About the Teachers
I grew up surrounded by kitchen music.
My mom plays accordion while her brothers played guitar and sang old songs and songs from the radio. I loved to dance and sing along with my sisters. Our first public performance was me and my sisters sneaking on stage while my mom played accordion and sang at a Perryvale Hall Party.
Music is a language of the heart and expresses emotion when words fail. I love to share that music is a technical skill and a creative skill. Through lessons on the piano, through singing or ukulele, my students can explore and gain knowledge about the world of music. The world is vast and opens up so many pathways of discovery and practice.
I loved music in school and singing in music class taught me how to read English, I loved to play the recorder and begged for piano lessons which was quite an expense for my farming family. Through high school, I played trombone in band and one of my highlights was taking a jazz workshop with Tommy Bands and his trio. I am very grateful for Mr. Jones recorded an album with 100 strong high school students and encouraged excellence in music.
I am eternally grateful for my parents’ support in getting me started in music all the way to obtaining a Fine Arts Degree in Voice from U of A. I have continued with advanced performance studies with Opera NUOVA, Banff Centre of the Arts, and Alberta Theatre Workshops.
Education
My education includes a Bachelor of Music in Singing from the University of Alberta and studies with the Royal Conservatory Music of Canada.
I have extensive professional development through Opera NUOVA programs, Theatre Alberta, and Alberta Playwriters.
Professionally, I belong to Alberta Music Teachers of Alberta, National Association of Teachers of Singing, Theatre Alberta, Toastmasters International, and Canadian Network for Arts Learning.
Community involvement includes services as a volunteer board member of several local organizations in the Athabasca Area.
Music Lessons
Music lessons are offered virtually and in-person.
In general, lessons are set up to suit the student. Some lessons are offered as school packages and special packages. Technical aspects of music lessons encourage physical well-being, breath energy, and good mechanics.
The social understanding includes learning about the history of music and the influences it has contributed to society along with the student’s place in acquiring the skills to play and enjoy their music.
Ida Edwards
I have come to realize that humans need interaction. By nature, we are co-dependent. I consider the beehive a great example of how important the interaction of individuals sharing musical, theatrical or dance experiences really is. I believe music allows the experience of emotions that brighten people’s day.