You've regretted not playing the piano for long enough. Whether you've never played a note or feel the piano calling you back. I'm here to create safe space and set you up for success!
Learn to play the music you love. Lessons are customized for every student. You choose the pace and approach (method book, chord charts, lead sheets, sheet music or a combination).
Read the reviews on Google to hear what my amazing adult students have to say. I teach from a strengths-based approach. Let's play!
** Occasional openings for Wednesday or Thursday during the day become available from time to time. Reach out if this fits your schedule.
Drop-In Lessons are offered for those students looking to
book an occassional or a la carte series of lessons.
This option allows students to book intermittently
through the studio calendar and is ideal for those who work
rotating shifts, travel or find weekly lessons are too
frequent for their schedules.
Lessons are
customized for each student. Music is curated for each
student to set them up for success based on their goals. I'm
here to support when you are ready.
The studio is priviledged to be full and is not accepting waitlisted students at this time.
Private Piano Lessons are offered to committed students who
attend for 30 or 45 minutes per week.
Private
lessons allow for complete student support in a 1 on 1
setting. Tuition is reflected accordingly.
Criminal Record Checks are on file with both HCOS and
KLEOS.
The studio is priviledged to be full and is not accepting waitlisted students at this time.
Thank you for being curious and coming to find out a little more about me and the studio.
My name is Michelle and I have been enjoying music for as long as I can remember and playing the piano since I was 7. I have been teaching piano for 30 years and I love what I do!
I strive to create a safe learning space for all students. My goal is to meet each student where they are at and move them forward on their musical learning continuum. I want students to leave their lessons inspired to learn and set up for success. I teach innovative lessons online and out of this spacious and bright studio in Kelowna, BC on Dilworth Mountain.
My formal piano training was through the Royal Conservatory
of Music (Piano). My music education was enhanced by
becoming a Certified Music For Young Children Teacher (MYCC)
in 1997 after attending university where I studied Education
with a Minor in Music. A fun fact about me was that though I
studied classically, my superpower is my ear so I was often
at the piano figuring out melodies and playing for fun
whenever I could. I am honoured to be a member of the
Alberta Piano Teacher's Association.
Beginner
piano pedagogy is a particular passion for me. In addition
to teaching my own students, I had the distinct opportunity
to support new teachers in British Columbia and California
when I served as a teacher trainer and mentor with Music for
Young Children (MYC). The MYC program was a group curriculum
where classes of 6 children and their parents attended
lessons on a weekly basis. I have taught hundreds of
students over the years and am delighted to be in touch with
many of them to this day. I love teaching music and theory
to all ages with a strengths-based approach.
I
teach all ages. My boutique music studio is full of
retirees, university students, working professionals,
school-aged children and teens. Many of my students identify
as neurodiverse. Each student's lessons are individually
tailored to them depending on their goals. I curate music to
get students playing and feeling successful. Whether playing
by ear, from sheet music, chord charts or lead sheets, I
will work with you to get you playing music that you
resonate with. I believe when students are playing music
they love they are motivated to practice! I am a theory
enthusiast and I love equipping my students with relevant
music theory to provide greater comprehension. I have many
subscriptions which allows me the ability to find most music
in several formats with a few clicks.
I am often learning new music to teach to my students who have a wide variety of musical interests. My students are my best teachers! I enjoy early morning runs, hikes and walks with friends, cooking plant-based food, baking and spending time with my diverse family. I am an Enneagram 2 and INFJ (Myers-Briggs) who loves listening to audio books, podcasts and music. I believe strongly in attachment-based theory, embodiment and somatic healing. I am a curious life-long learner and am left hand dominant (though fairly ambidextrous).
The studio is bright and spacious featuring a Kawai Grand
Piano, a Yamaha Clavinova Digital Piano, a Roland Digital
Piano and additional keyboards. In addition the
glockenspiel, Boomwhackers, Step Bells, Push Bells and
rhythm instruments are used to reinforce notes, timing
patterns and many other concepts. Boom Cards are used to
review music theory with the studio iPad and are assigned
for home practice. The studio features plenty of natural
light and is located centrally on Dilworth Mountain. I
invite you to click on the social media links at the bottom
of the website to see photos and videos of lessons in action
to give you a sense of how I teach and how much fun we have
at lessons. Come play!
Image credit: Holly Smee
"Wow, if you don't already know Michelle...you should! Her years of experience really shine through and her passion for teaching music are fully evident and radiate in all she does. She keeps my daughter challenged but not overwhelmed, and always has new games or teaching tricks to help the learning process. Michelle is a natural with teaching and in her communication with my daughter. Thank you for being, not only a wonderful teacher, but a wonderful human. Would highly recommend Michelle (in case that wasn't already clear)!"
"Michelle is an amazing instructor. As an adult learner, I appreciate her positive reinforcement and interest in tailoring her teaching to songs and techniques I gravitate towards, which makes learning easy and motivation to play is high. You won't be disappointed picking her."
"Michelle is an incredible instructor and lovely person! I’m an adult learner and she is warm, patient, encouraging, and professional. She is a gifted teacher who explains concepts clearly and is quick to try another approach if the first isn’t working. The techniques she has introduced me to have been very helpful in learning and retaining new information. Not only this, but she has numerous apps, games, and recommendations to help with all sorts of musical theory, methods, and practice. Her home is welcoming and calm, and her piano is gorgeous. I highly recommend Michelle's Music Studio. :)"
"Michelle is the kindest, most passionate, patient, and dynamic teacher! She has so many different teaching techniques, tools, and exciting props. My 5 year old daughter was nervous to start, and within the first 2 minutes of meeting, she was instantly comfortable. Probably the most telling, is that after the first lesson, my daughter said, "that was the best ever. Can I do that forever?!" And so we shall have her in piano lessons with MIchelle forever, as long as Michelle is willing to share her talent. She is a born teacher!! We love her so much."