EXPERIENCE ANDREA ELZINGA'S PIANO STUDIO
Welcome!
A BIT ABOUT ME
Personalized! Comprehensive! Fun for All Ages!
Hi! My name is Andrea and I LOVE teaching music! It makes me so happy to share my passion for the arts and creating with others. I have been very blessed with a wonderful family and many interests. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Music, a Bachelor of Education at The Kings University College and I’ve taught K-9 homeroom and K-9 music classes. I was a full time school teacher for 7 years and now I have chosen to stay home with my young children and pursue teaching and photography. I have my grade 8 level Royal Conservatory of Music certificate in piano (and ‘unofficially’ my grade 10 through University), and 17 years experience teaching piano lessons, accompanying vocalists, playing for weddings, funerals and other occasions as well as leading worship in my church. I’m a very patient, adaptable and professional piano teacher and I'm ready to help you reach your goals, whether that is going into music professionally or just wanting to learn the "language" of music so you can jam to your favourite songs! I love using movement, activities, and GAMES in my lessons. If you, or anyone you know is interested, please pass on my contact information. Thank you!
LESSONS I PROVIDE
Making Learning More Enjoyable
PRESCHOOL MUSIC MAKERS
I am excited to offer music lessons especially tailored for young children ages 3-5! Using animal characters, games and plenty of movement opportunities as well as simple aural, singing and math related activities, the curriculum I use is SURE to entertain and engage preschool aged children and ignite an early love for music! Lessons available during the day as well.
BEGINNER FUNDAMENTALS
I specialize in beginner fundamentals and rudiments and know how to reach my students with the right balance of personalized attention, patience, practical training, and positive encouragement. I make learning fun through a variety of engaging games and outside-the-box activities. My approach is sure to engage the whole family and is available to in-school children, homeschoolers, college students, working professionals and retirees.
INTERMEDIATE + LESSONS
When you sign up for my Intermediate + lessons you can be assured of plenty of individual attention and focus. Each lesson involves an element of learning and theory but the majority of the class is devoted to putting that theory into practice. Optional - I also offer training / exam prep for The Royal Conservatory of Music. Get in touch to find out more!
COMPOSITION / CHORDING / IMPROVISATION
Ever wanted to write your own song? Do you have a desire to "jam" to your favourite music or in a band? I have many years of experience playing from chords, improvising and composing my own music. I can teach you (even beginners!), the "language" of music so you will have the ability and skills to play familiar riffs and most-loved songs. If this is something you are interested in please let me know! Instruction can be incorporated into your lesson or added on in a separate time slot.
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THEORY - BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE
I also offer specialized private and group theory lessons. Theory knowledge will aid you in your composition and improvisation goals! These lessons can be combined with your lesson time or added on to it. If you choose, exams can be taken through the Royal Conservatory of Music which would provide you with a certificate of completion.
GROUP MUSIC CLASSES / RECORDING OPPORTUNITIES
Students will not only make new friends, but will get a chance to work with and learn from other musicians in a group setting, learning how to play with and accompany one another. Making your own recordings offers a very unique aural learning experience that will deepen your knowledge and understanding of music...and it's super fun! If playing / singing in a band is something you desire, let me know!
As an experienced and passionate piano teacher, I believe in an approach that gives students positive, constructive ways to learn! I design my lessons according to my students’ needs, with an emphasis on confidence-boosting games and activities.
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Contact me today to see how you can benefit from my wide range of services!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE DO YOU HOLD YOUR LESSONS?
Starting in September 2021 I will be again offering in-person lessons in my home!
I also offer ONLINE lessons for those who may prefer the comfort of their own home or just prefer to avoid driving in the Alberta cold.
There is plenty of parking on the street in front of my house.
Please come in the front door.
You are welcome to use the seating in the living room if you are waiting for a lesson to begin/end.
The washroom is up the stairs and the first door to the left.
HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE FOR YOUR TEACHING SERVICES?
I charge $28/half hour for a private lesson.
I require payment either by cheque, cash, or email-transfer ON or BEFORE the FIRST lesson of each month. Thank you in advance!
A fee of $5 will incur for every week the payment is late.
no contracts
easy make up opportunitites
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY LESSON?
a lined notebook in which we can write lesson notes and assigned "homework". (Online Lessons: you will be provided with a shared document outlining the lesson notes for that day)
One 1" binder with 3 dividers (to be labelled at the first lesson)
music books (if you have them - otherwise I will suggest options suited to your needs)
a pencil (if you choose)
HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR MY NEXT LESSON?
Ideally, regular, daily practice sessions are the most effective. *We can discuss this further and create a schedule that works for you and your family.
SHORT fingernails are KEY! (lol - I'm so punny :P) But seriously folks, long clicking nails will not help your form or accuracy at all.
CAN I ARRIVE EARLY FOR MY LESSON?
Arriving a few minutes early is definitely appropriate. :)
If you need to wait for your lesson to begin, please bring a book/quiet activity to do during the interim - it is very important not to disturb the lesson going on.
If you arrive early and there is not a lesson going on, please take a seat at the piano and open your books to the pages you practiced.
Siblings who are waiting for their brother or sister to complete a lesson are welcome to sit on the couches or at the table in the living room. They are encouraged to bring a book/homework/quiet activity to do while they wait.
WHAT HAPPENS IFÂ I CAN'T MAKE MY LESSON?
If you can’t make your lesson for any reason please call or text me! Please do NOT come to a lesson if you are unwell! I reserve the right to send a student home if they arrive or become sick. Please contact me and we can to find a time to reschedule / substitute an online lesson.
I require at least 72 hours notice for a cancellation (barring illness or family emergency), otherwise I will charge the lesson fee.
In the case of inclement weather or other circumstances which prevent a student getting to the studio, lessons can be done online via video call platform.
If I personally have to cancel a lesson, I will notify you as soon as I can and we can find a suitable time to reschedule.
ARE PARENTS WELCOME AT LESSONS?
Absolutely! Especially in the case of very young children. The need for parental support at home cannot be overstated, so it is important for you to know what is happening at lessons. :) That being said, parental supervision at lessons is NOT mandatory.
Andrea has taught my children piano lessons for five years. Andrea’s own musical excellence and her commitment to teaching each student based on their individual strengths, interests and areas for growth is amazing. Andrea is very organized and we receive newsletters and updates from her studio on an ongoing basis with lots of helpful information and fun activities to try. Andrea loves music and she does everything she can to help her students love music as well. Over the years Andrea has done many different techniques, activities, exercises and compositions to help her students grow. In addition to the teaching, Andrea is a real cheerleader for the kids. I know that my son and daughter would not have made the progress in piano lessons that they have without her kind, encouraging and cheerful energy that she brings to each lesson.
Kara G.
I highly recommend Andrea as a piano teacher. Â My kids adore her and she makes learning piano fun. Â She makes learning so fun, that the other week my 9 year old son came home from his weekly lesson and went to straight to the piano to try out his new songs! Â She genuinely cares about her students and figures out ways to motivate based on their individual personalities.
Heidi B.
"You are always so kind and honestly Bryce and I rave... we are incredibly grateful for the lessons you do with E. and F..! Throughout this covid year your lessons have provided an opportunity for them to work for and feel success. They are so proud and we celebrate their piano all the time. With so much stripped away (soccer, swim, etc) these lessons have been such a blessing."
Amanda B.
An adult student, returning to piano after a 45 year absence couldn’t find a more patient and knowledgeable teacher. Andrea has intuitively known what it would take to ease me back onto a piano stool and kindle a new desire to play and a love of doing it.
Gibson G.
CONTACT ME
