Born in Grenoble, Jean-Willy Kunz studied piano and organ under the guidance of Joseph Coppey at the Conservatory there. Accepted in the class of Louis Robilliard at the Conservatoire de Lyon in 1992, he earned the gold medal six years later from a unanimous jury. He then pursued his studies in jazz piano with Mario Stantchev at the Conservatoire de Lyon and founded a duo of saxophone and organ with Frédéric Lagoutte.
A long-time resident of Québec, Jean-Willy studied the organ and harpsichord at Montreal’s Music Conservatory under the guidance of Mireille Lagacé, winning prizes in organ, harpsichord, harmony and counterpoint.
In the spring of 2011, Jean-Willy graduated with a doctorate in organ performance from McGill University under the guidance of John Grew. Jean-Willy is winner of the 2004 Lynnwood Farnam Competition in Quebec and 2008 Second Prizewinner at the Grand Prix de Chartres.
Jean-Willy KUNZ – Chartres 2008