Please review the biographies of our instructors below. Private lesson prices vary based on instructor, instrument, and lesson duration.
If you are unable to find an available time slot with your first choice of instructor, you are welcome to contact another instructor.
Please contact our office at info@mykcms.ca if you require further information or assistance.
Piano Faculty
Jessica has been teaching at KCMS since 2008, and served as the Artistic Director from 2020-2023. She focusses on delivering engaging music lessons, and works with students and families using a variety of methods. Whether you are looking for advanced skill development in piano or just looking to dabble, Jessica is interested in making music an enjoyable lifelong journey.
Apart from teaching, Jessica does extensive work as a collaborative pianist, currently working with the Spectrum Singers, the Okanagan Children’s Choir and Okanagan Youth Choir, and music ministry team for Central Okanagan United Church.
Jessica Crawford
Piano & Voice
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)
Please email to confirm availability
Monday | Tuesday | Thursday | Friday | Sunday
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!
Paul Dykstra
Piano
U of A, A. Mus. Performance
(Western Board of Music),
A. Mus. Pedagogy (Western Board of Music),
Finalist for the American Prize
(Concerto) 2016
PPlease email to confirm availability
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday
Currently taking waitlist
Elizabeth studied RCM piano with Paul Daniels in Hamilton Ontario and completed her ARCT with the Western board in 1972. After completing Teachers College and primary specialist diplomas from McMaster University, she taught kindergarten in Thunder bay and Surrey B.C. for several years. Studied Suzuki piano with Mme Haruko in Seattle.
Elizabeth has been accompanist for Festival Singers for 25 years, Spectrum Choir, and many church choirs and worship services including Trinity Baptist for many years.
She has done a lot of accompanying for young soloists and played piano and french horn with OSO .
I teach many methods of piano to match individuals’ strengths and weaknesses. My basic teaching material is RCM, but includes poplar, jazz and sacred music. I teach children but love to teach adults as well.
I have taught at KCMS for over 35 years and have benefited greatly from the faculty collaboration and performance opportunities. Very enjoyable and rich teaching experience.
Personally; I have 4 children and 8 amazing grandchildren, and I love to play bridge and travel the world!
Elizabeth Wocks
Piano
ARCT (Practical)
Teachers College Certificate
Primary Specialist Certificate
Suzuki Certificate
Please email to confirm availability
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Sunday
Karen strives to cultivate each student’s ability to communicate through music. With a supportive learning environment, she teaches the foundational knowledge and skills required to help her students achieve their musical goals.
With her focus on teaching emerging piano students in the Kelowna area, she encourages students to explore and participate in opportunities, such as festivals, recitals, Royal Conservatory of Music exams, and activities offered at the Kelowna Community Music School.
Karen continues to further her education by continuing her RCM level 10 piano studies with Jessica Crawford at KCMS and through the RCM Teaching Certificate Program. Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Writing and English from the University of Victoria.
Karen Reid
Piano
B. A.
Please email to confirm availability
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday |
Friday | Sunday
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.
Liz Heal
Piano
RCM Level 10
Please email to confirm availability
Saturday
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.
Vivian 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.
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.
Vivian Schmeeckle
Piano
ARCT in Piano Performance
Please email to confirm availability
Sunday
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.
Olya Comaniuk
Piano
Concert Mastership in Music and Piano Performance
Please email to confirm availability
Friday | Saturday
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.
Mattia Mihajlovic
Piano
B. Mus. - Performance Piano
Please email to confirm availability
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday
