Meet The Teachers

 
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Nancy Thornhill

Nancy Thornhill grew up in in Ontario, where she first developed a love of music at a young age. While attending the University of Ottawa for her Bachelor's of Music Degree, she spent a summer at Queen's University participating in a workshop teaching the Suzuki method. Nancy began teaching the method while simultaneously completing her U of O studies and obtaining a Performance Degree in Trombone from the Quebec Conservatory of Music. She then moved to Edmonton and started teaching with Edmonton Suzuki Piano School. Nancy has continued to attend workshops and teacher training at institutes throughout Canada and the United States. From 1996 to 2008, she relocated to Dubai. Nancy taught music full-time at an international school and established a flourishing private practice teaching piano. Since her return to Canada, she has been teaching students in her busy home studio. Her hobbies include playing trombone and piano in various groups at church and community, travelling and quilting.

Read more about Nancy below in our one on one interview!

Studio Location: Sherwood Park

Email: nthornhill@edmontonsuzukipiano.ca

Interview with Nancy

  • Why do you love teaching piano?

    How young children learn has always been fascinating to me and teaching this method made so much sense to my own philosophy of teaching. I also love the way this method develops community; child/parent/ teacher.

  • What is your musical background?

    I have a Bachelor of Music from the University of Ottawa and a performance degree in trombone from the conservatory of music in Quebec.

  • What can a student and family expect to experience during a lesson with you?

    Excellence from the beginning. The journey of how to play with beautiful tone from the very beginning is exciting and motivating.

  • What motivates you?

    The sense of accomplishment each student has when working consistently, mastering small steps and their sense of pride when tricky things become easy things.

  • What advice do you have for parents to help their children succeed in music?

    I think it’s so important for parents to stay involved, be committed and patient in laying a solid foundation. Praising the small steps and accomplishments and finding joy in the daily routine are essential.

  • What is your favourite part of the Edmonton Suzuki Piano School community?

    ESPS provides so many opportunities for the student and teachers to learn and perform through workshops, festivals and recitals. Students learn so much from observing others participating in these events and it shows a strong and supportive music community.

  • If you were to write a book about yourself, how would you name it?

    My Granny Plays Trombone

  • What is something unique or surprising about you that many people would not know?

    I lived in Dubai for 14 years, taught music at an international school and spent many happy weekends diving with my underwater photography gear.

  • Do you have any passion projects or interests?

    I love quilting.

  • Outside of the music studio, what fills your time?

    I am involved in music at church, leading a choir and playing trombone in community ensembles.

  • What is the best part of the Edmonton Suzuki Piano School community?

    The fact that it is a community. I have the support of my colleagues, my parents and students have opportunity to participate in many events and we have stellar board of parents who make it all happen.