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 17 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!
Guitar, Ukulele and Bass
Cameron is a performing funk, rock, pop, and jazz guitar player. Recently graduated with his bachelor’s degree in jazz and popular music from MacEwan University, Cameron spends his time in the classroom, in the practice room, or onstage. He has been teaching in Edmonton for five years as both a private and group lesson instructor.
As an early Yamaha lesson learner, Cameron has been attending or teaching the Yamaha music program since he was four years old, only interrupted by his work at MacEwan University.
Above all types of music Cameron’s passion lies in funk. Whether it’s electric guitar, funk bass, or a clavinet – Cameron is ready to make heads nod!
Fun Fact: His favorite color is green!
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.
Voice
Jessica is an enthusiastic voice teacher who is passionate about student-first, personalized teaching, meaning that lessons are structured around each student’s individual musical interests and vocal goals, and her educational approaches emphasize judgment-free, self-expressive learning. Singing is for everyone, and Jessica believes that learning music should be a positive, fun, and enjoyable experience that builds confidence in addition to technique and skill. She strives to provide a nurturing learning space that invites students to embrace their sound and helps them feel able to unreservedly explore their voices and creativity.
Jessica offers lessons to students of all ages (8+) at any skill level, from total beginners to advanced vocalists. She specializes in vocal techniques of contemporary popular music genres and jazz styles, including pop, rock, folk, country, funk, R&B, blues, swing, bop, cool jazz, and bossa nova, as well as their subgenres and fusion styles. How and what students learn in terms of genres, repertoire, skills, and teaching methods is completely dependent on each student’s own specific preferences, goals, learning style, and experience level.
Jessica has seven years of performing experience and twelve years of private vocal training, and is currently attending Grant MacEwan University, completing her Bachelor of Music with a major in performance. She is excited to use her experience and education to help you develop your voice and share in the joy of music!
Violin
YaMusic offers Yamaha music lessons in Edmonton and we are an authorized Yamaha School.
© 2024 YaMusic. All Rights Reserved. Site Credit.