Jim Gilmour was born in Carfin, Scotland, but his musical journey began in Canada at the age of nine when he got his first instrument, the accordion. With the spotlight of the world stage shining in his direction, Jim responded by competing in several accordion competitions in North America, where he once finished in second place.

With a passion for learning and performing music, Jim diversified his interests, and at age 17, he began taking lessons and practicing the piano and the clarinet. Around the same time, he was enrolled in the faculty of music program at the University of Toronto and attending opera school. Little did he know what was around the corner – a dream come true.