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 music 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.

  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!

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.

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.

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. 

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.  

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.

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.

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

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.