Meet The Teachers
Rhonda McEachen
Rhonda McEachen grew up in rural Southwestern Ontario and started piano lessons at age 6. She was a Suzuki piano student and also attained her Grade 10 Piano through the Royal Conservatory. She received her Bachelor of Music Education in 1998 and her Bachelor of Education in 1999, both from the University of Western Ontario. Rhonda has completed Teacher Training in Volumes 1-6 and the Suzuki Principles in Action Course. In addition to teaching, Rhonda actively participates in Edmonton Suzuki Piano School as the teacher representative to the Board of Directors. When she is not teaching, Rhonda enjoys her daily dog walks, practicing for her singing lessons, and directing the Southwest Seniors Outreach Choir. Rhonda stays active through her love of sports. She enjoys curling and playing hockey but will participate in sports of any kind.
Studio Location: South Central Edmonton
Email: rmceachen@edmontonsuzukipiano.ca
Interview with Rhonda
What is your first memory of playing the piano?
My first memory of playing the piano is when I was about 4 years old and trying to figure out Ode to Joy which I had heard at church. I was able to learn that song by ear, by myself, simply because I heard it a lot.
What is your musical background?
I started taking traditional piano lessons when I was 6 and when the teacher retired, my mom found a Suzuki teacher for me because I preferred to learn music by ear. Eventually I returned to “traditional” music lessons to complete some RCM levels and obtained a Bachelor of Music Education and Bachelor of Education from Western University, in London, Ontario.
What can a student and family expect to experience during a lesson with you?
I strive to make my piano lessons enjoyable for both the student and parent, through use of games, stories, analogies and imagination. I also incorporate some duet playing in most lessons, as ensemble playing is such an important and enjoyable skill.
What do you expect from your students?
I expect my students to practice and listen to the recording on a daily basis.
What has been your most rewarding moment in teaching?
Some of the most rewarding times are when you have taught a student for many years and you can see what a positive influence piano lessons have had on a student. And in a totally different way, some of the best times are when a teacher can help a student master a new skill, just by breaking it down into small steps.
What sets Edmonton Suzuki Piano School apart from other music schools?
We are lucky to have a large group of teachers that collaborate, we have a great parent board that supports families and teachers, and we provide a steady flow of performance opportunities to keep students motivated all year long.
Outside of the music studio, what fills your time?
I am a person who likes to do a variety of activities: Each morning I walk the dog for about 45 minutes. I take singing lessons and am working up to taking my RCM Level 9 Voice exam. I direct the Southwest Seniors Choir.I play hockey and would like to take some dancing lessons (maybe swing). I am planning to take a Learn to Play Pickleball class, and I learned how to curl a few years ago and will play again this year.
What is the best part of the Edmonton Suzuki Piano School community?
We welcome everyone to join and participate in our program. There are no auditions as we believe that every child can learn to play the piano.