After numerous years of success as a musician, a director of musical performances, a business management specialist and client services professional, Leanne decided to embark on building a business of her own, teaching and developing musicians. Her passion for music, and for growing musicians of all ages, has afforded her many rewarding opportunities and experiences including:

• 15+ years in private piano instruction (Royal Conservatory, improvisation and worship)
• 10+ years of private vocal instruction (Royal Conservatory, contemporary and worship)
• Director/co-director of six separate children’s musicals, as well as adult choirs
• Instructor of private and group piano lessons for more than 8 years
• Worship Band leader, keyboardist, and vocalist
• Winner of numerous Kiwanis and Strathfort music festival competitions
• Vocal soloist for numerous events and occasions
• Facilitator of vocal coaching workshops

Leanne started Crescendo Music Studios in her home in 2004. It was her desire to provide a nurturing and unique approach to learning piano and voice, that included improvisation, songwriting, music reading, recording projects, and even computerized theory learning. She firmly believed that the best way to achieve these goals was to create a structured, yet fun learning environment with a foundation of business excellence.

Crescendo Music Studios quickly outgrew The Cummings’ home and as a result, they purchased commercial space in Sherwood Park, Alberta, fulfilling a life-long dream for Leanne. Please do not hesitate to call Leanne personally, if you have any suggestions for our studio or questions about us!  She would love to connect with you.

I am the co-owner of Crescendo Music Studios with my wife, Leanne.  We became business partners in 2009 and I bring many years of experience with me, in customer service management and business leadership.  I have an immense passion for supporting student growth and development by working with our team to build, coach and mentor our teaching professionals.  I work very closely with our staff team through regular coaching sessions, mentorship coordination, and customer service training.  I also oversee the operations of our organization.  As an aside, I also enjoy fiction writing and I am working on my third novel!  

Leanne and I have been married for over 24 years and our two boys, Spencer and Nolan are also involved in the business in various capacities.  We consider ourselves a very family-oriented business designed to meet your music education needs.  We are excited to share our passion for music learning and providing quality music education with you and your family through Crescendo Music Studios.

Teaches: Private Piano Lessons, Private Voice Lessons, Musical Theater Program, & Crescendo Chorus

Hi there! I’m Leanne, the founder of Crescendo Music Studios. I have the privilege of teaching voice and piano to students!  It is a thrill to have taught music for over two decades in various capacities!  I worked up to Grade 9 Royal Conservatory in piano and Grade 8 Royal Conservatory in voice.  Over the years, I have taught various choirs, musical theatre classes, and workshops. I take joy in working with students to unleash their potential and to help them realize a lifelong passion for music and music learning. I also love getting to know my students and building a meaningful relationship with them!  Really… I can’t imagine life without them.  They inspire me and challenge me to bring my best to work every day.  I have the best career ever!

Current Projects: I continue to take improvisation lessons, vocal coaching instruction, and I am involved in a number of business entrepreneur groups.  I also consult with local daycares and schools to bring music classes to their environments.

Fun Facts: I have an adventurous spirit. I have skydived and bungee-jumped a few times in my life! My favourite composer is Claude Debussy and my favourite artists are Sara Bareilles, Norah Jones, and Nat King Cole. I consider it a privilege to bring music appreciation and exploration to the lives of my students.

Teaches: Private guitar, ukulele and bass lessons

Ryan’s first love is his 6-string bass guitar, while his animals come as a close tie.  He started exploring music through piano at an early age, also taking an interest in percussion and guitar. Ryan eventually focused his musical skill-set in playing the bass guitar as a teenager. After graduating in 2015 from the Grant MacEwan music program,

Current Projects: Ryan is currently working on some of his own original music and hopes to share more of his authentic musical expression in the near future.

Fun Facts: Ryan has become an accomplished bass player who has been involved in several music projects like Greif Week, Violent Riot, Aliza, El Niven and The Alibi, Wild T & the Spirit, and Uncle Joe and the Nephews (to name a few). Ryan has also toured Canada and the US with multiple groups such as Big Wreck. Ryan’s sound and technical skill is versatile and eclectic, incorporating his bass guitar in a variety of musical genres from Rock & roll and punk rock, to hip-hop and R&B.

Teaches: Private Voice Lessons, Private Piano Lessons, Musical Theatre Program

Hello! My name is Stephanie Bent.  I consider myself a dynamic and caring voice and piano instructor for Crescendo. I have been teaching privately for over 11 years, and I love sharing my passion for music with my students! I grew up singing in church and choirs and taking piano lessons for many years before I discovered my interest in opera. I studied classical voice and opera performance at King’s University College before transferring to the University of Alberta to complete my Bachelor of Arts in Music. I have performed with many opera and theatre companies including the Edmonton Opera Chorus, and have been featured several times as a soloist for the Edmonton Metropolitan Orchestra. I truly consider it a joy to teach, and I believe music opens up a world of expression and beauty that enriches the lives of my students!

Current Projects: This summer I will be performing the role of La Badessa in the opera Suor Angelica with Pop Goes The Opera at the Edmonton International Fringe Festival. This will be my second time in the role and I am thrilled to return to the beautiful music of Puccini!

Fun Facts:  I have sung in over 12 languages, including Polish, Latin, and Hawaiian and I am currently learning to speak Italian. In university, I toured France and Germany, performing in many historic cathedrals and basilicas with the King’s University Chamber Choir. I have spent many wonderful summers working and performing at the Edmonton International Fringe Festival, the second largest Fringe Festival in the world!

Teaches: Voice, Piano, Songwriting, Musical Theatre & Ukulele

Hello! My name is Lyra (like lyr-ics). I have been a prolific songwriter since I was twelve and have released two studio albums to date. Having gigged, recorded, produced, and written for over a decade, I am delighted to be expanding my musical horizons by teaching students of all ages. I believe that music is the natural healer in life, no matter what age or experience someone has. My teaching philosophy is centred around joy and positive reinforcement while also teaching in a holistic way that builds great musicians. I am nothing short of delighted and privileged to be teaching at such an inspiring and invigorating music school, Crescendo Music. The staff is so warm and welcoming, and the students are truly one of a kind. I have studied voice and classical piano throughout my life and am always looking forward to igniting the spark of music into the hearts of people. I am currently studying Communications at MacEwan University. In my spare time, I am a professional dog trainer and an avid swimmer. I have also enjoyed Musical Theatre and have starred in various productions throughout my life.  I very much, look forward to instilling a love and knowledge for music in the hearts and lives of my students!

Current Projects: Working on recording my next album!

Teaches: Guitar, Ukulele, Bass

Hi there, my name is Tiegen! Music education is one of my favourite things in the world. I absolutely love helping students progress to consistently meet their goals in fun and exciting ways. I graduated from MacEwan University with a Bachelors Degree in Jazz and Contemporary Popular Music, majoring in performance, and have even studied in New York under some of the world’s top guitarists. I teach all levels and almost any style of music. I’m looking forward to helping you reach your full potential!

Current Projects:

I mostly play as a freelancer around the city. I’ve played different scenarios including hard swingin’ big bands and pit orchestras, all the way to hard rock groups. I currently play in a few funk/RnB groups as well and am looking to release my first EP in early 2022!

Fun Fact:

I was once ranked #6 in Rocket League out of all Canadians.

Teaches: Private Piano Lessons, Theory Lessons, Vocal Lessons & Crescendo Vocal Chorus

Erin Craig is an in-demand conductor, clinician and vocalist in the Edmonton music community. Erin sings professionally in Pro Coro Canada and Richard Eaton Singers, works as a pianist and musical director in Edmonton’s musical theatre community, and composes and arranges choral music!

Erin’s music education is rich and varied: their advanced musical training began with a Performer’s ARCT in Piano Performance, concurrently with a diploma in jazz piano performance at MacEwan University in 2005. Erin then completed their undergraduate music studies at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in 2008 in Boston, MA, and when they returned to Edmonton, Erin taught jazz arranging, theory, and ear training at MacEwan, in addition to working as a gigging jazz and rock keyboardist.

In 2013, Erin re-discovered a passion for choral music after many years of absence, and felt called to pursue conducting. In 2018, they received a MMus in Choral Conducting from the University of Alberta, under the direction of Dr. Leonard Ratzlaff. Erin continues to juxtapose a love and knowledge of jazz music with choral activity in an accessible, yet high-quality, choral arrangements of pop and jazz tunes. 

Current Projects: Erin is the Artistic Director of the Accord Ensemble, an auditioned chamber choir for young adults focused on new and inclusive repertoire, and of the BALM Society, an organization dedicated to promoting the leadership of women in the arts.

Fun Facts: Within BALM, the Accord Ensemble, as well as in other work, Erin is an advocate for gender equality and diversity in ensemble make-up, concert programming and artistic leadership.

Teaches: Private Violin

About: Having learned and practiced violin for more than 20 years, I have obtained an in-depth music theory knowledge, and developed sophisticated violin technique. I also have extensive teaching experience. I have taught students ranging from a beginner to an advanced level, and at a wide range of ages. I am very patient with students and I am always happy to answer questions. I believe that each student is unique, and a teacher has the responsibility to approach each student differently and patiently according to his/her learning style.

Current Projects: I graduated from the University of Alberta with a Masters in music. In the University Orchestra Symphony, I played as the associate principal of second violin. I have performed in various concerts, such as Canada 150 years Concert, Christmas Opera, and Music Festival at the Winspear.

Fun Fact: I immigrated to Canada from China in 2016 and I am currently living in Edmonton. I am so excited to become a member of Crescendo Music Studios!

Hi! My name is Dwayne Livingstone. I’m thrilled to be teaching piano, guitar, and voice at Crescendo this year! I have taught students of all ages in Canada and Jamaica, where I’m from, for almost 20 years. I studied at the Edna Manley College of The Visual & Performing Arts in Jamaica where I obtained a Certificate in Caribbean Latin & American Jazz studies. As one of Jamaica’s most respected bassists, I had the opportunity to play and tour with some of Jamaica’s most notable artists from a wide variety of genres. I also earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Humber College in Ontario. As an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, I had many opportunities to perform with other exceptional musicians in the Toronto music scene, including two-time Canadian National Jazz Award winner, trumpeter, Brownman Ali. As a teacher, I’m motived by seeing the light of realization in the eyes of my students as they discover something new in what I’ve taught them. I look forward to helping you achieve your musical goals at Crescendo Music Studios!

Current Projects:

I do a lot of recording in my home studio and am presently working on my first album which is to be produced by Brownman Ali. I’m excited to be slated to play at the Toronto Undergraduate Jazz Festival.

Fun Facts:

I love to draw – especially portraits of people. I also like reading about economics and I cook very tasty, jerked chicken!

Teaches: Musical Maestros and Elite Performers

My name is Rhea March and I am proud and delighted to bring my teaching skills and experience to Crescendo Music! Currently I have the joy of working with Crescendo’s Musical Maestro’s as well as the privilege of assisting in the professional development of Cresendo’s Elite Performers.

I have been active in the music industry for over 30 years as a performer, songwriter, artist mentor, consultant, educator, event host and radio personality.

Current Projects: Each summer I partner with the Edmonton and Canmore Folk Music Festivals to provide emerging songwriters with the game changing opportunity of performing at both prestigious festivals. I position the artists for success by providing intensive coaching in live performance, audience engagement, stagecraft and professionalism.

Locally, I have been the 14 year host of The Song Stage in Edmonton where my all-ages stage focuses on providing support and building community amongst Edmonton’s emerging and veteran musicians.  Currently the Song Stage runs each Tuesday at Station on Jasper in Edmonton.

Fun Fact: My commitment to nurturing talent is the inspiration behind my weekly campus radio show aptly named, ‘It Takes a Village’ on CJSR 88.5 FM.   Starting in 2013, the one-hour weekly series demonstrates how it truly does take a village to raise a songwriter and features music, live performances, interviews and stories about the biz. 

Teaches: Private Piano Lessons

Hello, my name is Janak Naidu, and I am a new private piano teacher here at Crescendo Music Studios. It’s great to meet you! I have been playing the piano for over 17 years, and I have been teaching for five years. I was taught at Crescendo from 2005-2016 and have spent a great deal of time playing, performing and learning from the owner, Leanne Cummings!

I believe that music can enrich a students life in more than just the ability to play music. I believe music provides comfort, a strong work ethic and a skill that carries over into whatever the student chooses to do with their lives. I do my best to provide a safe, and fun classroom environment that aims to teach students all aspects of music possible. This includes playing songs that you want to learn, learning technique, music theory and songwriting/improvising. These are all important aspects that will help a student’s playing and I believe provide a fulfilling experience with music overall.

Current Projects:

I have a strong background in music production and composition. I have been songwriting and producing music of various genres for 7 years.This includes; hip hop, R&B, rock, electronic, neo-classical and ambient music.  I am currently working on an album with a good friend of mine and have even been assisting on modeling and photoshoots as well. Furthermore, I am learning the guitar, bass and drums while writing songs for other artists. Music has always been my primary passion, and I try to incorporate it into my life as much as possible.  I have had my own music production business for around 7 years and I continue to work as a producer as well as teaching. These projects inform how I teach, as I am constantly learning myself!

Fun Facts:

In my own time, I tend to read a variety of different kinds of literature. My favourite genre is science fiction, but I have an appreciation for mystery novels and independent comic books. I also have a degree in History from the University of Alberta. I also have a passion for writing screenplays as a hobby.

Teaches: Private Guitar Lessons, Private Ukulele Lessons, Private Bass Lessons

Hi there, my name is Tanner! I teach private guitar, bass, and ukulele for Crescendo Music Studios. I have achieved my Diploma in Music from Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton. I have enjoyed performing with various bands in our community and beyond. I teach all levels and ages of students and work well with pretty much everyone!

Current Projects:  I perform on a fairly regular basis with local bands and even for senior centers in our area!

Fun Facts:  I adopted a new kitty a few years ago, and despite many sleepless nights filled with meowing I still love my cat!

Teaches: Private Drum Lessons & Private Guitar Lessons

Hello, I’m Dale Osbaldeston! I have been playing drums for over 12 years, and love to perform around Edmonton and surrounding areas. All my life I have been immersed in music, and recently I graduated from Grant MacEwan with a major in drum set performance. I play a variety of musical styles, including Jazz, Hip-Hop, Fusion, Rock, Pop, Folk, Funk, Country and Classical.

I have been teaching music to a variety of ages, and I look forward to continuing watching my students grow and develop a love of music at Crescendo Music Studios.

Current Projects: Dale enjoys playing in the band the “Tsunami Brothers” who are a local instrumental surf rock band that plays in and around the city!

Fun Facts: When Dale isn’t playing music, his favourite activity is going snowboarding!

Teaches: Private Piano Lessons, Private Voice Lessons, Musical Theatre

“I believe in music the way some people believe in fairy tales.” – August Rush

Hello! I am a fun-loving and hardworking teacher and have been involved in music for as long as I can remember. I have been playing piano for 23 years and have completed Grade 9 in the Royal Conservatory of Music. I graduated from the Theatre Arts Intensive Diploma program at Grant MacEwan University where I learned so much about the voice, singing technique, choreography, theatre history, and performing. I have worked with classical & jazz piano, chording, improvisation, some songwriting, and also have experience playing the clarinet, ukulele, and cello. Previously, I was in choir for 11 years and took many years of private voice instruction. I have taught piano, voice, and musical theatre private lessons since Spring of 2018 with Crescendo, and for two years prior to that at other studios/home lessons. I’ve also been lucky enough to work with several schools in the area helping with their drama and music programs developing and leading workshops as well as helping to direct and choreograph different musicals.

Music is such a beautiful and rewarding gift to be shared and I am thrilled to be teaching at Crescendo!

Current Projects: I am currently writing the music for my 3rd Fringe Show, working towards earning my Grade 10 certification with RCM, and learning to play the guitar for fun.

Fun Facts: I am bilingual en Francais and in English, I have a pet bunny named Morty, a pet fish named Beethoven, and I love Musicals.

Teaches: Violin

Hello! My name is Elias. I first discovered violin at a young age when on a school trip to the orchestra. I have loved the instrument ever since. Through my violin education, I have received my Level 8 Practical Examination through the Royal Conservatory of Music. I also have my Level 6 Theory with the RCM. I have also performed in the MacEwan Youth Orchestra and I look forward to teaching at Crescendo!

Current Projects:

I am a Grade 12 Student at Ardrossan Sr. High School in the French Immersion Program.

Fun Facts:

Apart from music, I also enjoy making art (mostly drawing and painting) and playing sports (badminton and ball hockey). I am also fascinated by architecture and city planning which I plan to pursue as a career.

Teaches: Voice & Beginner Piano

Hello! My name is Kate Southwell. My goal as a music teacher is to provide an engaging and educational environment for each of my students so they may grow and fall in love with music, just as I did. I started music lessons in my youth and from that point, I was hooked. Every waking hour was filled with as much music as I could fill my day with! Between a mixture of private lessons and band classes throughout junior high and high school, I learned to play the saxophone, flute, guitar, bass, piano, and I studied vocals.

As a teacher, I pride myself in providing engaging lessons that are tailored to each individual student and fostering real growth that promotes success and a love of each student’s chosen instrument. I am so happy to be part of the team at Crescendo and I look forward to sharing all the joy and sense of accomplishment music brings.

Current Projects: This year I graduated with my Diploma in Jazz and Contemporary Music from Grant MacEwan and I am currently working toward my Bachelor’s degree with a specialization in Vocals. As well as a love and appreciation for many genres of music, I especially enjoy performing and regularly attending music festivals, concerts and shows. Upon completion of my music degree, I aspire to also gain my post-graduate teaching certification.

Fun Fact: Music and teaching are without a doubt my two passions. Throughout university, when not teaching private music classes, I worked as a swim instructor and library summer reading games assistant for Strathcona County. This led me to teach all age groups in a variety of settings, children to adults, and it is something I found most fulfilling!

Teaches: Private Drum Lessons & Private Guitar Lessons

Hello!  My name is Eric Sutherland.  It is my privilege and passion to teach music to people of all ages.  I am excited to be a member of the Crescendo team and have thoroughly enjoyed working with the talented students and incredible staff!  I have been an avid percussionist for over 15 years and have been studying additional instruments such as piano, clarinet and guitar since I was a young child.  I received a diploma in musical performance from MacEwan University in 2018 and have since been making my way as a teacher and performer in the Edmonton music scene.  “I enjoy helping students learn to play their favourite songs, introducing them to valuable techniques, and helping them perform. My favourite part of teaching is watching students overcome hurdles and learn to do take on new challenges.  I would love to help you reach your musical goals at Crescendo Music Studios!

Current Projects: I work as a freelance drummer and enjoy playing live shows with my friends.

Fun Facts: Aside from music, I enjoy exercising, gardening and reading.  I am an ardent learner with a curious nature, always eager to explore new territory.

Hello! My name is Katrina and I am excited to work with the students of Crescendo Music Studios!  I started playing piano at a young age and have played the instrument for over 20 years. I have obtained a Level 9 Certificate in piano performance at the Central Conservatory of Music in China, and an RCM Level 10 equivalent in 2009.  I continue to challenge myself to learn more technically and stylistically advanced pieces and explore a wide variety of music genres. I graduated from the University of Alberta in 2017 and I have explored a few varied career options in different fields, but finally I am pursuing my “dream career” in music education as I have always wanted to make this my career. I have experience teaching students of all ages, performance levels, and music of different styles. I have developed my own personal approach to teaching which has proven successful in improving students’ skills and techniques, musicality, and varied interest in music and piano playing specifically. It is truly a rewarding experience to be a part of a students’ musical journey as they grow and progress, and my goal is to help all my students find a passion for music!

Current Projects: I am currently working on a few pieces from various Russian composers — Scriabin, Prokofiev, Khachaturian, Rachmaninov… and my goal is to study their phenomenal works including a variety of sonatas, concertos, etudes and so on. Personally, I am very intrigued by the touch of modernism in their works of classical music, and the best way to understand these pieces is to understand where the composers are coming from, and vice versa.

Fun Facts:  I am a big fan of horror movies, as well as the “good movies” that explore spiritual and metaphysical themes; i.e. A mom of two cats, a tabby and a calico!  Other than classical music, I love experimental alternative rock bands like Sonic Youth, the Velvet Underground, Swans, the Fall, etc. and have been collecting a good selection of vinyl records.

Teaches:  Private Piano Lessons & Private Voice Lessons

Hello! My name is Allison Zaragoza, and I am a piano/voice teacher here at Crescendo. I’ve been involved in music for as long as I can remember! I love choir and musical theatre, and I started taking piano lessons when I was 4 years old. In 2011, I started lessons at Crescendo and have been here ever since! I have completed my Grade 8 Royal Conservatory level in piano, and have also spent many years working on other diverse skills such as improvisation, chording/singing, performance skills, and jazz music.

I’m so excited to be teaching here at Crescendo and I hope to help students develop a love for music that will last a lifetime!

Current Projects: I am currently studying at the University of Alberta, working towards a combined Bachelor of Secondary Education & Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance.

Fun Facts: I am bilingual in French and English. My favourite band is Fleetwood Mac and some of the other things I love are travelling, and hanging out with friends and family!

Role:  Customer Care Coordinator

Hi, I’m Esther Dueck. I am a full-time member of the Crescendo Music Studios team!  Crescendo prides itself on the fact that they are a music school that has a full-time person dedicated solely to the needs of their customers. I oversee the customer service here at Crescendo, and I love it! I am full of energy and enjoy all the amazing events that happen in the studio. I aim to be the customer’s “go to” person in Crescendo for any questions or assistance.  I have many years of administration and customer service expertise, and it’s thrilling that I can combine that with my love of music.

Current Projects:  I take both piano and voice lessons here at the studio with Leanne Cummings. I love to perform and can often be seen performing at local studio events.

Fun Facts:  I have been married for over 20 years, and my husband and I have three amazing kids, who are also involved in music.