Langley Music Lessons and Dance Classes

Dolores is a talented musician and teacher who loves sharing her joy of all musical styles with her students. She is skilled at teaching all ages, levels and styles of singing and she also teaches piano. Her career has included contemporary commercial music, musical theatre, early music and opera. She is an accomplished singer who has performed around the world. Her first vocal studies at the post-secondary level were in jazz, and she then graduated with a master’s degree in music/opera from State University of New York at Binghamton where she also taught voice, and where she was a resident artist with Tri-Cities Opera. As a teacher, Dolores is praised for her ability to identify a student’s needs with immediacy and accuracy; giving them effective advice and assigning exercises and repertoire which guides them to success. She adjudicates for music festivals throughout Canada and for the National Association of Teachers of Singing, of which she is a member. She is also on the roster of singing coaches for the Arts Club Theatre Vancouver. Her students have gone on to continue their music studies at universities throughout North America and to work professionally for Universal Studios Theme Park Beijing, Arts Club Theatre Vancouver, professional chamber choirs and operas, Livent, and as freelance artists in recording and live performances. Dolores is very warm, personable and encouraging and a master teacher that any student would be very privileged to study with.

Jihun started as a self-taught classical guitar player in his teens, then majored in Jazz Performance at Capilano University where he studied under Bill Coon and received his Bachelor's Degree. He has been teaching guitar in all genres for all ages since 1996 and also taught music theory and jazz ensembles for many years. Some of his students successfully auditioned for and later graduated from Jazz programs at Capilano University, Humber College and Berklee College of Music. Jihun is bilingual (English and Korean) and able to teach in either tongue. His guitar influences include Simon & Garfunkel, Elliott Smith, Luis Bonfa, Jim Hall, Pat Metheny, Ed Bickert and Brill Frisell, and other musical influences include Chet Baker, Keith Jarrett, Brad Mehldau, Eric Dolphy, and etc. His key philosophy in teaching is summed up in two aspects: 1) Spend more time listening than practicing, 2) Don't play guitar, but play music, with guitar.

Soo Min started her musical journey at the age of 5. After receiving her ARCT piano performance diploma, she went on to complete her Bachelor of Music at the University of Victoria. During this time, as she was teaching private lessons, her passion for teaching piano drove her to receive training in piano pedagogy, resulting in an AVCM teaching diploma. Soo Min continued her studies and completed her Master's of Piano Performance at the University of Ottawa. Soo Min has had inspiring piano teachers including Edward Parker, Kenneth Broadway, Ralph Markham, Eva Solar- Kinderman and Andrew Tunis. Her goal as a teacher is to assist in developing an appreciation for the art of music-making at any age. She strongly believes that music-making should be enjoyable, and when the enjoyment of music is combined with consistent practice,students not only learn to play the piano but develop important qualities like patience, perseverance, creativity, confidence and discipline.

Eileen has always had a passion for music and has been performing and playing for over 23 years. Classically trained, Eileen completed her Grade Nine practical exam with the Royal Conservatory of Music before receiving her Bachelor of Music with a concentration in voice and flute from Trinity Western University. She studied under Dr. Paolo Bortolussi, and has a wealth of performance experience including solo performance, jazz and classical band, orchestra, and small ensemble. She performed with the TWU choir, band, orchestra and wind ensemble as well as with the Chilliwack Symphony orchestra. She has served as a clinician, teacher and music theory tutor. Eileen loves to help others discover and develop their own musical passion, and focuses on creating a learning experience specifically tailored to each student.

Fernanda started studying music at three years old in Mexico City, she grew up in an all-musician family, which gave her plenty of tools for playing and teaching a diverse range of musical styles. She studied Arts and Culture Management at the Universidad de la Comunicación to complete her knowledge of the off-stage and on-stage musical world. Fernanda has been teaching one-on-one piano lessons in English and Spanish for over twelve years, tailoring personalized repertoire to each student. She has a friendly and approachable style and her aim is to make learning music fun and enjoyable, discover each student's potential and adapt a personal plan that will constantly improve their musical skills.

Jonathan is a pianist, singer, and arranger trained in a multitude of musical styles. Whether it be classical, jazz, pop, arranging, improv, song writing, or collaborative piano, Jonathan’s experience and love of music allows him to adapt his lessons and pedagogy to each individual student’s needs and interests, helping them achieve their goals. Jonathan believes music lessons can change one’s life and develop perseverance, self-confidence and dedication while providing a path for creativity, growth and expression. He is inspired by his students and enjoys being a part of their musical journey. When he is not teaching, Jonathan is the musical director of the North Shore Chorus and Coquitlam Celebration Choir. He also has written and produced his own comedy piano show, performed all over the lower mainland. Collaboratively, Jonathan has worked as a freelance recital pianist, played for dance companies including Ballet BC, and performed with musical theatre productions and comedy improv groups including Vancouver Theatresports.

Esther Chung is a Korean-Canadian musician who started her musical journey as a child piano prodigy. She is a coloratura soprano as well. She double majored in piano and voice at Wesley Institute in Sydney, Austrailia. After moving to Canada, she graduated from Trinity Western University with a B.A. in music and then completed a music education graduate diploma at UBC. She followed this with a Master of Arts degree. She is a very versatile musician also being a flutist, choral conductor, organist and a ukulele teacher. Esther’s highlights as a performer includes Messiah Soprano soloist with the Langley Oratorio Society, Soprano soloist for Vivaldi's Gloria with TWU orchestra & chamber choir, and annual performances with Eldate Vocal Ensemble which she directs and organizes. She was also one of the jury members for the Ontario Arts Council music festival. As a music educator for over 20 years, Esther loves to teach music and makes music fun and enjoyable for her students. She aims to bring out the best potential in each student. She specializes in teaching voice and piano at all levels in English and Korean. She can teach classical (Royal Conservatory), jazz and worship music. Esther is also able to teach ukulele and beginner flute.

Maxwell (A.V.C.M., B.Mus) has been a professional violinist and teacher for over 25 years, performing throughout Canada, U.S.A. and Europe. He studied at the St. Louis Conservatory, and Indiana University, specializing in Baroque violin and pedagogy, specializing in teaching young children. He has done Suzuki teacher training with Sanford Reuning, William Starr, and Rosalind O’Keefe. Maxwell taught at the Capilano University Continuing Education Suzuki program for 8 years. He enjoys teaching violin, piano, viola and cello to students of all ages. Currently he is the first violinist of the Arietta String Quartet.

Anthony is a kind music teacher who loves teaching students to explore and develop their musical talents in piano, guitar, and drums. After spending over a decade teaching, Anthony knows what truly drives musical growth, joyfully sharing a song - and it's not endless hours grinding away in the practice room. It's how well you connect with the music inside you, and the beating hearts of those listening. That said, regular practice is essential, along with appropriate homework assignments :) Anthony studied classical guitar and piano at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. . He looks forward to helping you or your child succeed in music.

Bart teaches violin, viola and piano. He graduated from the Royal Conservatory in Brussels, Belgium and performed professionally as an orchestra musician in Europe. Bart has been teaching for more than 20 years and will show you how to make a rich sound and learn pieces from many different styles. You will soon love to practice and play music for your friends, family and your audience. In addition to English Bart can conduct your lessons in French, German and Dutch.

Blake first studied classical guitar, but as a young teenager discovered the electric guitar. Influenced by Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert, Steve Vai and John Petrucci, Blake is one of the Vancouver guitar community’s most respected shred/rock guitarists. Although a lifelong rocker at heart, Blake later revisited his roots as a classical guitar player, studying at Douglas College with Michael Strutt. He expanded his musical horizons at Capilano College, where he studied jazz. Still, rock/metal remains his passion. Blake’s extensive teaching experience and musical knowledge has made him popular with ambitious students, while his easygoing personality appeals to beginners. He is equally at home teaching blistering shred solos or the latest meme song. Above all, Blake’s goal is to help facilitate a lifelong enjoyment of music. Blake is often seen playing around Vancouver with his progressive rock band OmnisighT.

Catherine has been teaching students of all ages for over 17 years. Catherine started studying piano at age 4, with a focus on classical music. Although classical music is her favourite, Catherine teaches a variety of musical styles. Catherine goals is to build her students’ confidence and encourage a love of music. Catherine holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Post Undergraduate Diploma and the Kelly Kirby Teacher Certificate for Young Beginners.

Chris has been performing and teaching music professionally since 1998. He started out playing rock, blues and metal before taking classical performance at York University and later studying composition, theory and jazz at Grant MacEwan University. Chris has performed live with Oscar Peterson, recorded and performed with world renowned bluegrass artist John Reischman (Tony Rice), and worked in the CBC studios as a session musician. He is an expert in many genres including rock, blues, metal, classical, jazz, prog, funk, country, folk, bluegrass, world, and finger picking. He teaches guitar, bass guitar, piano, drums and ukulele.

Crystal is an enthusiastic flute and piano teacher who loves to have fun with her students. She holds a Bachelors Degree from Western University and has taught for 21 years. She also has a certificate in piano technology. This training has equipped her with piano tuning skills and a specialization which helps student improve their ear playing abilities. She trained with university professors in Korea from the time she was a child. She has won numerous contests in both piano and flute. Crystal is a great match for all ages. She excels at helping adults who want to learn with their children. She is an excellent guide for band students, RCM exams or university entrance for flute. Crystal looks forward to helping you reach your musical goals. She can teach in Korean as well.

Dean is a highly sought-after musician and educator, firstly for his skill as a master trumpet player, and secondly as a teacher of all brass instruments, as well as saxophone and clarinet. He is experienced in a diverse number of musical styles and is known for his ability to ground his students in a solid technical base. He communicates effectively with all age groups and is at ease running an efficient, yet fair rehearsal environment. Dean has played for many ensembles and theatres throughout Canada, the United States and Hungary. He began his training with Pacific Blue Drum and Bugle Corps (Surrey, BC), touring Canada and the United States regularly as soprano trumpet, playing competitions and concerts. As a solo performer, Dean is known for having a strong, pure tone and an exceptionally broad range – a trait necessary for big band lead playing. He is also known as a proficient piccolo trumpet player and is a lover of baroque and classical music. While doing his undergraduate work at Western Washington University (Bellingham, WA) Dean toured Hungary as a trumpet soloist and ensemble member of their Collegium Musicum, playing works by Bach, Scarlatti, and Michael Haydn. Dean is an avid canoeist, and lover of the outdoors. He also has a great interest in nutrition and its relation to overall health. He lives with his wife, his son and his unusually large and yellow Labrador retriever, Hunter.

Elena was born in Athens, Greece and has studied music at some of the most prestigious schools in Canada. She graduated with an Honors Music Education degree at Wilfrid Laurier University and studied with the Penderecki Quarter from Poland for 4 years, finishing her degree at Dalhousie University. She’s been teaching violin and piano for 30 years, She enjoys teaching very much and always looks forward to seeing and teaching her students. In addition to English, she can also teach lessons in Greek. Her student ages have varied from age 3 to 82 Years old and she loves students of all ages. Never too old to learn she says! She’s been concert mistress in multiple orchestras throughout Canada and the US, including playing for Bramwell Tovey, Wayne Gretzky and the late John Candy.

Jackson loves music and is passionate about teaching. He holds an ARSM Performance diploma in Piano Performance and is pursuing a Bachelor of Music at Trinity Western University. Jackson started studying piano at the age of four in China and has spent the last seven years in Thailand before he came to Canada. He actively participated in various large ensembles,including orchestra, band, choir, Honors Chanson, Honors Jazz Band, and Vocal Jazz. In addition to the piano, he learned the violin, tenor saxophone, and developed his singing skills. Jackson has been teaching one-on-one lessons in both English and Mandarin. He has successfully taught students of different ages, backgrounds, and skill levels and is recognized for his patience and gentleness. When he moved to Canada from Thailand, a parent of one of his former students shared that her daughter wanted to find a new piano teacher "just like Mr. Jackson." Jackson believes that music is a wonderful gift from God and is eager to share it with everyone!

Jeeyeon studied at University of British Columbia with Jane Coop and Dr. Robert SIlverman. While there she completed her Bachelor of Music, Master's of Music and entered the Doctorate of Musical Arts. Jeeyeon studied and performed at many summer schools including Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria and Orford in Montreal She is an accomplished pianist and shines as both a teacher and performer. She really enjoys bringing the potential in every student to life. She teaches all levels and all ages from beginner through advanced. Jeeyeon is patient and loves to work together with students.

Joe started playing music in elementary school with his introduction to the ukulele, violin and choir. In high school he started performing with the symphonic and jazz bands and got to learn a handful of instruments including: percussion, saxophone, clarinet, and guitar. It was his love of singing that led to many vocal lessons and performances and ultimately led him into the York University music program. With his bachelor of music in hand Joe set off to write and play in many rock and pop groups. His love of singing led to many opportunities in musical theatre as well. Joe brings his varied background of performing, writing and acting to his teaching studio. He is happy to help young singers find their voice in a variety of genres from metal to pop to theatre. He also enjoys teaching guitar, bass guitar, ukulele and piano to those students wanting to learn the fundamentals of music in a fun way.

Kiyoko has a love for teaching, passing on her passion for music to her students in a way that motivates them. She tailors their lessons to meet their needs and goals. She holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in music education and classical music, which included extensive studies in piano pedagogy. Kiyoko has taught private piano lessons for over 10 years to both children and adults. Her students have taken Royal Conservatory of Music exams and some of them receive excellent results such as First-Class Honours with Distinction (90-100 %), First Class Honours (80-89%). She still enjoys practicing piano and challenges herself to perform a various genre of music such as pop, jazz, and blues. She also likes to use IT and Audio CD’s as a tool of fun activities in the class. She can teach music in Japanese as well.

Mei is from Malaysia and has a vast teaching experience. She completed the graded Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (UK) piano syllabus in her native country and found a passion in teaching. She went on to obtain her Licentiate from the Trinity College of London with Valerie Ross. At the same time as she was studying for her degree she started teaching in music schools and privately in homes. Her musical experience has included playing for church worship groups and playing as an accompanist . In addition to Malaysia, she has lived and taught piano in Singapore, Windsor and Vancouver. She caters to her student's needs and treats each student with care and respect. Her students have excelled in their ABRSM, RCM exams and Kiwanis Music Festivals. She hopes to be an inspiration to all her students in their musical journey.

Ony is a Canadian singer, songwriter. She was born in Moncton, New Brunswick into a musical household -- Ony grew up listening to country music and her mother was a big fan of R&B artists like Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, who have greatly influenced her music. Later on she studied in a professional Jazz music program in Montreal. She sang back vocals for Canadian soul singer and actress Michelle Sweeney, who performed with Celine Dion and Renee Lee. Ony was also a back vocalist for Akon’s hitlab. In 2010, she went on tour as a back vocalist for Bobby Bazini’s “Better in Time” tour who opened for Hedley and Our Lady Peace. She co-directed a youth choir Voices of Imani, which was the first Canadian choir to perform on BET’s Dr Bobby Jones Gospel special, alongside Gospel singers Kim Burell and Tye Tribbett. She teaches piano and voice with the goal to build confidence in your craft. Whether you are a beginner or looking for more advanced skills, Ony is trained in most styles of music and is capable of bringing your talent to the next level.

Rishi is a drummer originally from Surrey, BC, and been playing for over twelve years. He recently completed his BA in Music at McGill University in Montreal, studying under jazz giants Jim Doxas, Darrell Green, and Michel Lambert. Throughout the years, he has had the opportunity to showcase his talents on records by local artists, has played at music festivals, and has taught drums extensively in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. Rishi is a four-time recipient of the BC Arts Council Scholarship, was a finalist of the Fraser MacPherson Jazz Fund, and in 2023 was one of seven artists selected in Canada for the Musicounts Accelerate Scholarship. As a result of his work behind the drums, Rishi has been able to play with Canada’s top jazz musicians such as Jodi Proznick, Campbell Raga, Brad Turner, Christine Jensen, Miles Black- as well as American bassist Ira Coleman. Rishi’s teaching philosophy is directly linked to the goals of his students, which starts with an understanding of how his students learn and which methods will be most effective based on aptitude, skill, and capacity. He aims to guide his students on their musical journey in a way that is fun, engaging, and effective. He believes that music and drumming is a way to build confidence and discipline, while also providing many neurological benefits such as improving fine motor coordination, stress relief, and an endless outlet for creativity. Rishi is also able to teach in English, French, Punjabi, and Hindi. He looks forward to being a part of your, or your child’s, musical journey!

Sarah loved music from an early age and began to learn the recorder aged 3 in England, where she grew up. She played in various bands and orchestras, often with leading positions throughout grades 1-12 and gained grade VIII (equivalent RCM level 10) in both the flute and violin. Aged 16, she attended the world renowned Chetham’s School of Music for 2 years and was awarded a piano diploma (equivalent ARCM) with the London College of Music, before studying for her BMus Honours degree at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Whilst studying at the Guildhall, she began teaching in her spare time and found that she loved it! Upon graduating in 2009, she pursued her career as a music teacher and has never looked back. Sarah tailors lessons to student’s strengths and personal goals, whilst ensuring that students meet attainment goals for their age and experience. Sarah herself gets bored easily (!) so tries to make lessons as varied as possible, using interactive games, backing tracks and making sure that the turnaround on pieces isn’t too long.

Shana is an esteemed musician who has a passion for teaching voice and piano students the joys of music. She has completed her Grade 10 RCM under Betty Suderman and is now working towards her Bachelor of Music in vocal performance at Trinity Western University. Shana likes to think that she could sing before she could speak. She truly believes in the power of music to spark imagination and confidence in children of all ages. Shana has actively participated in various ensembles, including Trinity Western’s Chamber Choir, Renaissance Singers, and Vocal Jazz groups, along with instrumental ensembles. Shana recently had the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall with Joel Tranquilla and performs in professional ensembles across the Lower Mainland. Shana has taught music lessons to students of various ages and abilities and has a strong teaching philosophy that the music room should be an inclusive space for everyone to feel welcome.

Vivian has loved music since she was a child. She has received extensive piano and vocal training since she was five years old and aspired to become a music educator. She has been working as a piano and voice teacher for 17 years. Originally from Chine, she graduated from Minzu University of China and Renmin University of China, majoring in piano performance and education. She was a judge and examiner of piano competitions in China for many years. Vivian can give students new to the piano a wonderful start and also is very adept at teaching very high-level piano students. Her piano students excel under her leadership. She also teaches vocal technique and singing art. She has rich singing experience having herself participated in many vocal performances and competitions and can help students develop their voice control, breathing techniques, range extension and pitch. Depending on the teaching objective, Vivian will teach a diverse range of styles such as classical vocal music and pop music. Vivian not only has impressive teaching experience, but also specializes in child psychology. She is good at teaching students of different ages and levels. Her teaching philosophy is to teach students in accordance with their aptitude and develop personalized teaching plans according to the needs of each student. Having guided the academic journeys of countless students, Vivian has cultivated a dynamic learning environment characterized by personalized pedagogy, hoping that through her guidance, every student can have fun and a sense of accomplishment in the world of music. Vivian can teach in either English or Mandarin and is looking forward to starting a wonderful music journey with you!

Joanne has been teaching piano and theory for 30 years and enjoys working with students of all ages. She has been classically trained, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance from Trinity Western University and her MMus from Western Washington. Joanne’s goal for her students is to teach them the discipline of learning music and hopefully instilling in them a love for the process, so they can enjoy the art of making music for a lifetime. She uses games and music apps with her younger students to enhance their learning experience and engages with the older students by encouraging them to explore music that interests them, as well as preparing them for RCM exams. Joanne is renowned in the Vancouver area as a top accompanist and she enjoys working with students in that role, playing for them in recitals, exams, festivals and master classes. In addition to teaching, Joanne plays for ballet exams, opera performances and performs at the Pan Pacific in Vancouver for their Opera Buffet.