Cody Hanzel, born in Cleveland, Ohio's vibrant, inner ring suburb of Lakewood, has carved out a reputation for himself as a talented jazz pianist. As one might imagine, Cody took an interest in music at a young age, beginning formal piano lessons at age six with Cecilia O'Linn, formerly of the Cleveland Institute of Music. After nine years of a solid foundation in the classics, Cody entered the Conservatory of Music at the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, working closely with Baldwin Wallace adjunct professor Greg Upton. Finally, his love for jazz put him in search of world-renowned jazz musician Dan Wall of Oberlin College, who he studied with for more than two years.

Cody, as a jazz pianist, fashions himself after the likes of Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum, and Bill Evans. Currently working on contemporary originals, meanwhile, he continues to study music on his own while he maintains his status as a professional musician.