Jillian Forster - Piano
“Music is our universal language as humans! Sometimes our words fail us and we can express ourselves more easily through music. I love to explore ways to find colors through harmony, rhythm and sound at the piano. Sometimes I can’t believe how lucky I am to share music with others in a supportive and inspiring environment, where differences disappear and the world is united for the moment.”
Jillian holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Victoria, where she studied with Bruce Vogt. She also holds an Associate of Music from the Western Board of Music. Jillian studied music at the University of Alberta, earning top prizes at local and Provincial Music Festivals while she studied with Janet Scott-Hoyt.
Jillian began performing at age 5, singing as well as the piano, and has been teaching private piano and theory classes for over 30 years. Her diverse background in jazz, musical theatre, country, choral, classical and contemporary genres enrich her musical interpretation and instruction, where she tailors each lesson and learning plan for her student’s individual strengths, inclinations, experiences and abilities.
As a collaborative pianist, Jillian enjoys performing regularly with instrumentalists, vocalists, choirs, churches and schools in the Victoria region. She also meets with composers to discuss their pieces and refine performance practices at the piano. Jillian works with composer Toby Johnston-Stewart to perform and record his music in the studio, as well as live, with the assistance of fellow professional musicians.
Jillian enjoys singing soprano and accompanying the Vancouver Island Chamber Choir. She has sung with Christ Church Cathedral choir, Victoria Choral Society, and the University of Victoria chorus.
Under conductor Janos Sandor, Jillian has performed the Scriabin Piano Concerto with orchestra, and the Beethoven Choral Fantasy with the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, under conductor Nicholas Fairbank.
Some of her studio and performing work can be found on her YouTube channel or on Spotify, Apple Music, and all the major streaming sites.
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