Music has always been a common thread in my life. Starting at the early age of 5. Due to my father’s work we relocated our home every 3 years and I found myself being reintroduced to many different teachers. Looking back, I realized the vast knowledge gained from each one.
My first experience of public playing was a tough one as my father was the Chaplin for the Salvation Army’s Correctional Services and every Sunday morning I was the pianist for services in such places as Kingston Penitentiary, Collins Bay Institution and Women’s Prison. My passion started at that time as I realized the dynamic change that it could have on the listener.
I continued my studies as I travelled across the provinces and completed my Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 10 in Calgary. My music took me to volunteer for my first Piano Teaching at the Home for Abused Children Centre and soon became to realize that the audiences had become more personalized to individual students. Music had given many a child a release from their reality.
Corporate business opportunities were pursued, but the desire to teach never left. Private teaching was beginning to grow, and a studio was generated.
My education was expanded and training for Music for Young Children was taken and achieved, group lessons were started. Student and parent were being taught at the same time, these were very exhilarating times. Rhythm instruments, theory lessons, vocal training and of course piano were balanced. My teaching toolbox was expanding!
Finally, I left the Corporate world to pursue music full time in the Schools. One on one lessons were given throughout the day. Organization and adaptability were now my best friends. I was approached to begin my next journey by the Montessori School to be their Music Teacher & Coordinator. This position involved one on one lessons with students, along with group Casa lessons for each classroom. The challenge was to develop a program to reach the younger children ages (2-6) and give them a solid foundation while balancing an early love and passion for music. Relationship building was the key to unlock this door. Once again, another program was developed to reach these very important students. An amazing journey that has lasted ten years.
The unique ability to create music teaching aids, programs and games brought me into my next venture. I created a company to distribute these materials for Waterloo Music, RCM, Music for Young Children and Montessori School.
2020 arrived and along with it came COVID-19. This changed everything and opened a whole new way of non-contact teaching online. I now find myself in a new world of technology. Where my piano and bench sat alone before, they are now surrounded by three cameras, monitors, boom microphone and computers. The technology has allowed me to be one on one with all my students without the worry of contact or transmission of the virus. This now allows my students to log in for their private lessons and receive the personal attention of a one to one lesson without the need to travel and benefit from the lesson in the comfort and safety of their own homes.