Selected live concert performances:  http://instantencore.com/contributor/contributor.aspx?CId=5166792

Jost was born with Poland's Syndrome, manifested as an underdeveloped arm and the absence of chest and back muscles on his right side.


Piano lessons were suggested as therapy, and not only did the lessons help with the continuing development of his arm, they unlocked an abiding talent that otherwise might have gone undiscovered.


Brought to the attention of legendary pianist Edward Kilenyi (1910-2000), the prodigious youth was invited to join Maestro Kilenyi's studio at Florida State University while Jost was still in high school.


While completing his Piano Performance degree under Kilenyi, Mr. Van Dyke (then billed as Joseph Dykes) served as music director for a number of high-profile productions in the FSU School of Theatre.


In 1982, this led him to New York City where he became Artist in Residence and Musical Director in the Music Theatre Department at Marymount Manhattan College.


He continued his own private studies as well, working with concert pianists Thaddeus Sadlowski, Regina Shamvilli and pianist/conductor Daniell Revenaugh.  Mr. Van Dyke garnered a loyal following as a solo recitalist, beginning with his 1985 Manhattan debut at Marymount Manhattan Theatre.


Upon completing his residency in 1990, he accepted a position with the National Dance Institute as VIP Accompanist.


During his time in New York, he concurrently became active in the music publishing industry, with a retail management position at Carl Fischer Music Inc., followed by editorial positions at  International Music Co. & Bourne Music, and MCA/Universal Music.