We start our journeys by imitating our idols and assimilating all the knowledge we can from the music and styles that inspire our dreams, but to truly contribute to the language of music and unlock new connections to the soul, one must take it another step further. An artist creates; an artist innovates. They bring something new to the world, and they know that even though everything they create is a risk they release their truth through their expression. Artists understand that music is not a competition, and that everyone’s voice is equally valid. They know that music is a democracy, and that having a team with you who shares your passion allows you to connect to a greater, creative, collective spirit whereby you mutually enhance and elevate one another while simultaneously bringing the audience along for the ride. Music has the power to open minds, touch hearts, and bring peace. I play music to connect to my truth and share it with others.
20-year-old violinist and composer, Gianna Pedregon, was raised in Whittier, California, where she attended the Orange County School of the Arts as a member of the Jazz Studies conservatory. Currently, she is a senior at the University of the Pacific where she is part of the Pacific Jazz Ambassadors, formerly known as the Brubeck Institute. Her primary instrument is a 5-string acoustic violin, but she also plays electric mandolin and is a competent bassist.
Gianna was selected as a member of the 2024 Sisters in Jazz and has participated in several other notable groups such as the Monterey Next Generation Women In Jazz Combo, the NYO Jazz ensemble, and the Colburn Jazz Workshop. She has performed at many events and festivals in the US and internationally including, the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Donostiako Jazzaldia festival in Spain, and the Jazz in Marciac festival in France.
She has won numerous awards for her musicianship as a jazz soloist including being a National YoungArts Jazz Finalist winner and a Downbeat Jazz Instrumental Soloist HS Honors winner.
I am honored to have been mentored and inspired by so many wonderful artists / amazing human beings in the jazz world, including Melissa Aldana, Ashlin Parker, Cyrille Aimee, Terri Lyne Carrington, Glenn Zaleski, Carl Allen, Tamir Hendelman, and many others. I am happy to be able to say that I've listened to, admired, learned from, and performed with these incredible people, who have nurtured and shaped my love for music and shared their valuable insights with me to help me develop as an artist.
I have such a deep gratitude for all my teachers who have touched my life, from Suzuki and beyond. In addition, a very special thanks goes out to George Klabin of Resonance Records for believing in me and his constant support.