Argentine born, Eduardo studied at the National Conservatory of Music in Buenos Aires. After completing the 7 year program in 6 years, Eduardo graduated with a degree in Music Education, Guitar Major, garnering the Gold Medal for top student. From that time onward, and for the last several years in Canada, he has been teaching acoustic and electric guitar, ear training, rhythm, music appreciation, music theory, and history to both groups and individuals. His extensive experience has provided solid technical and social skills that enhance his abilities to educate a wide variety of students who have diverse needs and goals. Eduardo has a unique background in South American rhythms, music, and folk instruments as well as skills in digital editing, sound recording, and videography. One particular phrase reflects his philosophy about the value of music, “I think everyone benefits from learning to play an instrument or sing. Apart from the fun aspect and the value of emotional inspiration, studying music contributes not only to our creative development, but also enhances skills such as concentration, memory and teamwork. In early childhood, rhythm is also important in the development of language skills.” Eduardo has a loyal following of students, but also welcomes all new students.

Ana is highly appreciated by her students and her community for her patience and encouragement, as well as her excellent technical skills as an instructor of piano, beginner and advanced theory, accompanying, and conducting. Ana welcomes beginner and college level students to study with her for fun and for exams and auditions. Ana’s philosophy about music and about life is “Music can move us; give us the sensation of tranquility, and develop the artist that lives in us all. Teaching music is my highest goal because it is my past, my present and my future.”

Ryan Langevin is well known as the star of ‘the Piano Man’, a heart-felt and genuine tribute to the 2 biggest Piano/ Vocal Acts of our time…Elton John and Billy Joel. Some performance highlights for The Piano Man include the Langley Canada Day Celebrations for a crowd of over 5000, sold-out shows at Prarieland Park Hall in Saskatoon for over 1500 people, Evraz Place in Regina for an audience of 1000, The Bell Centre For Performing Arts, Northlands Park in Edmonton, The PNE, The Edgewater Casino, The Grand Villa Casino, The Hard Rock Casino in Vancouver, The Coast Capital Theatre in White Rock, The Vancouver Convention Centre, the CN Roundhouse in Squamish, The Sage Brush Theatre in Kamloops and The Kelowna Community Theatre.

Andrew is a well traveled and accomplished baritone opera singer.  He has performed at the highest level all over Europe, from the title role Rigoletto for the Stadttheatre Hildesheim in Wolfsburg, Germany to the role of Escamillo in Carmen at the Prague State Opera.  Also in demand as a concert and oratorio singer, Andrew is a true dynamo in his field and we are honoured to have him a part of our teaching faculty.  

 Madeleine’s passion for music has inspired her throughout her entire life. She has been playing guitar for over ten years! In that time she has completed a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies at Capilano University, played in an Arts Club production, and opened the Vancouver Folk Fest with a First Nations Women’s Choir. She has played in a wide variety of ensembles in many styles and regularly performs in venues around Vancouver. She is currently playing guitar and singing for local bands _Wild Friar _and _The Holy Smokes. _She works with the _North Shore Celtic Ensemble_ regularly as well. With experience teaching private lessons to students of all ages, she is a passionate educator who hopes to create an inclusive learning space where she can inspire her students to reach their goals.

Gordie Sadler teaches 5 string banjo in the Earl Scruggs style, which is the most popular style for the banjo in bluegrass music. The focus is on preparing the beginner student to learn to play along with other musicians and to quickly begin enjoying the pleasure of making music with others. Gord’s method leads the student through the basic chords and right hand rolls used in simple melodies and then progresses to a “building block” approach to integrate standard phrases or “licks” with melodic improvisations. Teaching this way promotes the techniques of learning by ear while understanding the use of written tablature enables students to practice exercises easily at home. Gordie has been playing banjo since 1970 and is a founding member of B.C.’s longest running bluegrass band, 5 On A String, established in 1989. He has taught banjo workshops at many regional bluegrass festivals and the annual week long Cabin Fever Bluegrass Workshop in 100 Mile House. He hosts the BAMA Bluegrass Circle every 2nd and 4th Thursday at the Bergthorson Academy of Music at 12229 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows B.C.

Whether touring across North America performing original pieces from her album, playing somber accompaniment for funerals or light-hearted entertainment at various venues, Angela always plays from the heart. For many years, Angela has been teaching both classical and contemporary piano styles, preparing students for exams and for their own enjoyment. Specializing in pop style vocals, Angela tailors each student’s vocal program to suit his or her needs and goals. Angela welcomes all ages to study piano and/or voice with her.

Jan Baxendale began her study of the piano at the age of seven years old. Over the next eleven years she studied with three Lower Mainland teachers, most notably with Dr. Dale Reubart of the U.B.C Department of Music. At the age of fifteen, Jan earned her Licentiate Diploma from Trinity College (London) and started her teaching career. Then, at the age of eighteen, she traveled to London, England where she lived for one year, studying with Kendall Taylor of the Royal School of Music, and obtained her Fellowship Diploma from Trinity. Shortly after returning home to North Vancouver and having resumed her studies, she was hired at the young age of nineteen as an instructor at Capilano College where she taught in the University Transfer Program and the Music Therapy department for the next thirteen years. Jan retired from the college when she became pregnant with her third son. She unfortunately had to greatly reduce her own performing career due to severe carpal tunnel syndrome, and had operations on both wrists. Jan still gets tremendous pleasure and satisfaction from teaching the love of music, specifically of the piano, to young and old alike. Education • Licentiate and Fellowship (Royal College of Music) in Piano Performance • Studied in London, England with Kendall Taylor of Royal College of Music • Piano with Dr. Dale Reubart, Dr. Robert Rogers & Dr. Robert Silverman

  Sylwia boasts an extensive resume of experience as both an instructor and performer in cello piano and voice.  She received her ARCT in voice performance from The Royal Conservatory of Music with First Class Honours and a Masters of Art from the Karol Lipinski Academy of Music in Wroclaw, Poland.  Although Sylwia has extensive experience and aptitude in classical music-She has been a choir and ballet accompanist, for example- she also is very comfortable teaching pop and other styles.  Sign up for lessons with Sylwia if you are ready to bring your passion to the next level!

 Erik Severinson is a Vancouver-based Swiss-army knife of music. After heading to Iowa to learn jazz singing and arranging from the legendary conductor and pianist Phil Mattson, Erik returned to Vancouver to finish his studies at Capilano University. During his intellectual pursuits in jazz, he never left his love for rock music far behind. The competition and collaboration of these two great passions has led to his current creative outlet called Whelming. Along with drummer Mark Kerrey and guitarist Eric Wettstein, Whelming combines classic songcraft with modern rock soundscapes and unexpected harmonies. As a guitarist and singer, Erik has shared stages with many notable artists, including Eurovision semifinalist Rykka, folk/rock songwriter Ché Aimee Dorval, and jazz-rock fusion big band Space Elevator. He is currently working in studio with metal icon Devin Townsend, and teaching guitar across the Lower Mainland.”

Rafael began his studies in acoustic guitar when he was 11 years old. In 1997, he got his first guitar from his grandfather realizing that music was his passion. Some of his influences include Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, Steve Vai, Marty Friedman, Dimebag Darrell, Mike Stern, Scott Henderson and Mozart Mello. At age 15, Rafael studied at the Musical Conservatory PIO XII, in Bauru (Sao Paulo). In 2003, he was admitted to the Sagrado Coracao University (USC), where he graduated in guitar. He began teaching privately to students in music schools and his hometown of Bauru. It was also at this time that he began playing in heavy metal band and classic rock bands. In mid 2003, he was invited to join the heavy metal band Imago Mortis which he toured Brazil from 2004 to 2007. In 2010 he began teaching in schools in Sao Paulo and playing in clubs and pubs.In 2013 Rafael arrived in Vancouver. joined the band Mob Machine and is currently teaching guitar at Bergthorson Academy of Musical Arts in addition to recording his own album.

Originally from Kazakhstan, Kate came to Canada at the age of 9. After a few years of music lessons she became a part of the Vancouver classical music scene, receiving awards from competitions such as YAP Women’s Club, Canadian Music Competition, Kiwanis, RMF, etc. Kate’s increasing love for music took on a new direction upon entering the University Transfer Program for UBC. Since that time Kate has completed her Bachelors of Music Degree, under the guidance of the Director of UBC Contemporary Players, Dr. Corey Hamm. During these years she was a proud recipient of the Henry Waack Scholarship for her “overall outstanding musicianship and leadership skills”, as well as the Normal A M MacKenzie Scholarship for “performance quality and academic achievement”. Kate has been pursuing her musical endeavors by actively engaging in masterclasses, performing and collaborating with singers and instrumentalists, as well as traveling to Kiev, Ukraine to perform in the Kiev School of Music and the Conservatory of Music. She is available for piano lessons and for Preschool Prelude classes.

Carlos was first introduced to the sax and clarinet in high school, and has not stopped playing since. He has studied in both classical and jazz university programs which has provided him with the tools to teach both styles. His gentle style of teaching endears him to his students, and gives them the permission to experiment with their instrument. Carlos is of the opinion that students get to know their instrument best through guided instruction and through experimentation.

Dan was born in South Africa, where he showed a keen interest in music from an early age. At age 11 he was admitted to the Conservatoire of the University of Stellenbosch to study violin and piano, where he became the youngest member of the university’s string ensemble.

 

 

 

 Jenny began piano at 7 years old and was singing semi-professionally by 12.  Entering college on a music scholarship, she sang her way across Canada and the US.  Her teaching career began with middle and high school music and drama but writing and recording soon took over. She toured once again (this time with her sister, Angela Rust) and launched her own lesson studio with a focus on musical theatre and Royal Conservatory of Music studies. After several years of teaching voice and piano, Jenny was given the opportunity to sing and travel the world as a lead vocalist with Holland America Line.  She produced and entertained with 7-12 piece bands in Jazz, Motown/soul, Top-40, country, and pop shows from Alaska to Antarctica and all points in between! Ten years later, Jenny is setting down roots and, while she continues to write and record, she is bringing her experience and expertise to our teaching community. Jenny welcomes students of all ages and musical interests to find their voice and share their gifts. Whether you prefer popular music, classical studies, or belting out show-tunes, Jenny would love to work with you to achieve your goals, build confidence and make great music.

Born in South Africa, Maggie studied at the University of the Free-State in Bloemfontein. She completed her B. Mus majoring in piano and music education. She also completed a further degree in music education (cum laude), an Advanced Certificate in Arts and Culture Education (cum laude) and a qualification in Orff Schulwerk. Maggie has been teaching piano for 21 years. Her piano students have been very successful in exams, competitions and festivals, winning numerous awards. She has many years’ experience as an accompanist (choirs, vocalists and instrumentalists), choir conductor, church organist, as well as performing with various music ensembles. Before moving to Canada, Maggie also taught music theory, music history, music appreciation, keyboard, recorder, ukulele, folk guitar and Orff groups. Maggie believes her purpose as a music teacher is to unlock and develop every student’s musical talent, enabling them to share the joy of music with others.

Maria was born in Gdynia, Poland and began playing the violin at the age of 6 and piano at 10 years old. When she was 12 she was accepted into the prestigious High School of Music in Gdansk. She continued her studies at the Gdansk Academy of Music and graduated with a Master of Arts in Violin Performance with the highest honours. Before she graduated Maria joined the Polish Baltic Frederic Chopin Philharmonic and The Baltic Opera. The Orchestra toured Poland and abroad including Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden and the Czech Republic, recorded for Radio and TV programs as well as CD’s and performed a private concert for Pope John Paul II in Castel Gandolfo, Italy. In 1997 she became a member of the very active Polish Chamber Philharmonic in Sopot, Poland. She was very fortunate to share the stage with such great artists as Shlomo Minz, Ruggiero Ricci, Garric Ohlson, Kristian Zimmerman, Misha Maisky, Barbara Hendrix, Chuck Mangione, Carly Simon and Art Garfunkel. She also collaborated with the Warsaw Radio Orchestra for special broadcasts and recordings for Radio Poland. Maria taught for 15 years in her private studio in Poland. Her students excelled in concerts and festivals and were admitted to Conservatories and Orchestras. Now in Canada, Maria is providing her friendly, positive, and energetic teaching style to share the joy of music with others in a fun, yet informative, environment.

  Niki has been teaching for over 10 years. Her background is mainly in voice and violin (of which she has achieved level 10 RCM), although piano has also been a passion of hers throughout. She has also been known to play the ukulele while she teaches voice. Niki has performed alongside artists such as josh Groban, Lucia Micarelli, as well as played concertmaster for a season performing Winter from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Niki has her diploma in music performance and is currently completing her creative arts degree and is also licensed to practice music therapy. Niki has self published songs and is currently finishing her second CD.

Drew is an experienced drummer and educator with 20 years of experience playing in a variety of live and studio bands across North America. He has studied at Capilano University in the jazz program along with seeking private instruction from many of the worlds top drummers.  Having experience playing in a variety of musical genres from jazz, metal, rock, hip hop, punk, country, funk etc., Drew brings a wealth of experience to his lessons.  Drew would like to welcome students of all levels from beginner to advanced to join him. 

 Lach’s sense of rhythm and musicality is impeccable.  He started playing drums at an early age with his school band. He has been playing drums for 40 years with combos and big bands in fine hotels, cruise ships and theatre.  In more recent times,  Lach has been introducing young and old to the rhythms of Jazz, Rock and Blues, Salsa and other South American styles.