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, & Bass Lessons, Drum Lessons & Digital Music Production 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 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.  I have published two online courses on Music Production, and last year I published my first book on Recording and Microphone Technique. I also run an online blog and youtube channel regarding Music Production!

Teaches: Private Piano Lessons, Private Voice Lessons, Private Digital Production Lessons

Hello! My name is Samantha, and I teach piano, voice, and digital production for Crescendo Music Studios. My favourite part of teaching is helping students explore their own passion for music through performing and creating!  I started my own musical journey when I was 8 when myMom put me in piano lessons. I continued lessons all through high school and was obsessed with Band class! This is where I discovered my love for composing and songwriting. I then went on to complete my Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Contemporary Popular Music from MacEwan University, majoring in Composition. I have experience writing for and performing with many different ensembles and have had an original piece performed by Pro Coro Canada and The Accord Ensemble. Throughout my time at MacEwan, I gained experience and training invoice as well as learning/exploring music technology and film scoring. My goal as a teacher is to show students that music is an outlet for creativity and can be so much more than what is written on the page.

Current projects: I am currently singing and songwriting as much as I can!

Fun Fact: I have two favourite seasons, Summer and Winter because I love snowboarding in the mountains and wakeboarding at my grandma’s cabin on Bear Lake.

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. I have been teaching privately for over 8 years, and love my students. 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 at Crescendo Music Studios and absolutely love my students. I fell in love with the piano and voice when I was young, and have now been studying piano and voice for over 17 years.  I completed my Education Degree at the University of Alberta and went on to teach elementary music in a public school environment for a 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 can often be found writing my own songs. I also love to play the ukulele and guitar!

Fun Facts:  My favourite artists are Adele and Pearl Jam, and I once saw them both live in the same week, which was incredible. I also love to write stories and poetry 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, Crescendo-4-Preschoolers, Music For Young Children

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 Vocal Lessons

Hello! My name is Laura Jones, and I’m very excited to be teaching at Crescendo Music Studios! After beginning piano lessons at age five, I quickly discovered that music was one of my passions. My love for the piano inspired me to try singing lessons as well, and I studied both a classical and musical theatre singing technique up until university in addition to the piano. Some of my theatre credits include Jan in Grease, Margot in Legally Blonde, Lola in Copacabana, and a singer/pianist/actress in Chat Blanc: Shadows and Light, which was later adapted for the Edmonton Fringe Festival as Chat Blanc: Lost in Montmartre. I studied classical voice at Dalhousie University and obtained a Bachelor of Music with a specialization in musicology. I received the University Medal of Music for my academic achievements upon graduating. Most recently, I had the opportunity to continue training at Opera NUOVA’s ten-day program. While at university, I discovered that I am also incredibly passionate about teaching, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and love of music with my students!

Current Projects: I’m taking voice lessons to continue to develop as a singer and a teacher.

Fun Facts: I’ve climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, my favourite singer is Diana Damrau, and I love reading, writing, and learning about history!

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 Drum Lessons, Private Guitar & Ukulele 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 students progress and enjoy watching them grow and become better musicians.

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 am often found wherever live music concerts are, and I love the music of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

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 just a year ago, and despite many sleepless nights filled with meowing I still love my cat!

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 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 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 a new member of the Crescendo team and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the talented students and incredible staff thus far.  I have been an avid percussionist for nearly 14 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 in order to help them perform, and explore the vast world!  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.

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: I volunteer for the Sherwood Park Music Festival, and enjoy taking private lessons and attending workshops to continue my personal growth in music.

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 have just 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 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.

Role:  Customer Care Representative

Hi, I’m Holly Sundquist. I am passionate about music, and am thrilled to be working at Crescendo Music Studios as a customer service representative! I can be found at the front desk here at Crescendo helping customers with anything they may need. Music is a huge part of my life!

Current Projects:  I have taken vocal lessons for many years, and this year I have started piano lessons as well! I am often found performing at many of the events around town.

Fun Facts: I also coach gymnastics at Ortona Gymnastics Club!

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! 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 students! I am thrilled to be a substitute for Crescendo Music Studios.

Fun Facts:  I am in two local bands as well as my own band that performs locally most weekends! I also am quite good at accordion and love performing “duelling 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 & 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 my Bachelor’s of Education from King’s University. I have achieved my Music for Young Children™ certification as well as my Kindermusik™ certification, and have experience teaching in a preschool environment. I have my Grade 9 in piano from The Royal Conservatory of Music. I previously taught with Crescendo Music Studios for four years, and now am thrilled to be asked back to sub occasionally. I love working with students to develop a passion for music.

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!