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 called Learn Audio Engineering (LAE)!

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 in voice 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 counsellor 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 Drum Lessons

Trevor Bigam (T-Bone) is the man on the drums! He received his first set of drums for Christmas 1975 and has since stopped beating on the furniture. Once Trevor decided music was his life’s path he went to school to expand his horizons. There he achieved a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia and a Diploma in Performance from Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton Alberta.

Trevor keeps very busy as he has been teaching drum lessons first at the Sherwood Park School of Music since 1997, and now continuing at Crescendo Music Studios. He still plays music live at every possible opportunity. Trevor enjoys teaching drums and looks forward to watching his students grow!

Current Projects: Trevor plays in the band the Combine Pilots, where he brings a musical diversity and a lifetime of experience!

Fun Facts: Trevor has recorded various projects including The Distant Thunder, TalkLikeJoe, Juno nominated Native artist Marcel Gagnon, Avaloon, Erin Haley, as well as Lori Reid, and Stacy Roper.

Teaches: Private Vocal Lessons

Hello! My name is Sue Bischoff and I love to sing! I have taught voice for more than 20 years now, and have also taught a music program for very young children for the last 12 years. It is an honour for me to share music with my students and support them in their musical journey.

My whole life has been music. I was a child performer in a traveling family band, and continued my musical education in both the professional gigging world and also at MacEwan University, taking both the education and the jazz performance programs.

Learning music is a lifelong commitment for me. I will always strive to further my knowledge, whether it be through teaching or taking my own voice lessons and workshops. That is the beauty of music, you can learn it forever!

 Fun Fact: I love to knit, especially my own clothes.

Teaches: Private Piano Lessons

Hello, I’m Rianna Burgess! I’m very excited to be in my second year of teaching piano. I began learning the piano at age 6 and have loved it ever since. I have achieved my Grade 8 Royal Conservatory of Music in both my practical and theory exams. I have also grown in my love for another instrument — the oboe! After choosing this for a band class I have decided to pursue a combined degree in music and education at the University of Alberta. I have been fortunate enough to tour across Canada to share my passion for music with others!

Current Projects: I am involved in numerous ensembles including orchestras, wind ensembles, and chamber ensembles as the principal oboeist. 

Fun Facts: I danced competitively for most of my life and have a strong love for ballet!

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: Private Piano Lessons & Private Vocal Lessons

Erin Craig is an in-demand conductor, clinician and vocalist in the Edmonton music community. She 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: her advanced musical training began with her Performer’s ARCT in Piano Performance, concurrently with her diploma in jazz piano performance at MacEwan University in 2005. She completed her undergraduate music studies at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in 2008 in Boston, MA, and when she returned to Edmonton, she 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 her passion for choral music after many years of absence, and felt called to pursue conducting. In 2018, she received her MMus in Choral Conducting from the University of Alberta, under the direction of Dr. Leonard Ratzlaff. Erin continues to juxtapose her love and knowledge of jazz music with her choral activity in her accessible, yet high-quality, choral arrangements of pop and jazz tunes. She looks forward to watching her students grow in their love of music!

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 her other work, Erin is an advocate for gender equality and diversity in ensemble make-up, concert programming and artistic leadership.

Teaches: Private Guitar Lessons, Private Ukulele Lessons, and WeJam Band Ensembles

Hello! My name is Tiegen Costa. I have been so incredibly fortunate to be inspired by many great educators in my life, which has caused me to have a strong passion for teaching music in hopes to carry on their legacy!  As a professional musician, I have played in a variety of groups ranging from hard swingin’ Big Bands, Pit Orchestras, Latin Ensembles all the way to Hard Rock and Funk groups. I have even studied internationally, most notably in New York, where I received a scholarship to attend the Alternative Guitar Summit. The summit featured incredible guitar legends such as; Julian Lage, Mike Stern, and Ben Monder, who I was lucky enough to study closely with. Overall, I aspire to provide a fun, tailored, and efficient teaching atmosphere using developed and creative teaching techniques. I hope you can join me at Crescendo Music Studios!

Current Projects: I currently lead a group called “Tiger’s Traverse”, a contemporary jazz group that plays around the city. I also continue to study with Juno award nominee, Jim Head. You can also catch me frequently playing as a sideman for various groups in the city!

Fun Fact: I am currently in the top 0.2% of North America in the competitive game “Rocket League.”

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 Clarinet Lessons

I am currently a student at the University of Alberta studying music and education. I am classically trained on piano and have studied up to the Grade 10 Royal Conservatory of Music. I have played clarinet for ten years and am currently taking lessons from Julianne Scott, the principal clarinetist from the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. I have a strong passion for teaching and making music and I look forward to sharing, growing, and learning together.

Current Projects: I am currently a clarinetist at the University of Alberta Symphony Ensemble and am studying conducting!

Fun Facts: I also love to act! I am studying theatre acting at the moment, and have also studied film acting.

Teaches: Private Piano Lessons

Hello! My name is Elaine Hagens and I am very excited and honoured to teach my students the wonderful instrument of piano. I have been taking piano for almost ten years now, and I am eager to pass that knowledge down. Music is a big part of my life, and I aim to inspire and encourage many others to share this love with me. I desire to teach my students in a fun, comfortable, and supportive environment where they can explore music. I hope you will consider learning more about the piano with me here at Crescendo Music Studios!

Current Projects: I am currently continuing my piano education through lessons of my own, and am working towards my Grade 9 exam. I also play piano for my church on some occasions!

Fun Facts: If I could travel anywhere in the world it would be Scotland! I also hate the sound of chalkboards immensely.

Teaches: Private Piano Lessons & Private Violin Lessons

Karen has a deep love for music and has been playing piano and violin for over 14 years. She has completed her Royal Conservatory of Music level 10 exam on the piano and her Royal Conservatory of Music level 8 exam on the violin. She has been part of worship teams, played in chamber groups and performed at various venues.

Karen is passionate about sharing her love for music with others and helping them reach their goals. She focuses on helping her students enjoy the process of learning by instilling a love for music and teaching proper technique to help her students achieve their goals and create beautiful music.

Current Projects: Karen is currently taking music pedagogy lessons and is working toward getting her Royal Conservatory of Music ARCT diploma for piano pedagogy and completing her Royal Conservatory of Music level 10 exam in violin!

Fun Facts:

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

Jackson has been playing music since he was five years old when he began piano. At ten, he picked up a guitar, and a saxophone at 11; this eventually led to him attending Concordia University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in math and music, graduating with high distinction. Jackson loves music and is thrilled to be able to pass on his passion for music and to have his students grow in their musicality and advance their music skills.

Current Projects: Jackson loves to play and perform with both his guitar and saxophone and can often be found composing and playing with various groups.

Fun Facts: Jackson is an avid skier and can also solve a Rubik’s cube in under a minute!

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 Percussion Lessons

For five years David Leibel has been nurturing and instructing students of all ages, and guiding them down a musical path! He is a graduate of Grant MacEwan University’s performance diploma, as well as a lifelong student of music, who continues to take lessons from the masters. David is looking forward to laying a strong foundation in technique for his students, as well as various styles of music such as rock, jazz, hip-hop, funk, and Latin. David is both friend and mentor to his students, most of them are long term with some new stars!

Current Projects: David plays for rock and jazz bands around the Edmonton area.

Fun Facts: David loves hockey, swimming, camping, and reading! 

Teaches: Private Bass Lessons & Private Guitar Lessons

A professional musician of over 20 years, Kim Lesaca has performed in different parts of the world on various stages with some of the world’s best musicians. Kim was already one of the Philippines’ premier electric bass players, having done countless live and studio performances with the country’s top performers before moving to Canada in January 2009. Since then, he has established himself as an outstanding bass player with some of Canada’s best music performers, live and studio musicians, and as well as music producers, performing a wide selection of music genres — Jazz, R&B, Pop, Rock and Country.

Kim’s education includes (but is not limited to) a Diploma in Music (Major in Contra Bass; Minor in Piano sans recital) from the University of the Philippines (U.P.). He held the bass chair of the Philippines’ finest big band, U.P. Jazz Ensemble from 1992-1995. In 1994, he co-founded the band Parliament Syndicate which became one of the most respected and sought after bands in the Philippines. After eleven years with the band, Kim focused entirely on session work with the country’s top recording and concert artists.

Kim puts premium on the groove, the proper tone and fitting musical taste. He believes that music comes before the artist. Being a musical educator as well, this is the philosophy that he shares with all of his students! He taught bass and acoustic guitar at Sherwood Park Music and is excited to now be joining the team of Crescendo Music Studios.

Current Projects: Kim does session works with Western Canada Music Award winner Krystle Dos Santos. Kim Lesaca is also an artist/endorser of iGIG Bass Guitar cases (www.flyigig.com), Genz Benz Bass Amplification and Spector Bass.

Fun Facts: Kim lists James Jamerson, Rocco Prestia, Jaco Pastorius, Miles Davis and his uncle, violinist John Lesaca as his musical influences.

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!

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 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 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 Flute Lessons

Jill Roszell has been playing flute for over thirty years and has taught private music lessons for 24 years – 16 years at the Sherwood Park Music studio before moving to Crescendo Music Studios! Jill has a Bachelor of Education degree in music and social studies from the University of Regina and studied for ten years at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Jill believes that music should be an enjoyable and valuable experience for students. To engage students in learning music, Jill tries to blend musical concepts with a variety of types of music and teaching techniques including the Royal Conservatory of Music program. 

Current Projects:

Fun Facts: In Jill’s other life, she does arts management working for several companies in Edmonton!

Teaches: Private Piano Lessons

Sandra began learning piano at the age of 4 when her parents enrolled her in group piano lessons. After completing those, she started taking private piano lessons, which she took during her childhood years and as a teenager. After high school, Sandra continued to take lessons at a college she attended and continued to receive certification from the Royal Conservatory of Music. In college, Sandra also took a number of other music courses as well as a religious curriculum and graduated with an AARS Degree. Sandra has also taken various university courses and has attended seminars on teaching music.

Besides learning and teaching piano, music has always been a large part of Sandra’s life. She has been involved in various musical activities such as performing and accompanying on the piano, playing in bands with her synthesizer keyboard, singing in choirs, performing in musicals, etc. She enjoys playing, listening to, and teaching various types of music. Sandra is excited about sharing her love of music with her students and helping them develop their artistic talents and musical abilities on the piano in a fun and enjoyable learning environment.

Current Projects:

Fun Facts:

Teaches: Private Violin Lessons & Private Viola Lessons

Darrell began playing the violin at the age of twelve after receiving his first instrument.  His violin teachers have included Leona Wood and Jennifer Bustin. He graduated with his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Alberta. While attending school Darrell received the Jason Lang Memorial Scholarship, Beryl Barnes Memorial Award, Dale Macmillan Memorial Scholarship, Tony Lefebvre Memorial Scholarship, and the Woodgrove Unifarm Local Scholarship. He studied violin in his first two years with Guillaume Tardif and then viola with Aaron Au and Charles Pilon. Darrell maintains a busy teaching and performing schedule in the Edmonton area. He looks forward to meeting his students and watching them grow a love of music!

Current Projects: He is currently the principal viola of the Concordia Symphony Orchestra!

Fun Facts: Darrell permanently occupies the viola chair in the Wild Rose Quartet, which he founded in 2008.

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

This is Cam Steele. One of his sayings is “living the dream every day.” He takes special care to think about what he wants to do and then he tries his best to pursue it! He has a dream to be the best teacher he can be for his students. When he was 10 years old, he got a guitar for Christmas. Like all children should, he was blessed with opportunities to do things like hockey, swimming, martial arts, science camps, golf and many other fun activities. Music became something that he chose for himself. His goal for his students is to find something for them to believe in too. He hopes to spread the joy of music, the empathy it instilled in him, and the critical thinking it helps develop.

Cam’s background in music started in rock and blues. In high school, he started digging jazz, video game, movie soundtracks, classical guitar. By the time he got into MacEwan University’s Music program, he was listening to hip hop, EDM, bluegrass, country, and anything else under the sun!

Teaching is one of Cam’s favourite things to do. He enjoys helping students find what they like. He loves getting people started on their music journey, broadening horizons of intermediate learners, and helping students reach their goals! Something very important to him is getting his students to really play music rather than just learn it. The difference is developing a deeper understanding of music beyond just instruction. He teaches music like a language, to assist in making a voice for his students!

Current Projects: As a musician, Cam plays in all kinds of bands with different genres. It seems the more he listens to different music, the more stuff he likes. Just like food, he likes it all and he’s always hungry!

Fun Facts: When he’s not teaching guitar, Cam enjoys writing for bands, orchestration, playing shows, running, going to the gym, and loving life. Part of living the dream every day is being grateful for all the wonderful things around you!

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 Vocal Lessons

I am Gerdiene Trautmann and this is my first year teaching at Crescendo Music School, which I am very excited about. Music became a huge part of my life during High School where I joined a band at my church, took part in every musical that I could, and started taking private voice lessons. Since then I have also completed two 10-day summer intensive opera programs; Cowtown Opera in Calgary, and Opera Nuova here in Edmonton.

My love for music (singing in particular) then lead me to study music at Concordia University of Edmonton. For the past five years, I have been trained as a Classical Soprano. This Spring I will be graduating with a BA as a Music Major and also with a Certificate in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy. My secondary instrument in university was piano and I have played up to level 7 RCM repertoire. I also took a piano pedagogy course that was incredibly instructive thanks to a great professor. My teaching philosophy is that a student will succeed the most when given a fun and safe environment to flourish in. With vocal students, proper technique is most important. It will help them grow into their own voice rather than imitating another and keep them injury-free.

Current Projects: This Fall I will be starting my MMUS in Vocal Performance at the University of Alberta. I am absolutely thrilled to continue my education and practice in Classical Singing.

Fun Facts: A fun fact about me is that I was born in the Netherlands and then grew up in a small Dutch hamlet in Neerlandia, just an hour and a half away from Edmonton.

Teaches: Private Piano Lessons, Private Vocal Lessons & Private Saxophone/Clarinet Lessons

Hello! I’m Karl Trautmann. I was born in B.C. where I lived until 2014 when I moved to Edmonton. I have always been an avid lover of music and I especially enjoy sharing it with others. I began my music learning journey with piano when I was four years old, and have achieved my grade 9 level in Royal Conservatory of Music, alongside the accompanying grade 3 Theory (History and Harmony).

I began singing in choirs and with friends not long after finishing my grade 9 piano, but recently I have started studying voice formally in music school, first in Victoria and then here in Edmonton at Concordia! I have also studied the clarinet where I received my grade 8 RCM. I have taught myself the guitar, saxophone, and drums and have played the latter two of them in school as well. Karl began teaching in 2011 and enjoys watching his students learn and become passionate about music! Karl loves to teach classical music but has a fondness for pop, rock, and jazz as well.

Current Projects: Karl has begun to use his piano skills to study the pipe organ!

Fun Facts: Karl loves sports, books, the outdoors, but, most of all music!

Teaches: Private Guitar Lessons

Hailing from Saskatchewan, born and raised in a musical family, self-taught on the guitar; Spencer Vaughan’s sound has been described as powerfully resonant, soulful, and invitingly warm. He has borrowed influences from all over the map including: Stevie Wonder, Kimbra, John Mayer, and Paul Simon all collectively bubbling in a cocktail one could only define as uniquely his own.

Spencer is a graduate of MacEwan University, which helped him build on a strong foundation of guitar playing, songwriting, and music recording.

Current Projects:

Fun Facts:

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 Guitar Lessons & Private Ukulele Lessons

Harry Woods picked up the guitar in 2008 to compete with his guitar-playing older brother, and since that moment he has grown exponentially as a guitarist and musician. Harry has been teaching music since age 15 and continues to love doing so today. He can often be found leading his worship band!

Briefly, Harry took a brief hiatus to pursue a career in the trades but quickly realized (thanks to his wife!) that music was his true passion. He has since obtained a Diploma in guitar through Red Deer College and is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Music through Grant MacEwan. He has led folk, rock, punk, and Jazz bands in numerous gigs. He looks forward to meeting his students!

Current Projects: Harry is learning cello as well as continuing to develop his craft with guitar, bass, and piano.

Fun Facts: Harry has toured Holland playing bass in a worship band!

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: Crescendo Music Studios Registrar

Hi, my name is Tara Holberton. I began working with Crescendo Music Studios in February of 2020 when they bought Sherwood Park Music. I come with knowledge and insight into what is now nearly half of Crescendo’s students. I look forward to getting to know the other half as well as all the teachers and parents! The part-time nature of my job allows me to work with music students and teachers, which I greatly enjoy and it also gives me time for 3 teenage kids, 2 dogs and my other career – Massage Therapy!

Current Projects: I play a little piano and drums, but my passion is singing!

Fun Facts: My oldest son Parker worked at Sherwood Park Music before I did!

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, Private Guitar Lessons, Private Drum Lessons

Hello, my name is Fred Mack!  I consider myself a high energy, passionate individual who strives to bring out the best in students!  I love teaching all ages and previously taught at Crescendo for over 6 years.  I achieved my Grade 9 in piano in Conservatory Canada with Theory and History equivalents and 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.

Fun Facts:  For the past few months I have been working on a cruise ship around the world as a performing musician! I also 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.