Artist Biography

Giovanna Van Leeuwen is a composer, pianist and teacher based in Sydney. Her compositions are based on Scriptures from the Bible and usually based around a particular spiritual theme – her debut piano album EDEN released on 27th March 2021 draws on the theme of Creation. A cycle of 8 piano pieces inspired by the Garden of Eden.

She approaches composition through improvisation and combines both her knowledge of structured classical music and elements of jazz improvisation in creating instrumental music that unlocks the Word through Sound. Drawing on influences of romanticism and its lyrical melodies, rich jazz harmonies and the flowing and often ambience of film music she has created her own unique sound.

Born in Port Kembla, NSW, Australia her passion for music commenced at the age of 10 where she heard a family friend playing the piano and was drawn to the lyrical sound the piano produced. She completed grade 8 classical studies through AMEB and went on to study a Music Diploma with the Wollongong Conservatorium, it was here that she discovered a love of jazz and stumbled across the expressive art of improvisation – studying under Vashti Sivell an Australian jazz pianist and educator. She later moved to Sydney where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Music & Sociology with the University of NSW studying classical piano under Ros Thrift.

Over the years she has performed with various jazz ensembles throughout Sydney including “The Lampstands” and “The Con Artists”, she often performs as a solo pianist for wedding ceremonies, and functions throughout Sydney including venues as QVB Tea Rooms and Mosman Art Gallery.

Having held various teaching positions in Sydney including ISM Turramurra and Inner West Music College Summer Hill, she now has her own teaching practice in Sydney CBD and works as a freelance piano teacher in various schools.

As a composer, Giovanna is a registered member of APRA AMCOS.