- 780-447-0088
- lessons@yamusic.ca
- 2435 90b st SW, #202, Edmonton, AB, T6X 1V8
Piano, Yamaha Group, Theory
“Whoa! Look at her fingers!” was the first thing my Mother said when I was born. Yes, I have long fingers. You could say I was born to play the piano. Since I could move my digits I have been playing and learning all that I can about music and loving every minute.
I believe in music education. Not just playing notes on a page, but understanding how and why it is put together.
Everyone learns in a different way and I believe that true teachers are able to adapt their teaching methods to best serve the student.
In my music education, I was not so lucky to have teachers like this. Instead of nurturing the skills that I naturally had, I was told not to use them and to just read the notes on the page. Well… that didn’t last very long.
I ended up filling in some of the musical gaps myself through my love of popular music. Who knew that Composition and Improvisation were going to be some of my favourite things to study? And don’t get me started on Theory! When I finally made sense of all the notation?!! LIGHTBULBS AND FIREWORKS! All these missing pieces were where the fun really started and when I truly could call myself a musician instead of someone who could just play notes on the page.
Proud achievements:
I have Published a Children’s book based on a song I wrote. It’s called “Ode to my Sock” – ( you should check it out sometime!)
Piano, Yamaha Group
Jillian is a pianist, composer, teacher, and facilitator. She recently completed her Masters of Music in Leadership from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, UK (2018). She also holds a BMus in Piano Performance and Composition from the University of Victoria (2012). Jillian has been teaching Yamaha Group and Private lessons in Edmonton for 20 years, and also has experience with the Royal Conservatory of Music and ABRSM examination systems.
She teaches both group and private lessons, is a certified Yamaha examiner, and has successfully completed her Yamaha Grade 4 Piano and Grade 3 Fundamentals exams. Jillian is a consultant for Yamaha Canada, training and giving support to new teachers. Jillian is passionate about music-making with people of all ages and levels. She has worked in schools, hospitals, and other community settings and believes that creativity exists in everyone!
As a performer, Jillian has given solo piano recitals, performed as a pianist, vocalist, and percussionist in various ensembles, and has performed in festivals and concerts throughout Canada and the UK. Jillian’s compositions have also been performed in Canada and the UK. Jillian teaches all styles of music as well as composition and music theory. She is looking forward to combining everything she has learned and experienced throughout her career so far to create an invigorating and fun teaching practice at YaMusic!
Piano, Yamaha Group
I learned to read music the same year I learned to read words, and I have been “speaking” this beautiful language ever since! Music has been an enormous and enriching part of my life in every season, and I was blessed to have a family who nurtured my deep desire to learn. With their support, I worked hard to achieve my Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 10 Piano Exam, as well as Advanced Rudiments, and completed courses in music history and art.
For twenty-three years, I studied under remarkable teachers who opened my eyes to different facets of this amazing art and continually challenged me to grow both technically and musically— from a teacher with her Master’s in Piano Performance, to one with his Master’s in Jazz Piano, to another who specialized in Piano Pedagogy (and later mentored me as I began teaching my own students). I competed yearly in festivals, spent countless hours playing “just because,” and began composing original works as gifts for loved ones. I have performed in numerous community events and ensembles, been in high demand as an accompanist for competitions, and played piano for countless Sunday services at my local church. In my teen years, I branched out to other instruments, studying both violin and voice, which deepened my appreciation for music even further.
Still, I always made time to advance my piano studies— which leads me to my favourite role with this instrument: teaching it! When I was invited to take on my first beginner students twenty years ago, I had no idea I was stepping into what would become the most rewarding career. Over the years, I have been privileged to teach countless students who have enriched my life with mutual learning and beautiful music. I ran a thriving home studio for sixteen years, with many students returning year after year, allowing me to help shape their musical journeys from beginner through advanced levels. During that time, I specialized in guiding students successfully through the Royal Conservatory of Canada program.
Since joining YaMusic, I have also become certified as a Yamaha group class teacher, and the experience has been nothing short of incredible. Teaching Yamaha group classes truly feels like my dream job!
Ultimately, I love witnessing the magic that happens when a student connects with music in a new way, overcomes a challenge, or discovers joy in their playing. I am intentional about maximizing every lesson, tailoring my approach to meet each student exactly where they are at, to foster both skill and enjoyment—because I believe the two go hand in hand! My greatest passion is to see every student leave our lessons loving music more than when they arrived, carrying the lessons they’ve learned beyond the piano studio and into the rest of life.
Piano, Yamaha Group
Ariya Gerike is a classically trained pianist and dedicated music educator with a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance and Clinical Psychology from Redeemer University (2022). She has been playing piano since the age of seven and has studied under respected pianists including Olga Tcherniak and Valerie Tryon. Ariya brings a thoughtful, well-rounded approach to her teaching, blending strong technical training with a deep passion for creativity and personal expression.
Using the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum as a foundation, Ariya encourages her students to explore composition, improvisation, and the deeper meanings within music. She is especially passionate about theory, musical structure, and form, and loves connecting pieces to their historical and cultural context. Helping students understand the motivations behind a piece is central to her teaching, fostering not just technical skill but artistic insight.
With years of experience as a pianist, choir accompanist, and music director, Ariya fosters a supportive environment that balances discipline with inspiration. She has also explored voice and violin and enjoys picking up new instruments, bringing a playful and exploratory spirit into her lessons.
Ariya believes that music is both a lifelong journey and a powerful form of self-expression. Her goal is to help each student develop strong skills, a confident voice, and a lasting love for music.
Piano
I’ve been playing piano since I was 4 years old, starting with group and private lessons from Melanie, and later continuing privately with Jillian. I’m a proud YaMusic graduate with Yamaha Grade 5 Fundamentals, as well as a two-time performer at the Yamaha Junior Original Concert. I completed Royal Conservatory Grade 10 and am currently working toward my ARCT. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to perform piano at senior homes, school events, public venues, and concerts – experiences that helped me grow as both a musician and a performer.
For the past 4 years, I’ve loved teaching piano from home to kids of different ages! I’ve also volunteered with summer camps at the University of Alberta. In addition, I’ve taught beginner piano lessons, gaining valuable experience in making music fun, engaging, and inspiring for every student – just like how YaMusic has done for me.
I will be studying nursing at the University of Alberta this fall, and I am BEYOND excited to teach alongside the same teachers who inspired me from such a young age. I’m very passionate about music, and I can’t wait to share that joy with my future students!
Piano
Lana began her musical journey at the age of 4 and has been dedicated to the art of
classical piano for over a decade. With a strong foundation in technique and musicality, Lana
is passionate about sharing her love for piano and inspiring students to reach their full
potential.
Lana’s love for music extends beyond piano; she also learns both acoustic and electric
guitar and explores music creation using computers. She believes that this diverse musical
background enables her to provide students with a well-rounded and dynamic learning
environment, fostering creativity and a deeper understanding of music.
Violin
