Michelle began her love of music at the tender age of 3, when her parents held weekly jam sessions at their home, every Saturday, in which she would participate by playing piano, rhythm instruments or singing. Michelle started formal music lessons at the age of 5 and went on to perform in many local music festivals, including the Kiwanis music festival, ranking top marks and achievements. During her childhood, she extensively studied through the Royal Conservatory of music program up to the ARCT level, and continuing on to Douglas College for 3 years, completing an Associate of Music Degree, with a Major in Piano and a minor in flute. Some of her most esteemed teachers have been Edward Parker, Dr.Robert Silverman and Ellen Silverman.

Before graduating from Douglas College, Michelle accepted a teaching position at Place Des Arts in Maillardville, Coquitlam in 1990, where she remained on faculty for 17 years teaching piano, flute, music theory and master classes, and was accompanist for many performances, festivals, exams and countless recitals. After leaving Place Des Arts, she went on to raise a family and continued to teach piano and music theory in the Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge area.

Michelle caters to the needs of each individual student and believes that it is essential to have fun while learning. Her 35 years experience working with children and adults gives her the experience and patience it takes to make for an enjoyable experience, for both teacher and student!

Elizabeth is a classically trained pianist who is passionate about tailoring her lessons to each student’s unique learning style, empowering fruitful learning. Through sharing her love for music, she hopes to inspire students to discover their interests, individuality as a musician, and creative spirit. Elizabeth completed her Royal Conservatory of Music Teaching Elementary Piano certification and is pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Music, with piano as her primary  instrument, and is excited to graduate from Trinity Western University (TWU) in 2025. Prior to her education at TWU, she began her musical journey at the age of three under the direction of Bergthorson Academy of Musical Arts’ (BAMA) founder, Judith Bergthorson. Moreover, had the privilege of studying under BAMA’s Maggie Van Wyk, for several years. In addition to her love for the piano, Elizabeth’s passion for choral singing has led her to become an active member of the TWU Chamber Choir, whom she has performed with for several years. She has performed at New York’s historic Carnegie Hall, and at Vancouver’s The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, for their annual Christmas special, Christmas at the Chan.

Tyrell has been writing songs since he was 13 and has been recording and performing original music with several different projects over the last decade. Inspired by classic rock and blues players from before his time, he took an interest in guitar and singing at a very young age and never stopped exploring. Eventually finding himself connecting with “darker” music (i.e. all things heavy metal), Tyrell descended into the world of heavy music and it’s guitar driven, emotional and otherworldly atmosphere. After some Jazz studies in post-secondary, he began to see that all musical styles together form a beautiful mosaic of the human experience. This helped him to understand his own musical voice and style. Tyrell’s method of teaching is based in this philosophy: the music that inspires you, combined with your own experience of life, forms your musical voice. Whether you become a classical composer, a 3 chord strummer, or even if you just want to play covers, your music matters! Musicianship is a practise and a discipline but it is endlessly rewarding! Tyrell seeks to guide beginner to advanced players on their path to achieving their own definition of musical success, and to find freedom of expression with their instrument through understanding of music theory and developing productive practicing habits.

Bo Henrik has been working in the Vancouver music scene for the past 4
years. Prior to moving to Vancouver he studied music in Sweden and
worked at European labels as a writer, singer and session player, where
he was part of making several Gold selling records. He graduated top of his class from the Advanced Audio Engineering program at Nimbus School
Of Recording & Media in Vancouver B.C. Bo’s own music has hit top charts in South Africa and been played on the radio around Canada and
Sweden. He recently finished a 2 single release with 604 Records -currently the biggest Canadian indie label- and is a very active artist
in the R&B scene.

He’s taught guitar, vocals and songwriting for 5 years and stays very
passionate about helping kids find their voice both on their instrument
and as writers. In the beginning, that often means learning to play your
favorite songs, and over time it often becomes writing your own
songs. “One of my favorite things in the world is seeing a kid’s
face light up when they realize they can actually make what they love
all by themselves. My goal is to make my students self-sufficient, so
they will always keep making great music”.

Jeff Scroggins is an internationally recognized master of the 5 string banjo. Jeff grew up in the US, where he won more than 40 banjo contests, including the prestigious National Bluegrass Banjo Championship. He has performed and recorded with some of the top names in bluegrass and has toured extensively, taking his fiery style to stages around the world. He has headlined bluegrass festivals and performed at events in the US, Canada, Europe, Russia, Japan, Australia.and even on the island of Borneo in Malaysia. In 2018 his band Jeff Scroggins and Colorado (2009-2020) was nominated for the “Emerging Artist” award by the International Bluegrass Music Association.

 

Jeff is also an internationally acclaimed teacher who has taught private and group lessons for over 35 years, including 5 years at the award winning Swallow Hill Music Association in Denver, Colorado. He has taught countless workshops worldwide at music festivals at which he has performed, and he has been an instructor at numerous music camps in the US, Canada, and Europe.

 

2020 brought big changes to Jeff’s life. On March 16, 2020 when Covid closed the international border between the United States and Canada, Jeff was forced to choose between staying in America and continuing his music career or staying in Canada with his Canadian fiance whom he had met while touring. Without hesitation he chose to retire from touring, relocate to BC, get married and apply for permanent residency. He now resides in Maple Ridge with his partner and still performs occasionally, does session work, teaches workshops and at music camps, and is now a member of the Bergthorson Academy of Musical Arts teaching staff.