Asen Doykin is an award-winning jazz pianist, composer, music producer, and educator based in New York City. With more than three decades of experience, he has developed a distinctive musical voice that blends jazz, contemporary classical music, Bulgarian folk influences, and modern fusion.
An active presence on New York’s music scene for over 25 years, Doykin has performed at renowned venues including Lincoln Center, Blue Note, Birdland, Smalls Jazz Club, Mezzrow, Joe’s Pub, and Steinway Hall.
Throughout his career, he has collaborated and recorded with internationally acclaimed musicians, including Pino Palladino, Joe Locke, Keith Carlock, Bennie Maupin, Tim Lefebvre, Ada Rovatti, Theodosii Spassov and Kendrick Scott. These collaborations reflect his versatility as a pianist, composer, and producer, as well as his ability to navigate a broad spectrum of musical styles.
An accomplished bandleader and music producer, Doykin has recorded four albums as a leader and co-leader. His work as a recording artist reflects a broad musical vision, combining contemporary jazz, fusion, and improvisation with influences from classical music and his Bulgarian heritage. He has recently completed recording a new album with his fusion band and continues to perform regularly throughout New York City with both his fusion ensemble and jazz trio.
Doykin has also established himself as an award-winning film composer. His original film scores have been featured at numerous international film festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival, Ferrara International Film Festival, Harlem International Film Festival, Berlin Lift-Off Film Festival, and Athens International Digital Film Festival. More recently, his work has been presented at the New York Shorts International Film Festival and the Pine Plains Festival of Short Films.
In recognition of his achievements in film composition, Doykin received the Golden Dragon Award for Best Original Score at the 2024 Ferrara International Film Festival, followed by the Best Original Score Award at the 2025 International Independent Film Awards. Both honors recognized his original soundtrack for My Last Best Friend, starring Academy Award-nominated actor Eric Roberts.
Born in Pazardjik, Bulgaria, in 1975 to a classical musician family, Doykin began studying classical piano at the age of five. His early passion for composition and improvisation led him to explore jazz alongside his classical training, laying the foundation for his distinctive musical style.
While attending the Dobrin Petkov Music School in Plovdiv, he began performing internationally and earned distinctions in both jazz performance and classical composition.
In 1995, he received a scholarship to the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he was recognized with the Jazz Performance of the Year Award and the Jesse Stone Scholarship.
Following his graduation in 1999, Doykin relocated to New York City, establishing a multifaceted career as a performing artist, composer, recording musician, and educator.
Alongside his artistic career, Doykin is a Steinway Certified Teacher with extensive experience in music education. His educational work includes guest masterclasses at Berklee College of Music, the Royal Stockholm Conservatory in Sweden, and the Hanover University of Music in Germany.
Asen Doykin is currently a faculty member at Montclair Kimberley Academy and the New York Jazz Academy, while also directing his own private piano teaching studio in Astoria, New York.
His students have continued their education at prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, Columbia University, Berklee College of Music, and The Juilliard School.
In recognition of his dedication to music education, Doykin received the 2024 Steinway Top Piano Teacher Award in New York City.
Throughout his distinguished career, Asen Doykin has remained dedicated to artistic excellence, musical exploration, and creative collaboration. Whether performing on stage, composing for film, producing original recordings, or mentoring the next generation of musicians, his work reflects a lifelong passion for music and a commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.
His distinctive musical voice continues to evolve, bridging diverse traditions and contemporary influences while inspiring audiences and fellow musicians alike.
