Donnalynn Grunewald

My mother was my first music teacher - she taught me to sing parts while I was still pre-school age. I began my formal music studies at age 5 because I was trying to play my big sister’s music. I have had some wonderful teachers over the years, who have inspired the way I teach. Mrs. Kit Peterson was my mentor for many years. I also had the privilege of studying with Edward Parker at the the Victoria Conservatory of Music. I completed my ARCT in 1979, though I had begun to teach two years earlier. I am particularly proud of my First Class Honours standing in Piano Pedagogy. I’ve dabbled in other instruments, learning to play the mandolin at the age of 9 when my dad brought one home. I used my savings to by an accordion when I was 12 and taught myself to play. School band was next - on clarinet, which I continued for seven years. At 16 I begged for a guitar after learning to play on a church trip. I’ve tried ukulele, tin whistle, bodhran and celtic lap harp, to name just a few. From my earliest days singing with my mother, I have participated in dozens of choirs - school, church and community. I have been a soloist at many a talent show, concert, community event or church service. When I was ten, my friend and I were invited to sing on a CBC national program. I accompanied my friend and sang harmony. We even sang in French! I have produced two albums - one of sacred music, and one secular. Closely related to my singing are the adventures I’ve had conducting and accompanying choirs. I thoroughly enjoyed conducting a wonderful group of singers in the “OK Chorale” from Okotoks, Alberta. I served as accompanist for the Mount Royal Youth Choir under the direction of Brent V. Pierce. The choir was invited to perform at an International choral festival held in Aberdeen, Scotland. That trip also saw the choir performing at Stirling Castle, Crathes Castle. and Loch Lomond. We also toured many cities in England, even singing in Coventry Cathedral. Mrs. Kit Peterson, my first teacher, made sure I could sight read really well, which skill has served me well for over 40 years. I have accompanied vocalists, instrumentalists and choirs, but my favourite job was in musical theatre. I first accompanied a show in 1977 - my last year in high school. After that I joined a children’s theatre company as musical director. Fast forward a decade and I found myself at a private school playing for their annual musical and five choirs. I was with the school for twenty years. My foray into composing began at age 7 with “Fall Wonderland” followed by “Wet, Wet Flag”. (Hey - I was little!) I began to write in earnest in my teens, pumping out dozens of angst-filled ballads. I did manage to refine my skills in later years. In 1987, I was chosen as a featured artist at the World Expo in Vancouver. I had the opportunity to play for international crowds every day for a week! Over the past twenty years, I have been writing mainly for church choirs. Yes, I have done quite a bit musically, but I always come back to my first love - teaching! I love to light a fire in young minds and help them discover the joy that making music brings. I love the first awkward years at the piano and watching a child blossom. I love encouraging them through those hard teen years and helping them find the music within themselves. I love re-kindling a love of music in more “mature students”. Music is meant to be fun - to bring joy - to share our gifts! Let’s do it together!