In 2005 Giovanna graduated with an Australian Arts Diploma through ANZCA & the following year completed a Diploma of Music Performance (distinction) from the Wollongong Conservatorium. During her piano studies in Wollongong she discovered her love of jazz and improvisation.
In 2008-9 she travelled to the UK where she was working as a private piano teacher, teaching the ABRSM syllabus and doing a lot of European sight seeing as well as studying jazz improvisation. She eventually returned to Sydney with her husband and decided to continue her musical studies with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music at UNSW, during which time she also established her own private teaching studio ‘Giovanna’s Piano Studio’, located in Sydney (CBD).
In 2015 Giovanna graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in (Music & Sociology) from the University of NSW. During her degree she completed studies in Music Performance, Composition, Jazz ensemble Performance, Improvisation, Harmony, Jazz History, Music Psychology, Italian, Sociology and Anthropological studies.
Giovanna has held teaching positions at ISM, Turramurra, Inner West Music College, Summer Hill, St Thomas’ Catholic School, Willoughby and is currently teaching at Inner West Institute of Music, Balmain on Monday and Thursday afternoons.
Over the years she has performed with various jazz ensembles including “The Lampstands” which she founded and directed for 4 years between 2011-2014, performing in various Sydney venues including the Goethe Institute, Woollahra, Westfield, Bondi Junction and held a 12 month residency at Prima Luna Restaurant in Randwick for 2 years.
She enjoys working as a freelance pianist, flautist, teacher and composer. Her debut piano album EDEN – a cycle of 8 piano pieces – inspired by the Garden of Eden was released on Spotify and all livestreaming platforms on 27th March 2021. Click here to purchase album & piano score: Giovanna Van Leeuwen – Eden – a cycle of 8 piano pieces
At her studio she teaches beginners through to HSC level students, either for exams or for leisure.
She is available to perform for wedding ceremonies, restaurants, functions etc….