COLLABORATOR
Perhaps Janna’s greatest passion as a performer is her collaborative work with peer professionals. Her experience and musicianship make her a highly sought after collaborative partner. Janna has always been a lover of art song and the great sonatas of the instrumental canon, finding this to be a musical incarnation of Aristotle’s quote, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
Janna works with professionals as freelance collaborative pianist in the Chicago area; she also works with students in academic studies at all degree levels. The arts of teaching and collaborating often overlap, and Janna finds great fulfillment in providing support for less experienced musicians through coaching.
Janna has served as Guest Lecturer at Wheaton College Conservatory as opera coach and as pianist for institutions in the community such as the Wheaton College Community School of the Arts, the West Suburban Symphony Chorus, the St. Charles Singers, and the String Academy of Chicago. She studied instrumental collaboration with Angela Yoffe and vocal collaboration with Dana Brown as well as basic collaborative skills with Karin Redekopp Edwards.
TESTIMONIALS
“Janna is a consummate artist. Collaborating with her is a joy, and she provided the second pair of ears that I needed during the rehearsal process. Janna was always encouraging, and her feedback was helpful. I have worked with collaborative pianists all over the country, and Janna is one of the best. She is a singer’s best musical friend! I would highly recommend Janna to anyone looking for a collaborative pianist.”
Dr. Rebecca Wilson, soprano
"Janna Williamson is both a highly skilled pianist and an intuitive accompanist. She makes each student sound amazing by adapting to their individual needs, especially during performances. Our students always have a positive and educational experience during rehearsals and this gives them the confidence they need to perform their best.”
Steven Sjobring, Director, String Academy of Chicago
“I have worked with Janna for over 10 years and she is one of my top choices to collaborate with both for myself and my students. I find her not only to be a fantastic pianist and a sensitive listener, but I also enjoy discovering pieces together to explore what the composer intends. I know that I can rely on her which gives me freedom to play musically without concern. As a teacher, I have also witnessed her navigate accompanying younger students with dexterity and knowledge.”
Ruth Mudge, cellist
“Janna Williamson is a fine pianist and professional collaborator of exceptional musicianship, humility, and inspiration. My students and even my own children have been beneficiaries of her work at the Wheaton College Conservatory for more than twenty years.”
Dr. Sarah Holman, Professor of Voice, Wheaton College Conservatory of Music
“Working with Janna is an absolute joy. She is calm, kind, and extremely professional. Janna offered me helpful feedback during our rehearsals and provided an encouraging atmosphere for me to explore my own musical expression in our collaborations. She is a phenomenal artist who goes above and beyond to ensure the highest quality of music making.”
Meredith, undergraduate voice major
“I love working with Janna; she is an excellent musician and accompanist. She’s easy to communicate with, encouraging, and professional. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a collaborative pianist!”
Emily, undergraduate violin major