Meet The Teachers
Tess Brown
Tess was born and raised in the Crow's Nest Pass. She lived there until moving to Edmonton to attend the University of Alberta. Her love of music began with piano lessons at the age of five and progressed into learning the violin. Since being introduced to the Suzuki method, she studied Japanese pedagogy in-depth with Dr. Haruko Kataoka at ten different Institutes across Canada and the United States. She has completed Volumes 1-6 Teacher Training at SAA sanctioned Institutes. Her classical training includes an Associate of Music and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Alberta. In addition to teaching her young students, Tess enjoys accompanying the Trinity United Church choir and accompanies singers and cellists.
Studio Location: South Central Edmonton
Interview with Tess
What is your musical background?
I started piano lessons at the age of 5 and violin lessons at the age of 7. I was raised in the Crow's Nest Pass, which was a very musical environment. We had our own music festival and symphony orchestra! It seemed as though everyone took music lessons.
What is your musical background?
Friends from the Bachelor of Music program had begun to teach the Suzuki method and they raved about it.
What is a common challenge that students face when learning to play the piano?
Having a lot of activities besides the piano, kids have difficulty finding time for practice.
What can a student and family expect to experience during a lesson with you?
I have been teaching Suzuki Piano for over forty years so I have a lot of experience.
What do you expect from your students?
I expect my students to practice and listen to the recording on a daily basis.
What advice do you have for parents to help their children succeed in music?
Be present at the lessons and the practice. This is what sets the Suzuki Method apart. Act like a member of the team.
What sets Edmonton Suzuki Piano School apart from other music schools?
Our structure. We are a Society of teachers and parents. Everyone has input.
What is your favourite Suzuki repertoire piece?
Sonatina Op.36#3 (Spiritoso) by Clementi ( Book Three)
What is the piece of Suzuki repertoire that is the most fun to teach?
Sonata in C major by Haydn ( Book Five)