“Busy” is a word that barely describes keyboardist Will Rast‘s gigging schedule. Playing in no less than six ensembles, Rast has steadily become one of the more visible musicians in the area, spreading his tentacles throughout the District’s music scene. His work has garnered Wammie nominations, gigs at notable venues across the country, and international tours with pop star Mya. If that wasn’t enough, Rast and his fiancée are tying the knot next month.

While growing up in the D.C. area, Rast studied the piano and, as a child, started composing minuets and other classical pieces. His music teacher at Chevy Chase Elementary School entered one of them into the National Youth Composers competition and at the tender age of 11. Rast was chosen as one of twelve national finalists. His growth continued and Rast was gigging several nights per week by the age of 17. At the same time, his studies continued with local jazz greats Ron Elliston and Bob Sykes, after which he took a temporary hiatus from D.C. in order to get his music degree from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. After returning to D.C. in 2000, Rast quickly jumped back into the local scene, starting with a collaboration with W. Ellington Felton.

From straight ahead jazz, to electronic music, to old school funk, Rast is a musician schooled in tradition, but always looking to the future. He does it all and so DCist is proud to feature him as one of this month’s Three Stars.