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

Hi there! I’m Leanne, the founder of Crescendo Music Studios and I have the privilege of teaching voice and piano.  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 favorite composer is Claude Debussy and my favorite 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 Lessons, Group Guitar Lessons, Private Ukulele Lessons, Private Electric Bass Lessons, and Private Drum Lessons

Hi there!  My name is Robert Back. I love inspiring students and exploring music in a deep and meaningful way.  I completed a Music Diploma as a guitar major and more recently, a Music Degree in Jazz and Contemporary Music with a focus on Sound Recording and Music Production from Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton.  

I have performed with various bands over the years. I also enjoy working on recording projects and sound engineering.  I consider myself a diverse artist and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share the love of music with my students! I believe that your focus determines your reality and if you learn with me, we will work hard to achieve your goals.

Current Projects: I am a member of the band, Old Jack Tap with my co-worker at Crescendo, Nick McDonald.  We recently released our debut album “Ain’t Gettin’ Any Better” in December of 2017 with myself as the lead Recording Engineer.

Fun Facts:  I am an enthusiastic learner! I am consistently expanding my understanding of core musical concepts and read daily to discover everything I can about the topics that capture my interest.  Last year I published two online courses on Music Production, and this year I published my first book on Recording and Microphone Technique.

Teaches: Private Voice Lessons, Private Piano Lessons, Girls’ Chorus & Musical Theatre Program

Hello! My name is Steph Bent.  I consider myself a fun and caring vocal and piano instructor for Crescendo. This is the sixth year I have taught voice and piano for Crescendo but I have actually taught privately for 8 years. I took 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 in many opera and theatre companies including the Edmonton Opera Chorus and I have many years of Royal Conservatory training in piano. 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:  I am excited to be a featured soloist with the Edmonton Metropolitan Orchestra in their spring concert.  

Fun Facts:  I have sung in over 12 languages, including Polish, Latin, and Hawaiian. In university, I toured France and Germany performing in many historic cathedrals and basilicas with the King’s University Chamber Choir. I enjoy spending my a good part of my summer working and performing at the Edmonton International Fringe Festival.

Teaches: Private Piano Lessons

Hi everyone.  My name is Cameron Bergt.  I am currently a private piano teacher for Crescendo and am loving it!  I have achieved my Grade 9 certificate through Royal Conservatory, and have informal training in guitar, french horn, and a few other instruments. I even have fun playing the accordion on occasion!  I am currently studying Business at the University of Alberta.

I enjoy connecting with my students and inspiring them as artists. I have experience working with youth and have worked as a full-time camp counselor for the past 4 summers. This opportunity has allowed me to interact with kids from all walks of life. I have a diverse background in both contemporary and classical music and I am thrilled to be part of the Crescendo teaching team.

Current Projects:   I enjoy learning new instruments, most recently the mandolin. I also direct the worship music program for Teen Time of Edmonton.  

Fun Facts:  I enjoy traveling and have been to over 15 different countries.  The most exciting performance opportunity I was given was when I played piano at a military mess dinner at the Markiezenhof in Bergen Op Zoom, Netherlands.

Teaches: Private Voice Lessons & Private Piano Lessons

Hi there! My name is Shalynn Cavanagh. I consider it an honour to teach music to my students.  I have taught privately for over four years, and I have studied both voice and piano for over 15 years.  I completed my Education Degree at the University of Alberta and have taught both music and classroom in a public school environment for the last few years. I have a desire to inspire and teach students and I consider myself a dedicated teacher with a creative approach to teaching.  I love to help students explore music in a fun and meaningful way, and watching them grow and advance their musical skills and confidence!  I hope you will join me at Crescendo Music Studios!

Current Projects:  I love to sing and perform, and have recently been writing my own songs. I also love to play the ukulele, and I am slowly working on learning the guitar.    

Fun Facts:    My favourite artists are Adele and Pearl Jam, and I saw them both live in the same week, which was amazing. I also love to write and have published books on Amazon! 

Teaches: Music for Young Children Programs, Music Pups, Daycare Music Teacher

Hi there!  My name is Dorothy Fung! I delight in teaching music to my students, especially younger ones at Crescendo Music Studios. Music brings me joy and I appreciate the opportunity to share this with the young kids in my class. I was introduced to the piano at the age of six and continued until I reached the Grade 10 level of Royal Conservatory of Music. I decided to make music a major focus in my post-secondary education, earning a Bachelor of Education majoring in music.

I love the Music for Young Children (MYC) program because it allows me to teach students and their parents at the same time. The MYC program activities give me the tools I need to reach out to students with different learning styles. In the 6 years, I’ve taught the program, I’ve had the privilege of watching students grow and progress, building confidence and personal satisfaction as they progress in their musical journey. Teaching MYC has also resulted in me making rewarding friendships with some of the parents and families I’ve taught along the way.

Current Projects: I’m the lead teacher in the daycare music program Crescendo Music Studios is offering. I’m excited about this opportunity as it allows me to share music with more children.   

Fun Facts:  I love to sing, try out new recipes, and watch my two boys play their basketball games.

Teaches: Private Piano Lessons

Hey everyone! My name is Olivia Gellert and I teach private piano lessons at Crescendo Music Studios. I have been studying piano since 2000 and have been working to complete my grade 9 Royal Conservatory examination. I have completed all of my levels of theory: preliminary, intermediate and advanced. When I was graduating high school, I was accepted into NAIT to become a registered dental assistant here in Alberta. After practicing in the dental field for 5 years and teaching my own private and group piano students part-time, I realized my passion for educating students was something I wanted to pursue. I love to watch my students grow in their passion for music and try my very best to make each experience at the piano productive and fun! I strongly believe that even as teachers, there is always room to grow and provide our students with the best education. Please join in on the fun at Crescendo! I am looking SO forward to meeting you all!

Current Projects: I am working on completing my harmony and music history as well as taking voice lessons from Leanne Cummings. I am a sponge and I love to learn! I am hoping to pick up guitar and drums in my future.

Fun Facts: I played piano for multiple weddings and parties in 2018 and I love to laugh a lot. I LOVE to play music with my friends and like to be outdoors running or fishing.

Teaches: Private Piano Lessons, Private Voice Lessons

Hi there, I’m Tiff Hall! I am known as a teacher who is full of energy and fun!  I currently teach piano and voice for Crescendo, and after years of private voice and piano instruction I went on to achieve my Grade 9 Royal Conservatory level in piano. I have completed two diplomas from Grant MacEwan University; one for jazz performance and the second for composition.  I have many years of experience as a professional musician and performer. I have taught for over 10 years in the Edmonton and Sherwood Park area and very much value the opportunity to bring music discovery into the lives of my students and consider it a privilege to teach!

Current Projects:   I am in two local bands as well as my own band that performs locally most weekends!  

Fun Facts:  I am quite good at accordion and love performing “dueling pianos” at a variety of venues throughout Alberta!  I have released two albums and you can check out one of my funky performances on Youtube at:

Teaches: Private Piano Lessons

Hi everyone! My name is Amy Laventure, and I am a private piano teacher here at Crescendo Music Studios. I have completed my grade 10 Royal Conservatory in piano, and have done theory, music history, and harmony classes. I have taken private piano instruction since the age of 7, and have been teaching at Crescendo since 2014. I enjoy teaching students of all ages to grow as pianists, and my goal is to teach in a way that students will develop a lifelong appreciation and love for music.

Current Projects: I am currently studying for a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree at the University of Alberta. In my free time, I continue to learn and play new pieces on the piano. I wish to one day play the cello!

Fun Facts: My favourite composer is Grieg. I love to run and have completed a few half marathons. I also enjoy going to the mountains, and I speak French fluently. I am a big fan of the Oilers, and my favourite food is ice cream!

Teaches: Private Piano Lessons, Private Guitar Lessons, and occasionally Clarinet and Saxophone Lessons.

Hello, my name is Fred Mack!  I consider myself a high energy, passionate individual who strives to bring out the best in my students!  I love teaching all ages and have been teaching at Crescendo for 6+ years.  I achieved my Grade 9 in piano in Conservatory Canada with Theory and History equivalents and recently graduated from MacEwan University with a Bachelors of Music in Jazz and Contemporary Music, majoring in performance. I very much enjoy improvising and regularly perform in Edmonton as well as various parts of Western Canada. I have performed at the Yardbird Suite and the Edmonton International Jazz Festival for several years with big bands and small combos. It is an honor to bring music into the lives of my students, and to watch them grow.

Current Projects: I am also a Teacher’s Assistant at MacEwan University. As well, I regularly perform with my Indie-Rock band “Good Nature”, the Ukrainian Polka band “Euphoria”,  The Fred Mack Trio and various other groups that I lead or play with as a sideman.

Fun Facts:  I recently married the love of my life, Deanna.  Last year I studied music in Finland for one semester. I enjoy exploring World Music such as the Bollywood band that plays popular Indian music that I’m involved with!

Teaches:  Private Drum Lessons & Private Guitar Lessons

Hi there, I am Nick McDonald!  I enjoy working with students of all levels and experience at Crescendo Music Studios.  I have been playing the drums for over thirteen years now, guitar for over seven, and am a graduate of both the Music Degree and the Performance Major Diploma from Grant MacEwan University.  These were both rewarding and challenging experiences for me! I have taken lessons in the past from many great musicians, including Dan Skakun, Brian Thurgood, and Trevor Bigham, who have helped me progress in ways that would have not been possible on my own.

In the past, I have played in a number of assorted bands in university, as well as high school concert, jazz, and contemporary bands. I have been teaching privately for over 6 years.  I look forward to helping you progress and I am eager to assist you as you grow and become a better musician.

Current Projects:  I have played in a number of bands, with a range of different styles. The most recent of these bands is called Old Jack Tap.  We recently released our debut album, “Ain’t Gettin’ Any Better”.

Fun Facts:  I like to travel and go to live music concerts, and I love the music of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Teaches: Private Guitar Lessons, Private Ukulele Lessons & Group Guitar Lessons

Hi there, my name is Tanner! I teach private and group guitar as well as private 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 just adopted a new kitty that keeps me awake many nights, but I still kind of adore my new cat.

Teaches: Private Piano Lessons & Private Voice Lessons

“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 19 years and have worked up to Grade 9 in Royal Conservatory of Music.  I graduated from the Theatre Arts Intensive Diploma program at Grant MacEwan University where I also accompanied many of my peers for performances!   I have worked a great deal with jazz piano, lead sheets, improvisation, and even some songwriting.  I have also been singing for many years.  I was in choir for 11 years and I took many years of private voice instruction as well. I have taught both piano and voice privately as well.  I have facilitated various group music workshops in theory, singing, acting, and most recently I choreographed a musical.

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

Current Projects: I am currently working on choreographing a musical, developing music camp programs, and even trying to learn some new instruments!

Fun Facts:  I love to write mashups.  I had the special opportunity to write the music for an entire Fringe show and I am semi-bilingual in French and English!

Teaches: Private Piano Lessons & Music for Young Children™

Hello!  My name is Michelle Smith. I love teaching kids and bringing music to their lives. I have my B.A. in Psychology and Religious Studies and have taken my Early Childhood Development education. I have achieved my Music for Young Children™ certification as well as my Kindermusik™ certification.  I have experience teaching in a preschool environment. I have my Grade 9 in piano from The Royal Conservatory of Music. This is my fourth year with Crescendo Music Studios and I simply adore my students!

Current Projects: I am currently completing my Education Degree at King’s University in Edmonton and enjoying the program immensely.  

Fun Facts:  I love being a mom and have three wonderful kids who all play instruments and an amazing husband who is also in education!  

Teaches:  Private Piano Lessons, Private Voice Lessons & Theory Classes

Hi, I’m Stephanie! I’m a private piano and voice teacher at Crescendo Music Studios. I have been teaching for over 25 years and continue to love my profession.  I achieved my ARCT (Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto) designation with the Royal Conservatory of Music, I also hold a BA from the University of Alberta with a minor in Music Theory.  Teaching is not a hobby for me but a calling.  I put my heart and soul into the education of musicians and I am very proud of the work I do with all ages of students and experience levels.  I am happy to be teaching with such a great group of people at Crescendo!  A well rounded musical education is what we all strive for at our studio.

Current Projects: Volunteer for the Sherwood Park Music Festival, Personal Growth through taking private lessons and attending workshops.

Fun Facts: I have 2 children who keep me very busy.  Our favorite weekend pastime is reading a good book or watching a terrific family movie!!  I love playing cards – specifically, bridge, wizard and cribbage!

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 am currently completing my Grade 8 Royal Conservatory level in piano, but I 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 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 traveling, 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 also take lessons at Crescendo. 

Role:  Customer Care Representative

Hi, my name is Holly Sundquist!  I am an exuberant and fun-loving person who enjoys building relationships with others!  I recently graduated from Bev Facey Composite High School and I am Crescendo’s new Customer Care Representative.  I also just so happen to be a student at Crescendo Music Studios.  I love to sing and perform.  This summer, I made it to the semi-finals of an Alberta-wide performance competition, and I had the opportunity to perform at Big Valley Jamboree on the ATB Homegrown Stage.  I also enjoy working with children in various environments and I have a background in Customer Service!  

Current Projects:  I am taking my Arts Degree at the University of Alberta and hope to enter into the Business Faculty next year.

Fun Facts:  I like to sing together with Crescendo’s owner, also known as my aunt, Leanne Cummings when we are hanging out on the weekends!  Singing and riding horses are my two favourite activities!