Ingrid Øygard Steinkopf is a pianist, flutist, composer, and bandleader known for her imaginative compositions, distinctive arrangements, and for her dedicated presence in the Norwegian jazz scene. 

 

Raised in a musical family in Vaksdal municipality, Norway, Steinkopf developed an early interest in both classical and jazz traditions, playing flute from age six and piano from age ten. After participating in the Grieg Academy “Young Musicians” talent programme in her teens, she went on to study jazz piano at the prestigious jazz department at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim. During this time, Steinkopf became an active contributor to the city’s jazz community, forming and performing with several ensembles, including Matrjosjka, Kaopunki Papagayo and BounceAlarm. Her involvement in the student big band Kjellerbandet sparked a lasting interest in large-ensemble music.

 

In 2018, Steinkopf co-founded Starlight Big Band, which has since become one of her main projects. She has composed several original pieces for Starlight, as well as contributing several arrangements. To this day Steinkopf serves as the general manager for the big band.

 

Together with Arne Skorpe Sjøen and Thomas Lossius, Steinkopf is a founding member of Briotrio, established in 2015. In the decade since, the trio has released three albums, the self-titled debut Briotrio (2019), Yeah! (2021), and Voyage (2025). Reviewers consistently describe Briotrio as a group that combines memorable melodies with playful interaction, prioritising storytelling and musicality over virtuosic showmanship. Their music is often praised for balancing accessibility and depth, and for their tasteful blending of jazz tradition with other genres.

Since 2019, Steinkopf has worked full-time as a freelance musician, composer, and arranger. She is also a skilled organiser, having held positions both as a producer for Vossa Jazz, the annual jazz festival in Voss, Norway, as well as a booking agent for other jazz artists.

In 2024, Steinkopf began pursuing a master’s degree in jazz composition at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, further deepening her knowledge and competence in the field of composition and arrangement. During her studies, she has continued to produce output as both a musician and as a composer, showing a mastery of both musical performance and creation.