Johnny Gillard
johnny (AT) lifemusic (DOT) ca
At 10 years old, Johnny started playing classical guitar and performed in various festivals and concerts, such as the Kiwanis festival. Playing in high school, he often practiced 6-8 hours a day when he discovered Rock and Jazz music. He played in various clubs Top40/Rock music before taking Jazz music a little more seriously. After taking private lessons from his late teens onward with Steve Sherman, Johnny learned more advanced concepts of Jazz improvisation, guitar soloing and chord construction. He enjoyed honing his skills through transcribing solos and music. Johnny’s skills brought him toward being a session musician and has been happy to record ever since.
Education has also become a great passion for Johnny. He has been teaching since 1995, working to equip others to become successful at music. Johnny also records tracks for studio projects from his studio in Stouffville. Some clips can be found in the media section of this website. Production skill has followed with his session experiences, and Johnny recieved training in digital audio techniques from various engineers and producers. See his demo page here.
"I am very grateful for all the skills I have acquired. Learning from my teachers and instructors over the years has made me want to pass on my love for music, the way they did for me. I have a Father’s heart and great passion to help my students and songwriters become successful with God’s help in their music project. I believe in working with songwriters to help produce demos and develop songs to become a real expression of who they are and what they have experienced."
Below is a list of some of the artists/ministries Johnny has worked/recorded with:
- Drew Brown
- Tehillah Toronto
- Lorna MacDougall
- Noel Richards
- Yonge St. Mission
- 100 Huntley St. – Crossroads Television
- The People’s Church Television "Living Truth"
- Alvin Slaughter
- Avante Records
- Laura Woodley-Osman
- Hetti-Marie
- Shingai Grant
- Hiram Joseph
- Jonathan Allen
- Leesha Nikkanen
- Tara Dettman
- Paulis Sanchez
- Aileen Lombardo
- Mark Masri
- Ruth Fazal
- Dominiq
- Marianne Turner
- Dave Brown
- Nordene Simon-Fogah
- Donna Sandelin
- Claudia Santiago
- Manafest
- Robert Chambers
- Kevin Pauls
- Matt Tapley
- Toronto Mass Choir
- Liberty Silver
- Dan Macaulay
- Diane Clemons
