PMTA Teachers

Teaching: Piano |Theory 

I have enjoyed teaching piano and theory in the Parkland area since 1982. I also taught in the Early Childhood music program at Alberta College and have done some substitute teaching for Parkland School Division. Having developed an appreciation for all of the arts, I like to see my students become well rounded musicians.

Since 1995, I have been a pianist/organist at Stony Plain United Church, playing for services as well as accompanying the choir. I also encourage my students to play at student performance classes, the Parkland Music Festival and the June Recital. Discovering how to bring out the unique musicality within each of my students continues to inspire and delight me!

Education:

• Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta (1977)

• ARCT Diploma (Piano Teacher) from the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto Canada

• Theatre Arts Diploma from Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton (1981)

Contact: cell 780 819 3613; mereditha55@gmail.com 

Teaching: Guitar |Ukulele |Theory |Artist Mentorship

Hello! My name is Don, I'm a local musician and teacher offering in person, or online guitar and ukulele lessons to students of all ages and skill levels! 2021 is my seventh year teaching professionally; I teach over 1000 lessons a year with students from age 5, to 60+. Typically, I run all my classes in person, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic I have opened up online lessons as an option.

My teaching style is individually designed for each one of my students, with the most emphasis always being on the student’s playing goals. If the student desires a theory based approach to learning, I would design the lessons with that in mind. Should the student desire to be able to play chords around a campfire, and understand playing on a purely fundamental level for recreational purposes, the lessons would center upon that goal. 

Music is my passion, and it fills me with great joy to be able to share my knowledge with those that express an interest in learning. My hope is that through my lessons, musical concepts and playing technique can be explained in the simplest, and most accessible way possible. It is never too late to start learning an instrument, and I can promise that it will be a lifelong investment of happiness. 

I am currently offering lessons out of my studios in two communities, Edmonton (Glenora), and Spruce Grove. Contact me for more info on each of these. It would be helpful for me if you informed me of your desired lesson location (Edmonton or Spruce Grove) when you contact me.

All that’s required of the student is to have a functioning instrument, a pencil/lined paper notebook for lesson progress - preferably with a pocket to hold loose sheets, and some self discipline for at home practicing.

Feel free to visit my website at www.donjbartlett.com for more info on me, and my own playing.

MAKE ME CRY - Original arrangement https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ3joADe51M

YESTERDAY (Ukulele) - Original arrangement https://youtu.be/8Uw-Irt_Azc

STUDIO GHIBLI MEDLEY - Original arrangement https://youtu.be/wLM-b5pVYJw

“I have taken a few lessons before but nothing ever made sense to me, and I may as well have had two left hands. After a few lessons, with his patience and knowledge everything is starting to come together. Still a ways to go from going on tour, but what a great start.” - Wes, 46

I LOVE GUITAR! THANKS -Sully, 5 

“Recommending Don for guitar lessons. I have known Don since last fall. He has been my instructor, taught me so much in such a short time. Don is very reliable, accommodating, patient and a dedicated teacher. Based on what I have accomplished in learning how to play guitar, without any hesitation, I would highly recommend him to you.” -Sylvia, 41

Location: Glenora area Edmonton & Spruce Grove

Contact: donjamesbartlett@gmail.com or 780-904-1273

Website: www.donjbartlett.com

Teaching: Violin

I’m Karin.  Love of music started at age 4 on the violin for me.  I was classically trained, became a successful performer, competitor, and later teacher.  I have my Performer’s and Teacher’s Certificate for Violin with Royal Conservatory of Music Canada.  My pulse has always been rhythm and sound.  My mentors and teachers were Music Hall of Famers Ranald and Vera Shean, who taught me to be loyal and respectful to a good foundation and conquering on that basis.  I promised to stay true to that and know no other way.  Whether you want to make a beautiful sound, learn a jig, or perform a concerto, they are all based on a perfect foundation, which I provide.  I teach all levels and love to explore the heights, and depths of music with my students.

Contact: call/text 780-850-7692 ; verabeyond9@gmail.com

Teaching: Piano

Melanie Bodnar began playing the piano at the age of 7 and she thrives on sharing her love of music with others, especially children.

A trained teacher in the Suzuki Method of piano instruction, Melanie is a firm believer that talent is developed and nurtured in rich and life-giving environments and that every child can learn. 

Also called the “Mother Tongue” approach to musical instruction, the Suzuki Method is an easy and natural way to learn.  Just as babies spend years listening to language before speaking, so Suzuki students spend ample time listening to recordings of beautiful music before learning to play those pieces themselves.  Just as children learn to speak before learning to read and write, so Suzuki students learn to play by ear before learning to read musical scores.

Melanie holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance (Summa Cum Laude) from the University of Lethbridge and a Bachelor of Education Degree from King’s University College in Edmonton.  Highlights of her teaching career thus far include teaching children as young as two years old to play the piano, as well as teaching children and young adults with developmental disabilities.

Melanie teaches in her home studio on an acreage in the Carvel/Duffield area (15 min. west of Stony Plain) where she lives with her husband and five children.  Aside from music, Melanie loves reading, baking, and homeschooling her children.

Please see www.edmontonsuzukipiano.ca for more information about the Suzuki Method and Suzuki Program.

Location: Carvel/Duffield

Contact: mbodnar@edmontonsuzukipiano.ca

Teaching: Piano |Theory

Katrina Culleton began playing the piano at the age of six. She has always known that she wanted to be a musician, either performing or teaching piano.

She completed Level 10 in piano through the Royal Conservatory of Music in 2018. She has taught a variety of ages, from 4 years old to 60+, and believes that every student’s needs and learning style is different. She is certified to teach from beginner levels up to level 8 RCM. She is also trained to teach Music for Young Children classes.

Katrina has won awards for Theory and Practical and had the privilege to perform at the Alberta Provincial Music Festival (2016, and 2019, and 2022). She was also honored to be the Emerging Artist at St Albert Chamber Music Society’s October 2016 performance.

In her spare time she loves to bake, participate in escape rooms, and experiment in other avenues of artistic expression such as fiber arts.

Location: Spruce Grove

Contact: phone/text: 780-224-1370; kbergermusic@gmail.com 

Website: https://kbergermusic.wordpress.com/ 

Teaching: Piano |Theory

I was born and raised in Edmonton, and moved to the Stony Plain area in 1997. Having taught piano and theory lessons for 25 years, I love seeing students of all ages develop their musical skills and abilities. I bring a patient and understanding approach, allowing students to progress at their own pace, while challenging them in the necessary areas to move forward. I’m accepting students from age 5 to adult, and desire to develop well rounded musicians who enjoy making music.

I began my piano studies at the age of five in group lessons with Yamaha Music. Several years later I moved to private lessons, and as a young adult completed my Associate of Music (Western Board of Music) in 1992. During university I continued taking piano and theory lessons, and in 1999 I obtained a Bachelor of Music Therapy (B.C. Open Learning University). Besides teaching, I have also accompanied children and adult choirs, vocalists and instrumentalists, along with playing piano at my church and for Christmas musicales.

Music has always been a very important part of my life, and I’m looking forward to joining students in their journey and love of music.

Location: Stony Plain/Spruce Grove

Contact: Phone/text: 780-984-2317 lisamjespersen@gmail.com

Teaching: Piano | Theory | History

Joanne started playing at a very young age, however her formal studies started in Edmonton with Jackie Smith, followed by Pat Stretch, Lillian Stillman and Dr. Lillian Upright.

Joanne achieved her ARCT and has been teaching for over 50 years in the Edmonton and Spruce Grove area. Her students enjoy a varied program of music including popular and student favorites with a focus on Royal Conservatory of Music. They can attend both Christmas and Final recitals and she strongly suggests they take in one performance a year when appropriate events come along, particularly at the Horizon Stage in Spruce Grove.

Joanne has accompanied vocalists, instrumentalists, ensembles, and choirs since she was 11 years old, performed at the Horizon Stage Theatre, Jubilee Auditorium, at the Edmonton Fringe Festival with the “Tribute Singers”, Festival of Trees, recoded at CBC with “Silhouette” and many other events. As well she continues to play for church services, funerals, and weddings both near and far.

Joanne continues to attend workshops and educational events to expand her knowledge of music, its evolution and has a particular interest in the anatomy of performance. Your body is part of your instrument too!

Joanne looks forward to meeting new students in an audition setting and hopes they find her studio an inviting forum for learning one of the greatest gifts to mankind – Music!

Location: Woodhaven, Spruce Grove

Contact: 780-405-0302, jojo88@telus.net

Teaching: Piano |Theory 

Hello fellow music lovers!

I am a long-time resident of the Parkland area and have been teaching for over 25 years. I teach ages 5 and up, beginners to Grade 8 Royal Conservatory and the theory applicable to each level. Lessons begin in September and run through to the end of May. I offer private piano lessons for students on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 2:00-8:00 pm. For the upcoming season, I will be teaching in-person and online using Zoom or FaceTime.

I usually host 2 piano recitals per year: one at Christmas and one at year-end. Anyone can attend! I also host optional group Zoom performance opportunities (students only). I encourage students to perform at the Parkland Music Festival; it is a wonderful opportunity for performance experience and a chance to perform for an adjudicator. Support will be provided for those who want the challenge of a piano exam. I have hard-working, smart, fun, dedicated students!

I LOVE MUSIC and am passionate about teaching. I encourage my students to venture out into different avenues of interest like jazz, movie theme music, popular, etc. I cater each lesson to the individual. No two students are the same, so no two lessons are the same.

Location: Aspenglen, Spruce Grove

Contact:780-906-3238 (cell) or nicola2848@hotmail.com

Teaching: Piano |Harp |Theory |Voice

Monika Kowalczuk is an active musician, instructor and performer for special occasions. She earned her BA in Music at the King's University College in Edmonton. With 20 years of training and teaching experience, she has been exposed to various styles and genres of music. She is involved in piano, harp, organ, voice, theory, ear training, harmony, choral music, various forms of dance including ballroom, theatre, leading and attending workshops, planning and organizing events and performances. Some of her performances have been seen at the Jubilee Auditorium, Winspear, and Royal Alberta Museum. She has expanded to teach group classes with the Yamaha program and is constantly acquiring new techniques and approaches to expose students of all ages to the various aspects of music. As a teacher she strives to be kind, patient, creative, imaginative, fun loving, and is committed to having each student excel in their best possible way, whether for an exam, recital, or for personal knowledge and enjoyment.

Ballroom Dance: Ballroom dance (workshops/private/group) lessons are available upon request. Dances avaiable are the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Rhumba, Cha Cha, Swing, Salsa, Jive. Lessons are usually one hour long. Individuals without partners are welcome.

Music Lessons: Piano, harp, theory, or voice lessons are offered weekly or by appointment in the locations of Wabamun and Onoway. For children, youth, and adults and all levels. Lesson plans are based on each students’ needs but usually include ear traning, technique, theory, and sight reading. Exams, recitals, and festivals are an option. Half hour or one hour lessons are available.

Harp performance: Book a harpist to play for a wedding, banquet, reception, party, anniversary....and for many other events or occasions.

Location: Wabamum & Onoway

Contact: 780-916-1317 or youvegotrhythm@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/YGR.music.dance/  or https://youvegotrhythm.webs.com/music-lessons 

Teaching: Piano |Theory |Songwriting

After firmly establishing a solid foundation of classical training, I broadened my experience and performance in jazz, popular music, and folk music.   I excel at songwriting and enjoy passing on my experience to instill passion for music to all of my students. My credentials include Grade 10 Royal Conservatory of Music, Conservatory Canada ARCT piano teachers, Bachelor of Music Composition at the University of Alberta, 10+ years as an accompanist for the Alberta Lyric Theatre, and also active in music ministry at the Spruce Grove Alliance Church.

Location: Stony Plain, Parkland County

Contact: 780-991-3419; goldenscoremusic@gmail.com

Teaching: Piano |Theory |Early Childhood Music

Thank you for reading my biography! I’m not currently accepting new private students. However, I invite you and your child (7 years or younger) to join me for Music for Young Children keyboard classes, which run from September to June each year.

The MYC parent-child beginner keyboard class ‘Sunshine 1’ is available for children age 4 (or almost 4). There is also a beginner keyboard class for children 5-7 years old (‘Sunbeams 1’). Visit www.myc.com/teacher/JPeterson for information about MYC keyboard programs or contact me at sparkle7@telus.net. Keyboard classes start in early September and run till early June (36 classes).

Music Pups is a family music class for children newborn to age 4. We have a blast boppin’ to great tunes, singing, and playing rhythm instruments. 7-week sessions take place each fall, winter, spring and summer. Please visit www.themusicclass.com or www.myc.com/teacher/JPeterson for more information.

The MYC ‘Sunrise’ pre-keyboard program runs in three 8-week blocks starting in late September. Sunrise is the perfect introduction to music lessons for your 3-or 4-year old. We do lots of singing, movement and rhythm instruments like Music Pups. In addition, our Bear friends introduce aural and visual patterns and basic music concepts in an age-appropriate manner. Visit www.myc.com/teacher/JPeterson for more information about the Sunrise program. 

I’ve been teaching music lessons in Stony Plain since 1997. I started teaching private piano lessons in 1989. Fifteen years ago, I also started teaching parent-child small group classes through Music for Young Children. I have my grade 10 piano certificate from the Royal Conservatory and my grade 9 singing certificate from Conservatory Canada. I’ve also taken jazz piano courses at Grant MacEwan College. Continuing education is important to me. I enjoy teaching all styles of music. I think it’s important for students to work together so I always feature duets, trios or larger ensembles as part of my studio curriculum. I really try to understand the learning styles of my students, both to help them learn efficiently and also to stretch them into exploring their non-dominant modes.

I love performing and encourage all my students to take advantage of performance opportunities, such as Christmas and year-end concerts and the annual Parkland Music Festival each spring.

I’m active in my church as pianist, organist and vocal ensemble director. In the past, I’ve also accompanied an award-winning junior choir and the vocal jazz quartet U-4-Ya. I guess it would be fair to say that music is the hub around which my life revolves!

“Thank you for being an amazing music teacher!  I love music and your lessons are really fun.”—Liam Brown

Location: Downtown Stony Plain

Contact: 780-963-0817; sparkle7@telus.net

Teaching: Piano |Violin |Theory

I teach beginner through intermediate piano, beginner-early intermediate violin, and music theory out of my home studio about 15 minutes west of Stony Plain, Alberta.  I believe that all people have the ability to make music and that learning to play an instrument enriches the life of every person. I work to provide a musical education that is well rounded and offers students opportunities to express their personalities by pursuing styles that are interesting to them, as well developing a solid foundation of technique and rhythm. Whether desiring to challenge themselves with RCM exams, learning to play hymns or popular music, or a little bit of everything I look forward to helping students achieve their goals.

Music has been an integral part of my life since I started piano lessons at age 6 and violin 2 years later. One of the joys of being a musician to me is the opportunity to make or share music with others through duets, accompanying others, ensemble playing, performing for weddings and in church. For the past few years, I have been honored to share my love of music through teaching as well.

Education and Qualifications:

• Level 10 RCM certificate in piano.

• Level 8 RCM certificate in violin.

• Suzuki Level 1 certified teacher.

Ongoing Education and Training:

I continue to seek learning opportunities to help me become both a better teacher and musician. I am currently working towards completing my ARCT Teacher's Certificate in Piano Pedagogy through the Royal Conservatory. I also intend to pursue further Suzuki violin training. 

I grew up on a small farm in rural Alberta riding horses, gardening, and, of course, spending hours practicing music. Things I enjoy outside of music include: spending time outdoors with my family, baking, and spending time with friends. 

Location: Stony Plain

Contact: Call 403-443-0257; michaelastewartmusic@gmail.com

Website: michaelastewartmusic.wixsite.com/mysite

Teaching: Piano |Voice

My first and foremost passion is music! I get to spend my days doing what I love and to have the opportunity to share that passion with others is a gift all on its own!

I’ve been teaching Voice and Piano for the past 4 years. I teach lessons to students ages 5 and up out of my home studio in Stony Plain. I graduated from the University of Alberta with her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance majoring in classical training and I have been studying Piano and Voice for over 16 years.

I currently hold my grade 9 RCM piano certificate. I have been honored to be a recipient of numerous music festival awards and scholarships and my studies have taken her Italy where I performed in the opera” L’incornazione de Poppea” and Newfoundland, in which I was cast to understudy two of the main characters in the musical “Sweeny Todd”

In addition to teaching, I try and do as many various performances in the area and is I have began Co-Conducting and Accompanying for the “Parkland Celebration Choir”

I enjoy teaching all different genres of voice and piano, including Pop, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, Folk and Classical.

Thank you for taking a moment to read my bio. I would love to hear from you and be able to share my passion of music with you! 

Location: Spruce Grove

Contact: either kvankosky@gmail.com or (587) 785-1802

Teaching: Voice | Beginner Piano | Theory 

Teaching singing and theory for over 33 years; and still loving it. I enjoy performing and teaching. I have an A.R.C.T. in Singing Performance and take every opportunity to sing in public and teach students to do the same. It takes confidence to sing in public, and having "been there, done that" helps me to help you do it too. I've had great success with students performing at Festivals, special events, auditioning for university programs or getting accredited through RCM or Conservatory Canada exams. I teach classical, musical theatre, and contemporary styles.

Singing can also be a 'visual' art, so presentation is carefully prepared so you feel confident in your performance.

I teach 40 minute lessons once a week for the beginner to grade 4 level. More advanced students would require an hour per week.

Call me for rates and further information. I look forward to hearing from you and meeting you. I’ve recently moved to Spruce Grove, but welcome anyone to my Studio for in-person lessons. I will also do on-line lessons for those who are sick and have health issues. 

Location: Spruce Grove & Area

Contact: 780-238-4662; singingdori@gmail.com

Teaching: Piano

If you would ask me, it's hard to say which I love most -- making music on my piano, or teaching children to make it! I offer lessons that are fun and flexible. Online? Yes! In-person? Yes! Lessons for preschoolers? Absolutely! Theory lessons? Yes! Encouragement and opportunities to participate in recitals, festivals, and exams? Yes! I am now accepting students from beginners to Level 6, or theory students up to Level 9. Students' parents express appreciation for my patience. I use fun and games to teach, with the goal of creating a love for music in my students. 

I recently achieved my Associate Diploma in Piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music (First Class Honors), and my accompanying Theory: Advanced (First Class Honors with Distinction). My experiences include serving as the secondary pianist in our church, as well as a bit of accompaniment. The best teachers never stop learning, so whether through reading blog posts on teaching, interacting with my fellow teachers, watching a webinar, or challenging myself to try something new in the music world, I seek to always continue my 'informal education'. 

Location: Lac Ste. Anne County

Contact: 780-967-3391 wienspiano@gmail.com 

Website: http://songbirdpianolessons.blogspot.com/ 

Teaching: Piano | Voice | Guitar | Bass Guitar | Violin | Saxophone | Clarinet | Drums | African Drums | Music Theory | Viola | Early Childhood Music Education

Hi, I am Kimberly Wong, the founder of Volo Academy of Music (prev. North Peace Piano). Our motto is “Music takes flight, fueled by fun!”. I have my Royal Conservatory of Music Teacher's ARCT diploma and have been teaching for over 14 years. I also have a Bachelor of Arts Degree from The University of British Columbia in Sociology and Psychology. I hand picked, mentor, and lead a team of qualified, passionate, creative, and energetic teachers. We have students from all across Canada!

At Volo Academy of Music, we offer both online and in-person private, semi-private, and group lessons. We use innovative and imaginative teaching methods to ignite and nurture our students’ passion for music, while upholding traditional standards of excellence. We teach our students important skills that take them beyond music and into many areas throughout their lives. We have online lessons down to a science (and an art!), and have evolved it into a new way of education rather than just a virtual replacement. As a result, beginner students have been reading music earlier and we’ve been able to cover more material in each lesson with advanced students!

We also offer in-person lessons at our two Spruce Grove locations.

We welcome students of all ages (currently age 4 – 80+) and at all stages of their musical journey, from brand new beginner to advanced. We cater to all needs and to students playing for leisure, exams, or both. Each student gets matched to an instructor, who tailors lessons to the student’s individual learning style, personality, interests, and goals.

We look forward to hearing from you about starting or continuing your music journey!

Location: 101 McLeod Ave, Spruce Grove

Contact: 587-850-2454; kimberly@voloacademyofmusic.com

Website: https://www.voloacademyofmusic.com