About Jillian Gardner

Jillian Gardner is the Director of Music at First United Methodist Church in Huntsville, Alabama, where she serves as the primary organist and oversees both adult and children’s music ensembles. Additionally, she is the adjunct instructor of organ at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), the only institution in Alabama offering a degree in organ or church music. Jillian recently completed a seven-year term as the Councillor for Young Organists on the American Guild of Organists National Board, where she led an initiative that introduced over 1,200 new young organists to the Guild. In her final year, she also developed and launched an organ scholar program to provide professional growth opportunities for young musicians.

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Known for her "solid and satisfying" performances (The Dessert Wind), Jillian brings accessibility and variety to her organ programming. She has been a sought-after artist at venues and conventions worldwide, performing in iconic locations such as Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Grace Cathedral, Washington National Cathedral, the Cadet Chapel at West Point, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Her performances have taken her across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, where she is known for her signature pink organ shoes. She has been featured on the Pipedreams radio show, at the Organ Historical Society and American Guild of Organists conventions, the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, and has led workshops at institutions like Baylor University’s summer organ institute.​