Challena | Teacher #1804
About Challena
Challena is a highly skilled and versatile music teacher offering lessons in a wide range of instruments, including clarinet, electric bass, flute, guitar, piano, piccolo, recorder, saxophone, and ukulele. With a teaching philosophy centered around nurturing students' inner music and building confidence, Challena creates engaging and personalized lessons tailored to each student's strengths and preferences. With extensive experience as a multi-instrumental teacher, she has coached students for auditions, exams, and performances, helping them succeed in various musical endeavors. Challena also brings a wealth of experience working with students with diverse learning needs, believing in possibilities rather than limitations. Whether teaching online, in her studio, or in students' homes, Challena is dedicated to making music education enjoyable, exciting, and accessible for all.
Piano Guitar Flute Clarinet Piccolo Saxophone Electric Bass Ukulele Recorder Ear Training Music History Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) RCM Music Theory (Advanced) RCM - History RCM - Advanced Rudiments RCM - Intermediate Rudiments RCM - Basic Rudiments
Online Lessons In Studio Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Classical Country Pop Rock Latin Rock and Roll Heavy Metal Folk Blues Broadway Musicals Celtic Christian Gospel Reggae Rhythm and Blues Punk Baroque
English
Teaching Philosophy
Music resides within every individual, and my role as a teacher is to help them connect with, nurture, and express their inner music. I believe in focusing on each student's strengths to build confidence and cultivate a lifelong passion for music. My approach is tailored to each student, incorporating measurable weekly goals that align with their needs and preferences. I blend standard repertoire with student-selected pieces to keep lessons engaging. In my teaching philosophy, teacher and student collaborate as a team, and my success as a teacher is reflected in students who continue to enjoy music throughout their lives, regardless of their chosen career paths. Lessons should be enjoyable and exciting, even when tackling challenging material. Music is a journey, and I consider it a privilege to accompany my students on this musical adventure, wherever it may lead.
Musical Education
I am an experienced multi-instrumental teacher currently working at Level 10 RCM with the goal of obtaining an ARCT. I have also completed all my theory up to and including Harmony and History Level 1. I have had several music teachers whose primary background was performance, currently I am studying with two teachers - one who has a performance degree, and the other is a well known local Voice teacher who is involved in several community music ventures and competitions. I have several years of church worship band experience doing mainly piano, but also filling in on other instruments as needed, and I have prior classical ensemble experience with a smaller community orchestra back in my hometown.
Awards and Distinctions
Top Teacher 2016 - Steinway Piano Gallery
Special Skills and Trainings
I have spent 12 years as a music teacher and educator and have a legacy of former students studying and working in various fields who still return to their instrument regularly. I have coached auditions for University students, successfully submitted dozens of candidates to exam programs at advanced levels, and accompanied for exams, festivals, and events. I am a skilled arranger and transcriber of music with several of my works published and for sale, along with original compositions for various instruments. I have also been a DJ and occasional karaoke host for several years which has helped me make strides in dealing with performance anxiety and given me working knowledge of sound gear and apparatus which enables me to have some very epic recitals. Stage presence and learning how to perform, not just play music, are skills I have also gained through the entertainment industry. I also have extensive experience with children who have Autism (verbal and non-verbal), Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Sensory/procession disorders, Dyslexia/dysgraphia, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and other non neuro-typical classifications. I believe in possibilities not disabilities, and that the music knows no limitations.
Lessons in your home
Challena is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- Calgary, AB
Lessons in a music studio
Challena offers lessons from her studio. Map locations are approximate and based on the postal code of the teacher’s studio. The full address will be provided upon registration.Lessons on an online platform
Challena can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.Reviews
Associate Teacher Lesson Rates:
Challena is a Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher
- 30 minutes: $39
- 45 minutes: $49
- 60 minutes: $59
Home visit fee: $15 minimum fee. Teachers may negotiate a higher travel fee if the travel distance is longer than they are comfortable with. Most arrangements use the minimum fee.
One-Time Family Registration: $25. This covers your entire family for life - once you're in, everyone can take lessons!
Our Promise to You
Getting Started Together
We don't offer free trials, but we do something better - a relaxed 2-lesson getting-to-know-you period. You can pause anytime with just 24 hours notice. After your third lesson, we ask for a friendly 2-lesson heads up if you need to stop.
Life Happens - We Get It
Give us 24 hours notice for any cancellation or reschedule and you'll receive full credit. Planning a family vacation or summer break? Perfect - just let us know a day ahead and we'll pause your lessons.
When You're Under the Weather
If illness strikes with short notice (less than 24 hours), you'll still be charged since your teacher has reserved that time. However, most teachers are happy to offer makeup lessons when possible - they have the final say, especially if last-minute cancellations become a pattern.
Stopping Lessons
Need to take a break? We just ask for a 2-lesson notice:
Weekly lessons = 2 weeks notice
Every other week = 3 weeks notice
Twice weekly = 1 week notice
Summer breaks are different - no notice period needed when you return in the fall!
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