Biography
I am a pianist and educator based in Regina, SK. My piano performance studies have taken me across Canada, the United States, Germany, and Hungary, where I’ve had the privilege of studying with internationally renowned performers and pedagogues. In addition to my performance career, I have had a successful administrative career, devoted to community building within arts communities. I served as the interim Artistic Director of the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto, organized and led a successful provincial convention for the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers Association (SRMTA), and sat on the strategic planning committee for the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations (CFMTA).
Education and Training:
- I hold a dual Master of Music in Piano Performance and Music Education from Western University (London, ON).
- I received my Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Alberta (Edmonton, AB), where I studied under Dr. Jacques Després and Dr. Magdalena Adamek.
- I also completed a piano pedagogy specialization at the Kodály Institute of the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Kecskemét, Hungary, studying under Hungarian pianist Anikó Novák.
Awards & Papers:
- Winner & Soloist of the Regina Music Club Recital Competition, 2011. As part of this achievement, performed a solo piano recital at the University of Regina
- Charles Ives & Musical Borrowing https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/492/
- Measurement & Evaluation: Saskatchewan Music Festival Association Case
Study
Professional Experience:
- Artistic Director & Conductor of the Prairie Kids Chorus.
- Developed a music and movement curriculum based on Kodály principles, which became the Introduction to Music Course at the Conservatory of Performing Arts.
- Joined the Toronto Children’s Chorus faculty as the KinderNotes instructor in 2019.
Specializations and Interests:
- Specialized in the Zene Zen music and movement program and received several years of Klára Kokas training.
- Keen interest in the impact of ear training and music theory in the private piano studio.
- Active member of the music community, serving as a soloist and dedicated teacher.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have you been teaching piano?
I have been teaching piano lessons since 2007. I also taught musicianship courses as part of my teaching assistant position at Western University and have been teaching group music classes since 2019.
What is your approach to practice and progress?
– Regular practice between lessons is required, with suggested practice times ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours a day, depending on the level (1-10).
– Scales and techniques must be practiced and memorized.
– Incorporate piano practice into your daily schedule.
– Use a notebook to track your practice sessions.
– Beyond piano lessons, students are encouraged to attend classical music concerts and listen to classical music at home.
What types of music do you teach?
– Classical
Are you open to teaching the music the student is interested in?
– Yes, students are welcome to bring supplementary music to their lessons.
What are the Lesson Lengths and Costs
– Students from levels 2-8 are advised to register for 60-minute lessons.
– Students at levels 9, 10, & ARCT are recommended to register for 90-minute lessons.
– Please visit the Conservatory of Performing Arts for current fees.
Are there any additional fees (registration, materials, recital fees)?
– Students are responsible for purchasing their own music for the year.
– There are no additional costs to participate in recitals, but masterclasses and scholarship classes have additional fees.
Do you recommend any supplementary classes (e.g., theory, musicianship)?
– All private lessons include instruction in repertoire and theory.
– Students aiming for exams or seeking a deeper musical understanding are encouraged to join the Musicianship Class or the Prairie Kids Chorus. Starting in 2025, the musicianship class will be a co-requisite to join my studio (with some exceptions).
– Piano lessons at every level include a dedicated portion for theory instruction.
– Students can opt for an additional 30-minute theory lesson, which can be shared between two students.
– For groups exceeding two students, a 60-minute small group class can be arranged, accommodating up to 6 students.
What is your availability for lessons?
– Lessons are taught on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
– No lessons are held on statutory holidays or during Conservatory mandatory closures.
Do you offer trial lessons?
– All new students are invited to a preliminary interview where we can get to know each other and I can hear you play.
– Upon registering, students have a 4-week grace period where either party can cancel lessons for the remainder of the year without penalty.
What kind of piano or keyboard is recommended for practice at home?
– Students must have regular access to an instrument.
– An 88-key digital keyboard is acceptable for beginners, but an acoustic piano is recommended for intermediate to advanced students. A well-maintained upright piano is a perfectly fine instrument for young pianists.
When should we transition to a different teacher?
– Consider whether your goals align with your current teacher’s approach. Evaluate your progress and ensure it meets your expectations.
– As students advance, it is crucial to work with a teacher who emphasizes good technique to prevent injury and accelerate learning.
– The teacher should be compassionate and address each student’s individual needs. The relationship between a piano teacher and student is a mentorship, so it’s important to enjoy working together.
– Don’t wait too long to switch if your needs are not being met. You want to develop a foundation of good piano technique to ease the transition from beginner to advanced pianist.
What age should my child begin piano lessons?
– Every child is different and the starting age can depend on the chosen method. For children not yet reading in school, an ear-based or movement-based method is recommended.
– I believe every child should first learn to sing and find joy in making music in groups. If you want to study with me but do not yet meet the age or experience requirements, please consider joining the Prairie Kids Chorus or Introduction to Music classes.
What is the typical progression for students in your studio?
– Students are encouraged to take piano exams and perform in masterclasses, recitals, and music festivals.
– While none of these activities are required, having goals to work towards, no matter how great or small, is important. Exams are a great way to track progress, and performance opportunities help build confidence and resilience in public settings.
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