Paula Girvan is a highly acclaimed and versatile pianist with many years of experience as a performer and educator. She performs in various musical formats with renowned artists from Australia and around the world.

Paula is Head of School and senior lecturer at JMI (Jazz Music Institute), where she is widely recognized as a leading voice in jazz education.She holds qualifications: Master of Music studies (GU), Bachelor of Music (GU), Advanced Diploma in Music (JMI), Associate Diploma in Music (GU).

Born on Gadigal country (Sydney), Paula grew up in a household filled with music and musicians. Her mother was raised in a family heavily involved with brass bands and when she met her father, he was getting into jazz. This diverse musical background laid the foundation for Paula’s musical journey, instilling in a reverence for tradition while fostering a spirit of innovation and creativity.

With a piano always in the family home, Paula began learning the piano as soon as she could stand and sit at it (in fact she still has this very same piano!). Her discovery of the piano has been enhanced by so many great teachers such as Julie Spitihill, Denise Jones, Ann Adams, Marise Nilsson, Vince Genova, Jeff Usher, Mike Nock, Louise Denson, Hal Galper, Reggie Thomas, Bruce Barth, Garry Dial, Bruce Katz. To name a few!

As a professional pianist and educator, Paula’s approach to teaching is deeply influenced by her diverse musical heritage. She strives to empower students to understand the principles of music, explore the boundless possibilities with improvisation and develop a strong foundation in technique, theory, and musical expression.

Throughout Paula’s career as a performer, she has had great opportunities to perform on incredible stages, festivals, and venues around Australia. And alongside notable international and national artists – keep reading if you like!

Performance highlights includes:
Venues:
The Sydney Opera House
Queensland Performing Arts Complex
Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Brisbane Powerhouse
Brisbane City Hall

Customs House
JMI Live
Queensland Conservatorium
The Zoo
The Tivoli

The Princess Theatre
The Brisbane Jazz Club
Noosa Jazz Club

Doo-Bop Jazz bar
HOTA – Gold Coast Arts Centre
Queen St Mall
GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art)
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Royal International Convention Centre

Qld Multicultural Centre

The Metro – Sydney

Festivals:
Queensland Music Festival
Brisbane Festival
Brisbane International Jazz Festival
Noosa Jazz Festival
Valley Jazz Festival
Woodford Folk Festival
Surfers Paradise Festival
Winter sun Festival
Blues on Broadbeach Festival
Bluesfest – Byron Bay
Cronulla Jazz & Blues Festival
Agnes Waters Blues and Roots Festival
Gympie Music Muster Festival

Paula has performed with notable artists:

Normie Rowe
The Drifters
Denise Drysdale
Little Pattie
Emma Pask
Bob Bertles
George Golla
Sharny Russell
John Morrisson
Jacki Cooper
Brendan Clarke
Andrew Dickeson
Warwick Alder
Gianni Marinucci
Vincent Gardner (NYC)
Jerome Jennings (NYC)

Mayumi Akasaki (JPN)

Belinda Munro – Gardner (NYC)

Rodney Whittaker (NYC)

Sherman Irby (NYC)