Jillian Matundan
Jillian Matundan is a unique singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who continues to win over audiences with her warm, resonant vocals. Her songs tell stories that are relatable, while her unique guitar-style, and inviting stage presence draws her audience into every performance.
Hailing from Central New York, Jillian began training as a concert violinist at the age of three, while also learning piano, flute, and sitar. A musician to her core, Jillian, taught herself how to play other instruments including the guitar, string bass, and percussion.
After a fifteen-year hiatus from writing and playing her own music, to focus on a career in the labor movement, Jillian returned to songwriting in 2018 and performing in 2019. She has since won many awards and recognitions (including fifteen Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Awards); collaborating, playing and recording with other musicians; while playing venues that include Club Passim, The Bitter End, Rockwood Music Hall, Jammin’ Java, and the Edwards Opera House. She has opened for Susan Werner, Natalia Zuckerman, Jesse Terry, RJ Cowdery, Rachael Kilgour, Scott Cook, Michael Clem, Greg Howard, and Anne Hills.
Jillian’s debut EP, Hangin’ On was released in June 2020. Her first full-length album, Singing to the Moon debuted at No. 6 on the FAI Folk Chart in March 2024.
Jillian is a first-generation Filipina American. Jillian also plays with the McLean Symphony and Reston Community Orchestra. She is involved with a number of organizations, including Focus Music (DC/Baltimore Metro), where she is the President. She is a proud trade unionist and lives in Northern Virginia.
“Jillian is the whole package, her voice immediately soothes and captures your attention, then her multi-instrumental mastery weaves a new dimension into her music, and of course there are her songs – well crafted poetry that is highly original and yet feels comfortable in a way that only the finest of songs provide. Jillian Matundan is a remarkable artist whose music will stay with you.” ~ Ron Olesko, Director, Folk Music Notebook