Jessica Crawford, B.A(Mus), ARCT (Piano Performance), ARCT (Vocal Performance), RMT, NATS, RCM Advanced Specialist Piano, RCM Intermediate Specialist (Theory) Member of the BCRMTA (Kelowna Branch) Jessica Crawford has been involved in music since the age of five, and has been studying piano since age nine. She began her studies under Lucy Feldman of the Vernon Community Music School, and completed her Grade 10 Royal Conservatory while in high school. In 2003, she was admitted into the music program at the University of Alberta, Augustana Campus. While there, she studied piano under Dr. Milton Schlosser, and voice under Joy-Anne Murphy. She graduated in 2007 with a B.A in Music, Vocal Specialization. Jessica completed her Piano Performance ARCT through the Royal Conservatory in 2011, and finished her Vocal Performance ARCT in 2018. She obtained her Advanced Specialization in Piano and Intermediate Specialization in Theory through the Royal Conservatory in 2016. Jessica settled in Kelowna BC in 2008, and has been teaching at the Kelowna Community Music School since. Jessica also served as the Artistic Director of the Kelowna Community Music School from 2020-2023. Apart from teaching, Jessica does extensive work as a collaborative pianist, currently working with the music ministry team for Central Okanagan United Church, Spectrum Singers, and the Okanagan Children's Choir and Okanagan Youth Choir. In her spare time, Jessica expresses her art through weaving (www.twilightvalleyhandwovens.ca) and you can find her at artisan markets and art shows throughout the valley. She also plays music for fun (haha), and is currently working on her level 6 Harp.

Karen, a passionate teacher, writer and life-long learner, strives to cultivate a student’s ability to communicate through music. With a supportive learning environment, Karen guides each student through all aspects of piano study. Along with her knowledge working with children as an English language teacher, in the past year, Karen has focused exclusively on teaching emerging piano students in the Kelowna area. She looks forward to furthering her education by continuing her RCM level 9 piano studies with Jessica Crawford at KCMS and piano pedagogy through the RCM teaching certificate program. Karen completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Writing and English from the University of Victoria.

Olya Comaniuk, a professional pianist, concertmaster, and piano instructor, holds a Master's Degree for Concert Mastership in Music and Piano Performance of Kustanai State University of Kazakhstan. Olya participated and organized multiple recitals and contests. She has been an accompanist in music pieces involving violin, cello, saxophone and other instruments including jazz bands, Choirs and Strings Ensemble. Ms. Comaniuk has over 30years teaching experience within private lessons and masterclass settings. Ms. Comaniuk and her students participated in international Piano Contests in Kazakhstan. She organized workshops on pedagogical music subjects. Her students have been the recipients of numerous awards. Ms. Comaniuk is a creative instructor skilled in finding an individual approach to every student, teaching various styles of music, like classical, pop fusion, rock and jazz. She is qualified to prepare student for Royal Conservatory exams, Rock School, Harmony and Theory exams.

Paul is a concert artist and teacher who has been doing just that for 40 years in Canada and the U.S. He has taught privately during that time, been on the Faculty of St. Paul's School in Concord, NH and is a member of the Royal Conservatory College of Examiners. During the past 20 years, his American students have played at Carnegie Hall, excelled in piano examinations and competitions, and prepared for careers in music at such schools as Oberlin, Longy School of Music, Jacobs School of Music in Indiana, and auditioned at other major schools such as Juilliard and Curtis. Paul's approach is different for every student as some students simply enjoy playing in styles other than Classical - as does Paul! Some of his varied concert achievements include: Performances with orchestra of Beethoven's Emperor Concerto and Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto #1, extensive chamber music and solo piano concerts, recording with world famous clarinetist Richard Stoltzman in Slovakia, playing with the disco band Tavares and cultivating a love for Progressive Rock and Heavy Metal. As a result of his multi-faceted musical experience, Paul can tailor a course of study for the most serious musician-pianist as well as the dedicated hobbyist or amateur. Recently relocating back to Kelowna to be with family, Paul is looking forward to contributing to the musical community here!

Liz began her career as a private piano instructor in Prince George before relocating to Kelowna in June 2024 to pursue her studies. Since then, she has worked with students of all ages at Music and Movement and KCMS. Committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment, Liz strives to develop well-rounded pianists by instilling musical confidence and a strong work ethic in her students. She takes great pleasure in sharing her knowledge of music and employs interactive teaching methods to inspire a passion for piano. Currently completing her RCM Level 10 certification, she continues her education under the guidance of Paul Dykstra at KCMS. In her free time, Liz enjoys rock climbing and various outdoor activities.

Mattia began playing the piano at the age of 6, but claims to have truly fallen in love with music when he was 12 years old. Becoming obsessed with composing, conducting, and performing, Mattia went on to earn his Bachelor of Music specializing in piano performance in 2022, studying with Dr. Brett Kingsbury at Western University. Since then, Mattia has worked as a private piano teacher with Yamaha Music Education Canada in Toronto and has run his own studio in Markham, Ontario, working with students as they completed RCM exams, competed in local festivals, and composed their own works which went on to be performed publicly. Mattia is passionate about bringing music to his community; this has included organizing concerts and recitals, forming groups to collaborate with other musicians, and getting students involved in showing off their own progress. Here in Kelowna, Mattia is currently working with the St. Charles Garnier Parish to form a new choir for their masses. Mattia is passionate about working with students of all ages and abilities as they build confidence, overcome mental blocks, and develop performance skills. He is highly regarded for his patience and unique approach, focusing on nurturing deep curiosity and a strong sense of self-determination in his students.

Elizabeth Wocks studied piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music and at Western University in Waterloo, where she received her ARCT (Practical). She is a graduate of Lakehead Teachers College and the Hamilton Teachers College. Elizabeth studied Suzuki piano pedagogy with Mme. Haruko Kataoka. Elizabeth is an accompanist for the Okanagan Festival Singers and the Kelowna Community Choir. She plays French Horn and piano with the Okanagan Symphony.

Vivian began her career as a piano instructor in 2023, as a substitute for Elizabeth Wocks. She earned her ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music in August 2023 under the mentorship of Elizabeth at the Kelowna Community Music School. She has competed successfully in a variety of local and provincial piano competitions and has been the recipient of several piano awards and scholarships. In addition to her musical endeavours, Vivian is currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. She is dedicated to fostering a lifelong appreciation for music in each of her students, whether they are beginners or have unique goals. She advocates for a well-rounded musical education for her students that emphasizes creative expression, technical proficiency, and theoretical understanding. Her approach is characterized by enthusiastic encouragement, celebration of successes, and a deep commitment to fostering the joy of music-making.