Music Biography

Read interview from Kathy Parsons at mainly piano.com.

Short Bio

Dr. Joseph Akins is a pianist, keyboardist, composer, producer and professor based near Nashville, Tennessee. He has performed in notable county, rock and jazz groups, and has released two CDs of original music titled Keys to the Heart and Masterpeace that receive ongoing airplay and reviews worldwide. He continually travels the United States to perform the original music from these albums. With degrees in music and education, he is an award-winning assistant professor at the Department of Recording Industry at Middle Tennessee State University.

Longer Bio

As a young teenager, Joseph played keyboards and saxophone in his father’s country-rock band that regularly performed in Tennessee. Joseph says “I remember standing on the stage when I was about twelve years old knowing that music would always be a part of my life”. Joseph went on to record and tour with local rock bands and eventually recorded his first solo record of new wave rock at age 20 called All Your Dreams (1985).

About this time, Joseph gained an interest in academia and attended college from ages 19 until 27 earning two Bachelor degrees and a Master’s degree in music. During these years, he acquired a new passion for jazz. He studied and performed with many notary jazz musicians, such as Jerry Coker, who inspired Joseph to become a teacher.

Then life brought a sudden change. Almost simultaneously, his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and Joseph was stricken with a health problem that threatened his career in music. These events changed Joseph’s perspective on life and music. “Music became more about feeling emotions and healing the human spirit", says Joseph.

Soon, Joseph met his life partner, Unita, and together they formed HeartSong Music. The first release was a CD of original music dedicated to the life of his father, titled Keys to the Heart (1997). Featuring Joseph on piano and keyboards, a fresh new sound emerged that was an eclectic blend of spirited music that could only have come from the heart. Award winning songwriter Dalton Roberts stated, "This music is a beautiful creation, it breathes joy and peace. And the musicianship is superb." Selections from the CD have received favorable airplay and use in short film.

Joseph and Unita released Through the Veils (1998) featuring the beautiful voice and songwriting of Unita. Carol Wright of New Age Voice stated, "Unita's voice has been compared to Enya and Loreena McKennitt. No contest in my opinion. Through the Veils is mouthwatering and soul-stirring.”

In 2000, Joseph turned to teaching higher education full-time with an invitation from the prestigious Department of Recording Industry at Middle Tennessee State University, the largest music recording program in the world, and in 2006, he completed a doctorate in education.

In 2007, Joseph released Masterpeace, a CD of original piano solos. Anne Williams from New Age Retailer stated, “Beautifully recorded and produced, Masterpeace is worthy of the comparisons to the greats of New Age Music.” Bill Binkelman from New Age Reporter said, “Here's a piano album that I can play over and over again and enjoy each time”.

Joseph is currently traveling the United States to perform his orignial piano music, teaching at Middle TN State University and composing the music for his next release. In addition, he recently began the music project, Labyrinth Moon to promote and market his electronic music.