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

Qualifications: 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

Qualifications: 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

Qualifications: I consider myself a fun and caring vocal and piano instructor for Crescendo. This is the fifth year I have taught voice and piano for Crescendo but I have actually taught privately for 7 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

Qualifications: 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 travelling 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

Qualifications:

Hi there. My name is Shalynn Cavanagh! I consider it an honour to teach music to my students.  I have taught privately for over three years, and I have studied both voice and piano for over 10 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 have recently been writing my own songs. I also love to play the ukulele, and I am a self-taught beginner guitarist.    

Fun Facts:   My top three favorite things are Adele, hanging out and jamming with my friends, and my absurdly large collection of shoes.

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

Qualifications: 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 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 5 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 music 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 new 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, 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 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 if you like at:

Teaches: Private Piano Lessons

Qualifications: 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 ran 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, Rock Band Program (occasionally, Clarinet and Saxophone)

Qualifications: 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 5+ 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 for 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 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

Qualifications: 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 about twelve years now, guitar for over six, 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 within university, as well as high school concert, jazz, and contemporary bands. I have been teaching privately for over 5 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 enjoy the music of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

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

Qualifications:  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 kind of adore my new cat.  I also have a wonderful girlfriend who also works with children!

Teaches: Private Voice Lessons & Private Piano Lessons

My name is Liz Pomeroy!  I grew up in Dublin, Ireland where I was involved with music, theatre, and dance all throughout school. I sang lead vocals, fronting my first band in a school talent show at the age of 16 and became hooked on singing and performing. I continued to perform while attending the National College of Art and Design, Dublin, for a Degree in Art and Design Education. In 2017 I received my Music Diploma from Grant MacEwan University, then went on to begin teaching at Crescendo Music Studios. I would love the opportunity to help you in your music learning experience!

Current Projects: I’m currently writing material for my solo project, Li-Roy which will be launched later this year. I am planning a tour round Ireland and the U.K in July. This has afforded me the opportunity to song write with a huge array of people which I just love.

Fun Facts: I have a black one-year old cat who chirps at me like she’s singing along, every time I sit down to play the guitar. Sometimes she snuggles right up against my fret arm and makes it quite hard to play! I also can move both ears independently of each other and can have double jointed thumbs.  How those are some fun fact for you!

“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 song writing.  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!

FUN FACTS:  I love to write mash ups.  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 Drum Lessons

Qualifications: Hi there. My name is Noah. I was a former student at Crescendo for many years and now I am a private drum teacher for Crescendo.  I started taking piano lessons at the age of 6 and continued until I was about 12.  have taken private drum instruction for over 9 years.  I also happen to play french horn and I played french horn in band for six years.  I love building relationships with my students and watching their creative flourish!

Current Projects:  I also enjoy building things.  I work part-time in construction as well as teaching!

Fun Facts:  I have played drums in a number of bands over the years and love ensembling with others.

Check out my video bio here…

Teaches: Private Piano Lessons & Music for Young Children™

Qualifications: 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!

Role:  Customer Care Coordinator

Esther is a full-time member of our team!  We pride ourselves in the fact that we are a music school that has a full-time person dedicated solely, to the needs of our customers.  She oversees the customer service of our business.  She is full of energy and handles an incredible workload in our studio.  She helps us stay on top of customer-related interactions and follow through.  She is our customer’s “go to” person in our business.  She comes to us with many years of administration and customer service expertise and we can’t imagine our business without her!

Current Projects:  She is taking piano and voice lessons with Leanne.  She is a beautiful vocalist and can often be seen performing at local studio events.  

Fun Facts:  Esther has been married for over 20 years and has three amazing kids, who also take lessons at Crescendo.  Their family has been a customer of our studio for over six years!

Qualifications: 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 favorite activities!