Meet Jani Parsons | Pianist, Musical Collaborator, & Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jani Parsons and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jani, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
When I was younger, I always knew the great fulfillment that music gave me was something that was a deeply-rooted part of my identity but I didn’t always understand my purpose. I wanted to pursue an artistic career simply because it felt right, to me. It was the only thing I really wanted to do. What I have come to realize is that feeling is much more than just a feeling or a part of my identity – For me, being an artist and musician is something I have come to experience as a spiritual practice that in a very personal way brings me closer to an ideal within myself, and actually brings healing and hope. In practicing that art, I can actually heal and help others as well, which is an incredible gift. My purpose to continue this crazy pursuit now has so much more complexity and dimension to it, as I have realized its power.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a classical pianist, a professor and head of the piano program at the University of Calgary (Canada), and a driven and passionate leader of several organizations including Latitude 49, a mixed chamber ensemble with a focus on bringing newly composed works to life. I have always been very driven and I push myself extremely hard – I think it is what makes me a great teacher too, because I expect a lot from my students. But it can also be a challenge for me to temper my enthusiasm and I often have to remind myself that the deep affection and admiration I have for my colleagues needs to be expressed along with the critiques! It was a long journey to get here that started when I was young. Classical pianists have a rigorous training, and mine was no exception. I have a Bachelors degree in Piano Performance from the Vancouver Academy of Music where I studied primarily with Lorraine Ambrose, and Masters and Doctorate degrees from the University of Michigan where I studied with Arthur Greene and John Ellis. Throughout my life, I have taken risks and moved to new locations to push myself out of my comfort zone, and experience growth. It has not been easy, and I am very thankful for a supportive life partner who has journeyed with me and given me a depth of support I could not have dreamed of. I overcame challenges by reminding myself of my longterm goals and my priorities, and just take it one step or one day at a time. I’ve learned that daily meaningful and consistent growth is much more powerful in the long run than bursts of supposed creativity, so I set time aside for art and music, even if I don’t feel like it, and hone the craft. It is a constant work in progress, there is no arrival, so best to enjoy the ride!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have a friend coming in about a month for a week, and we are going to enjoy a combination of art, food, and nature! This will definitely include some hiking in the mountains of Banff National Park and sight seeing, but also some intentional music making. My friend will be sharing a concert with my community, and I look forward to hosting him for that, and I will also be giving a concert that week, so we will have a lot of music to share. I plan to host him for some home-made meals ( I love getting creative in the kitchen) and also show him some of our favourite spots in town to eat and drink.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All of my incredible mentors and teachers along the way that saw past my flaws and offered endless encouragement, devotion, and inspiration.

Website: www.janiparsons.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janiparsons/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janiannparsons

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3L7FVP7WM2eS70VRrwLBkA

Image Credits
Elliot Mandel