Music Teachers' Association
of New South Wales

Alison Lockwood

Chuck Harvey Gastador

Location: Manila

Maral Esfand

Christina Eun Jung Han

Emily Hur

Dr Kalaly Chu

Winnie Ng

Janine Wilkins

Giovanna Van Leeuwen

Giovanna Van Leeuwen is a composer, pianist and teacher based in Sydney. She composes instrumental concept albums based on Biblical themes - her debut piano album EDEN – a cycle of 8 piano pieces released in 2021 was 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. Drawing on influences of romanticism and its lyrical melodies, rich jazz harmonies and the 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 melodies of the instrument. She completed classical studies through AMEB and went on to study a Music Diploma in Performance with the Wollongong Conservatorium. It was here that she discovered a love of jazz, and stumbled across the expressive art of improvisation. Giovanna later moved to Sydney where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Music & Sociology with the University of NSW. Many of the pieces from her debut album EDEN are featured in the ANZCA Syllabus as well as the St. Cecilia School of Music & Con Brio Examinations.

Her latest project is a collection of piano duets based on the theme of the Australian Wildlife. The pieces are graded from 1 -5, these were created to encourage piano students in ensemble playing. Over the years she has performed with various jazz ensembles throughout Sydney and often enjoys performing as a solo pianist for wedding ceremonies and functions. She currently holds a teaching position @ Inner Sydney Montessori School in Balmain as a piano & flute teacher.

Her debut album EDEN is available in various music and book shops around Australia, including Koorong stores & Red Eye Records.
All scores & CDs are available through her website www.giovannavanleeuwen.com You will also find all her music on your favourite streaming platforms.

Nadia Yan Kuen Hui