Julie Barwick, pianist and composer, has been studying music for over 15 years. She initially began studying classical piano, but developed an interest in other music forms, especially those dealing with improvisation, while attending Coronado High School of the Arts. In 2005, she earned her B.A. in Music, with honors, from UC Berkeley. During her years at college, she was fortunate to work with such great improvising artists as Steve Coleman, Henry Threadgill, John Schott and Myra Melford. She also studied piano with Michael Orland, an acclaimed Bay Area performer and teacher. Since graduating, she has worked as an accompanist for various choirs, ensembles and musicals and can perform in a variety of styles. Currently she is studying composition with Cindy Cox, a professor at UC Berkeley, and working as an accompanist for the Coastside Lutheran Church in Half Moon Bay.

Because of her own varied educational background, she believes in learning to be a complete, well-rounded musician. This means that in addition to emphasizing natural technique, she stresses building strong listening abilities, having a solid knowledge of theory and history, and being able to read as well as improvise. In her spare time, she loves to listen to her favorite pianists, Claudio Arrau, Art Tatum, and Herbie Hancock.