Saxophonist / Composer / Teacher / Certified Soundpainter
After studying at the Bordeaux Conservatory (graduating in saxophone and composition), Jean-François Petitjean listened to and studied the great masters of jazz. He became interested in free improvisation and discovered saxophonists John Zorn, Ellery Eskelin, Tony Malaby, as well as New York improvisers (Jim Black, Mark Feldman, Tom Rainey, etc.), with whom he had the opportunity to work in masterclasses.
In 2007 he discovered Soundpainting, which he practices regularly with Étienne Rolin, as a musician or soundpainter. His encounters with Walter Thompson, creator of Soundpainting, and François Jeanneau allowed him to appreciate the importance and qualities of this language.
He currently plays in various improvised music, jazz, and chanson ensembles, including: Healing Orchestra (Free jazz), Imaginary Africa (Jazz/world music), Yosh! (Saxophone quartet), and Castro Quartet (Jazz), and performs in various venues throughout France and Europe.
As a composer, he has written several contemporary music pieces, musical tales, music for performance (dance, theater, etc.), and short films.
Following the award of the State Diploma in Jazz and the Soundpainting certification in 2010, he divides his time between teaching jazz and improvisation, and developing personal projects.