I LOVE teaching my students!! As a certified RCM piano and theory teacher, I have been helping people of all ages develop their piano skills for over 15 years. My approach is to help design a personal program of study for each student since everyone is unique. The RCM program provides an excellent framework for piano study; however, I also use other methods and programs, depending on a person's needs and interests. Through weekly lessons, performance opportunities at my recitals, and preparation for both piano and theory exams for those who enjoy such challenges, it is my main hope that I instill in my students enthusiasm for playing the piano and developing themselves as musicians.
Specialized in
- Youth (7-17)
- Adults (18+)
- Young Children (under 7)
- Beginner/Elementary
- Intermediate
Teaches At
- At a school
- At own home
- At own studio
- Online
Specialist designation
- Piano - Elementary
- Piano - Intermediate
Credentials
- 2006 - Grade X Piano Performance Certificate - Royal Conservatory of Music
- 1998 - B.A. - U.B.C.
Professional development
- Alfred Teacher's Workshop - 3 hour presentation given by composer Dennis Alexander on Alfred publications which included teaching tips - 2019
- Digital concert Hall, Berliner Philharmoniker - Brahm's Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in D minor, op. 15. Krystian Zimerman, soloist. - 2023
- Exploring Popular Selections in the Celebration Series, Sixth Edition - 1.5 hour workshop given by Elaine Rusk and Dr. Wong at the Vancouver Academy of Music. - 2023
- How to Connect With Your Students Over a Virtual Platform - A one hour webinar presentation by Daniel Glass (promoted by Alfred Music) on how to make personal and technological connections with students in both virtual classroom and virtual private teaching settings. - 2021
- Improving Students' Practice Habits Webinar - RCM webinar: Improving Students' Practice Habits by incorporating practice instruction into your private lessons - 2018
- Inspiring Creativity with Melodic Improvisation and Lead-Sheet Reading - 1.5 hour RCM workshop given by Elaine Rusk and Dr. Wong at the Vancouver Academy of Music. - 2023
- RCM Intermediate Level Theory Workshop - four hour workshop on RCM's intermediate theory requirements, June 8, Vancouver - 2018
- RCM Summer Summit 2018, Vancouver - Professional development for music teachers. Theme: "Music For All" - 2018
- Teacher Certification: Elementary Piano - RCM Preparatory levels to grade IV - 2016
- Teaching With the RCM Piano Syllabus and Celebration Series, Sixth Edition: Level 7 - 1.5 hour webinar presented by Dr. Diana Dumlavwalla on the Syllabus requirements for Level 7, a discussion of a variety of repertoire, and a sharing of a sample exam program. - 2023
- Teaching with the RCM Piano Syllabus and Celebration Series, Sixth Edition: Levels 1 and 2 - RCM webinar, presented by Dr Janet Lopinski, on the syllabus requirements for Levels 1 and 2. A sample exam is presented, strategies for exam preparation are given, and insights into Evaluation Criteria and Examiner Expectations are shared. - 2023
- Teaching with the RCM Piano Syllabus and Celebration Series, Sixth Edition: Levels 5 & 6 - One hour Webinar presented by Maria Case, RCM Chief Examiner Emeritus.. Topics covered:
New musicianship options for the grade V level, up-dated information on Sight Reading and Chord Symbols, Lead Sheet reading, and exploration of repertoire and etudes. - 2023
- Teaching with the RCM Piano Syllabus and Celebration Series, Sixth Edition: Prep A and B Levels - Webinar presented by Elaine Rusk on the RCM certificate program, the Piano Syllubus 2022 Edition, and the benefits of exams She also gives an exploration of repertoire in the Prep A and B levels and what is required for an exam at these levels. - 2023
- Webinar talks on Performing and Practice Habits by RCM instructor, Jeff Nelson - A series of six 10-15 minute talks :
1.Understanding Performance Anxiety
2.Making Choices About Performing
3.Creating a Performance Narrative
4.Getting Students to Practice Performing
5.Helping Students Define Success
6.Building Good Practice Habits - 2023