Gillian Pinder

I was just a two foot blond haired ball of energy when I began playing the piano. Although I was excited to take lessons like my big brother, I remember losing interest quickly while trying to decipher the jumble of black dots. Instead, I spent the time trying to slide off the end of the shiny black bench and escape from my piano teacher. For this, I spent more than a few lessons on the time out bench. 

When I found a teacher who could handle my energy and curiosity, I began to actually enjoy piano lessons. I learned how to read music, syncopate rhythms, improvise, and use Google to find all the answers to my theory homework. After a while though, I got frustrated spending countless hours staring at the keys, and convinced my parents to let me try other instruments. Thankfully though, they did not let me give up on piano altogether, because it is now my primary song writing instrument. 

I began playing the violin, but soon traded it in for an acoustic guitar and set of drums, which better suited my creative and energetic nature. By the time I was nine years old I formed my first band, and began writing and performing original music. I loved to be on stage, and even then, I had the feeling I belonged up there. I would not say these were my best years as a musician, but they were important first steps for me.

I have many more stories and experiences I could share, but looking forward, I know that so far my musical past makes up a very small part of what I hope will be a long journey. I have grown up a lot from that little girl, and somewhere along the way I finally deciphered those notes and found everything I was looking for. Music is now not only a hobby and a pastime, but also a piece of who I am. When writing lyrics, I can define emotions and thoughts I am struggling to understand. I can be creative and expressive, and best of all, I can get lost in the melodies when I need a break from my busy life. That is why I play. 

Thanks for reading this.
Enjoy my music!

Gillian