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Piano Faculty

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Joe Berarducci 

Piano & Theory

Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday 

Currently taking waitlist

Joe Berarducci frequently presents workshops nationally and internationally and is in constant demand from music educator groups. Joe has instructed at the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, Seattle Pacific University, University of Victoria, University of Lethbridge, Capilano College, Douglas College and School District #44 in North Vancouver, BC. He adjudicates music festivals throughout BC in piano, voice, choral and ensembles.

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Liz Heal

Piano

Saturday | Sunday

Currently taking waitlist

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.

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Vivian Schmeeckle

Piano

Sunday

Taking new students for January. Please contact to reserve a time

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.

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Jessica Crawford

Piano & Voice

Monday | Tuesday | Thursday | Friday | Sunday

Currently taking waitlist

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.

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Elizabeth Wocks

Piano

Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Sunday

Currently taking waitlist after school

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.

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Paul Dykstra

Piano

Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday 

Limited availability

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!

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Karen Reid

Piano

Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Sun

Currently taking waitlist

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.

Please note, Private lesson prices vary based on teacher, instrument, and lesson duration.​ Please contact another teacher if you aren’t able to find an available time slot with your first choice of teacher.

Contact the Artistic Director at artisticdirector@mykcms.ca if you require further information or assistance.

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