Jean-Luc Etienne
studied organ with Pierre Cortellezzi ans André Stricker. The teaching of Louis Thiry and the proximity of the organist and composer Jean-Jacques Grunenwald did also greatly impress him.

In 1986 he was a finalist in the Concours International de Toulouse devoted to contemporary music for organ, thus bringing to light his henceforth unwavering attachment to the music of his time.

After receiving the Aptitude Certificate in 1988, in the same year he became organ professor at the École Départementale Départementale de Musique des Alpes-Maritimes, puis, en 1996, au Conservatoire National de Région de Nice.