As a jazz pianist, I seek innovative solutions to my artistic challenges. How can I:
connect with the audience?
inspire others?
compose music that is both simple and accessible, yet engaging enough to hold the audience’s attention?
In 2023, my trio won the “Denise Jannah Award” at the Grachtenfestival Jazz competition in Amsterdam.
Early Years and Musical Fascination
Yannic Forster, born in Burgau, Germany, in 1998, first discovered music through the rock hits of the ’70s and ’80s, inspired by my father’s taste in music. However, it was my grandmother, who played Bach, who sparked my fascination with musical craftsmanship.
Formative Years and School Bands
During high school, I began taking piano lessons and quickly became involved in various school bands. At age 16, I performed a solo piano recital at the Tastentagen “Gala junger Talente” in Leipheim, Germany.
Exploring Jazz and Education
In 2018, I took a significant step in my musical journey by becoming a certified music teacher at the Music College in Regensburg. During that time, I took piano lessons with Walter Lang, who proved to be an important teacher and mentor to me.
Studies and the Yannic Forster Trio
Completing my bachelor’s degree at the Conservatory in Utrecht, the Netherlands, in 2023 marked a pivotal moment in my education. At the conservatory, I took piano lessons from Bert van den Brink and Rembrandt Frerichs. In addition, during my Erasmus exchange, I took lessons from Hubert Nuss at the HFMT in Cologne, Germany. It was also during this time that the Yannic Forster Trio was founded, which gave its first concerts in Utrecht.
Grachtenfestival Jazz Competition
: Notable achievements include winning the Denise Jannah Award at the Grachtenfestival Jazz Competition. The subsequent collaboration with jazz vocalist Denise Jannah led to a sold-out performance at the Grachtenfestival in Amsterdam.
Debut EP: ‘From East to West’
In 2023, I collaborated with Young Talent Award winner Bram van de Glind and the Sonido String Quartet to record my debut EP ‘From East to West,’ in which I showcase my exploration of diverse influences—from traditional Middle Eastern music to contemporary Western sounds.
Personal Traits and Creative Influence
My music reflects my emotional nature and connects with listeners through personal stories. Influenced by everyday life experiences, I draw parallels between life and music. My compositions, with a keen eye for detail, take the audience on a journey full of musical surprises.
Collaborative Spirit and Curiosity
My collaborative spirit is evident in my organized yet creative approach. I take the lead in composition and arrangement, but I value the unique contributions of fellow musicians. My curiosity leads me to explore unconventional sounds on the piano, as I’m constantly searching for new avenues of musical expression.
How I Discovered
the Musical Instrument Fund May 2024. I moved out of my student apartment in Utrecht to the countryside near Wijk bij Duurstede. That’s where I moved in with my girlfriend for the first time. Lots of greenery and plenty of space. Years ago, I’d heard about the Musical Instrument Fund through my piano teacher, Rembrandt Frerichs, and now that I had the space, I naturally submitted an application right away.
The Instrument
The grand piano I now have the privilege of playing is a beautiful 185-cm Yamaha C3, built in 1986. The touch is beautifully balanced, with a response that allows for both sensitivity and power. The tone is clear and warm, which is ideal for the wide range of musical styles I play, from intimate jazz ballads to more energetic and rhythmic pieces. The grand piano inspires me to delve deeper into the music and further refine my interpretations. The quality of this grand piano helps me fully express my creativity, and I’m grateful to be able to continue my musical journey on such a wonderful instrument.
Future Plans and Album Collaboration with Denise Jannah
Looking ahead, I’m excited about upcoming projects, including the “Taste of Jazz” concert series and the UJazz Festival in Utrecht. Our collaboration continues as we work on an upcoming album with Denise Jannah.
