JANNA
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ylioja
Janna Ylioja
I’m a church musician, choir conductor, and music teacher based in Birsay, Saskatchewan.
Photo by JD Photographics
Musical Bio
I have a Master of Music degree in Church Music from the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland. My main areas of study were choral conducting, organ performance and improvisation, voice performance, and liturgical music.
I have studied in lessons and masterclasses with musicians such as Jani Siven, Nils Schweckendieck, Heikki Liimola, Liisa Ahlberg, Maikki Apajalahti-Jylhä, Anne Hätönen, Sasha Mäkilä, Paul Hillier, and the Theatre of Voices vocal group.
I also hold a Bachelor of Education degree, with a focus in Elementary Arts Education, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from the University of Saskatchewan.
My musical experience outside of studying includes:
- Cantor work in Finland (masses & funerals)
- Extensive experience as a wedding organist in Saskatchewan
- Conducting choirs of various ages & abilities, including a project with Candomino youth choir in Espoo, Finland and choirs on two LLC albums
- Teaching music in schools to all ages K-12
- Teaching piano and voice lessons to students of varying ages and abilities
Photo by JD Photographics
Events
I am available for work at weddings, funerals, and other special events throughout the year. Contact me with requests or questions!
I worked as a funeral cantor and organist in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland during my final year of study at Sibelius Academy. My main repertoire includes classical and sacred music. I have served as organist, pianist and vocalist at special occasions for over fourteen years.
Click here for a list of organ repertoire suggestions and rates. Songs or hymns in a mezzo-soprano or alto range can also be requested.
Note that the attached page includes a list of popular selections only, and other music may be possible. Many of the pieces are also playable on piano, but some are written only for organ, so it’s advisable to know ahead of time what instrument will be available for each selection. We can discuss and choose music that is suitable for your venue.
I look forward to working with you!
Watch
Alto solo, “So Aber Christus” from J.S. Bach’s “Jesu Meine Freude,”
Oct. 28, 2023. Candomino Choir conducted by Esko Kallio in Espoo, Finland. Posted with permission.
Finale of Oskar Merikanto’s “Postludium I”, recorded in January 2024 at St. Olaf Catholic Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Piano improvisation to accompany “God be With You,” recorded on Oct. 3, 2023 in Töölö church, Helsinki, Finland
Finale of Theodore Dubois’ “Toccata” from “Douze Pieces,” recorded in December 2023 in Olaus Petri church in Helsinki, Finland
Impromptu organ improvisation while on vacation, Dunblane Cathedral in Dunblane, Scotland, July 2023
Performing Arvo Pärt’s “Morning Star” with Paul Hillier and the Theatre of Voices vocal group at Sibelius Academy, February 2023. Double-click and select “Watch full video” for full performance.
lessons
I teach voice, piano, and music theory lessons in the Outlook area. Click here for more details!
My philosophy is for every student to enjoy learning their instrument and to have a solid foundation in the building blocks of music to set them up for success. We’ll use improvisation, games, and drills alongside their workbooks, while also focusing on personal musicianship and musical interpretation.
