Pianist Dan Alleger has enjoyed a professional career that has spanned over 20 years. Alleger grew up in a musical family. Both of his older brothers are accomplished pianists as is his mother who was instrumental in nurturing his early pianistic development. An early exposure to big band music led to an interest in jazz music by the time he was 9 years old.

By the time he was 13, Alleger was playing gigs with the "Conglomernotes Big Band" all over northern Indiana. The leader of the band played with Woody Herman and had assembled a repertoire of over 400 charts for the Conglomernotes. Alleger continued playing with them for 7 years soaking up rich history of traditional jazz. At the same time, he won prizes as the top jazz pianist/soloist at many area festivals. Through the guidance of pianist Dave Latchaw, Alleger delved into contemporary jazz greats like Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea, and Herbie Hancock.

After a year of playing various venues in Chicago and on occasion studying with Chicago pianist Erwin Helfer, Alleger decided to study classical repertoire with renowned concert pianist Enrique Graf at the College of Charleston, SC. This led to performances at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, Drayton Hall and the Sottile Theatre. He also appeared with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Stuart Malina, and a much hailed performance of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" with the College of Charleston Orchestra. In addition to studying with Enrique Graf, he also gained instruction from piano legend Margarita Fyodorova of the Moscow Conservatory, Seung-Hee Hyun, Israeli pianist Ilana Vered, Van Cliburn Gold Medalist Vladimir Viardo of the University of North Texas, and noted Charleston jazz pianist Tommy Gill. In addition to many classical recitals, Alleger performed every night with some of the South's finest jazz musicians.

Alleger relocated to Boston in 1997 to complete a Masters of Music Degree in Piano Jazz Performance from the Cooperative Masters of Music in Jazz program at the Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music. He studied with Ray Santisi, and the celebrated pianist Joanne Brackeen. He also worked with Johnny DeFrancesco, David Clark, Ken Cervenka, Mili Bermejo, David Hollender, Wayne Naus, Dave Santoro, Dave Weigert, and Marcello Pellitteri.

In addition to performing, Alleger has taught privately for the past 18 years. His students have gone on to win jazz competitions and perform as professionals as well as receive superior ratings for classical works from the National Piano Guild. He has also coached other instrumentalists including horn players, bassists and percussionists.

Alleger has lived in New Orleans since 2001. He has been heavily involved with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Essence Music Festival, and various other musical events in New Orleans. His love of woodworking led him to also establish "Dan Alleger Custom Woodworking", a custom furniture, repair, and refinishing workshop. He also works as a graphic artist providing graphic design and website construction (http://design.danalleger.com/).