James Gilliland

Mount Prospect, IL

Contact for rates

Travels up to 60 miles

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Overview

Want nice piano music at your next event? I'd be happy to play! I play classical, New Age, jazz, pop, folk and any mixture thereof. I'm an experienced full-time church music director so I also know plenty of hymns for weddings and funerals (I've played at plenty).


Reviews

5 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Angelika R.

Angelika R.

April 9, 2025
Verified review

James was great!

James did a great job playing for our wedding. He was on time and prepared. We would definitely recommend booking James for your event!

Hired as: Pianist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Devon M.

Devon M.

December 11, 2023
Verified review

Amazing, Talented Pianist for Party

James played incredibly at my holiday party and I highly recommend him. He played naturally and from memory many popular carols as requested. He really created an incredible atmosphere/vibe and would be a perfect addition to any event!

Hired as: Pianist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Nicolet S.

Nicolet S.

December 2, 2023
Verified review

Talented

Professional, on time, courteous & talented

Hired as: Pianist

Small thumbnail image for James Gilliland

James Gilliland

Thank you for the review and the tip! Glad people enjoyed my contributions.


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Laura C.

Laura C.

December 13, 2022
Verified review

Very satisfied

Punctual and pleasant. He played beautifully for our family Christmas party.

Hired as: Pianist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Abbie G.

Abbie G.

November 7, 2019

My dad is awesome!

I'm James's eldest daughter. My father plays the piano in a way I cannot even describe. He has been writing songs since a young age and can play the piano with his eyes closed. I've seen him. Also, you don't even need to hope he knows the song. All you need to do is play a record to him, and he will play and sing it perfectly.

Hired as: Pianist, Singing Pianist

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Booking information

Price range: Contact for rates

What to expect

I will provide the exact piano accompaniment to what you are looking for at your event in terms of musical genre and volume level.

About

I am a full-time music director at a multi-cultural church in the Chicago area. I have a degree in music composition from a conservatory. I write songs in my spare time. Music has always been my brain's hobby.

Additional booking notes

If your venue doesn't have a piano or keyboard, I can bring my synthesizer and/or keytar.

Past booked events

March 2026

04

Wednesday

Campus Event

6:00pm - 8:30pm

Elgin, IL

October 2025

12

Sunday

Worship Service

9:30am - 10:30am

Des Plaines, IL

August 2025

31

Sunday

Concert

9:00am - 12:00pm

Chicago, IL

11

Monday

House Party

7:30pm - 8:30pm

Barrington, IL

April 2025

05

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

1:30pm - 3:30pm

Glenview, IL

December 2024

21

Saturday

Dinner Party

6:30pm - 7:30pm

Barrington, IL

April 2024

06

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

10:30am - 12:00pm

Mount Prospect, IL

December 2023

09

Saturday

Christmas Party

6:30pm - 8:00pm

Lincolnshire, IL

01

Friday

Christmas Party

6:30pm - 8:00pm

Naperville, IL

December 2022

10

Saturday

Christmas Party

4:00pm - 5:00pm

Oak Forest, IL

December 2015

19

Saturday

Holiday Party (Christmas)

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Cary, IL

Influences and inspiration

As a composer, I've been trained to avoid having favorites. I've heard and been influenced by it all. Let me know what type of music you're interested in and I'll provide it.

Setup requirements

Boom mic

Quarter inch input

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