds. It’s more than entertainment or background noise. At its core, music touches something deeper—it can provoke laughter, or it can move someone to tears.
Whether I’m performing for an audience, a wedding, a restaurant, a private event, or even a funeral, my goal is the same: to bring a calm and beautiful presence into the space.
Beyond Music
In addition to music, Lee is also the author of Capital Shift – A Juror’s Journey from Death Penalty Supporter to Life Advocate, a personal account of his experience serving on a capital jury in Texas and the transformation that followed. Lee also serves on the Board of Directors for the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (TCADP).
Lee is also active in real estate in the Arlington and Mansfield areas, working primarily with investors and individuals seeking a more thoughtful, relationship-driven approach.