Jeffrey | Teacher #1228
About Jeffrey
Jeffrey holds a Bachelor of Music in Viola and a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting and Viola. With fluency in English, French, Japanese, Mandarin, and Spanish, he offers online instruction in Mandolin, Oboe, Piano, Viola, and Violin. As a former vice-president of the Scandinavian-Nordic Cultural Association and a symphony orchestra member, Jeffrey brings a wealth of experience to his teaching. Book with Jeffrey for a rewarding musical journey.
Piano Oboe Violin Viola Mandolin Ear Training Music History Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Dictation Music Theory (Advanced)
Online Lessons In Studio Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Classical Jazz Country Folk Celtic Christian Irish Fiddle Mariachi Baroque
English French Spanish Mandarin Japanese
Teaching Philosophy
With over 26 years of teaching experience, Jeffrey's philosophy is rooted in the belief that a strong classical foundation—including solid technique, ear training, music literacy, and basic theory—enables students to explore any genre with confidence and creativity. He strives to prevent the development of poor playing habits by guiding students with care, patience, and individualized attention. His goal is to make music both fulfilling and meaningful for each student, encouraging diligence while cultivating curiosity, creativity, and joy. Jeffrey’s teaching is also influenced by his training in violin, viola, and the Alexander Technique, enriching his approach to posture, sound production, and holistic body awareness. His lessons emphasize not only musical excellence but also personal growth, drawing from his professional experiences and collaborations with world-class artists. He tailors instruction to students of all ages and levels, covering a wide range of topics such as: Technical proficiency, Posture and body mechanics, Expressive and versatile sound production, Rhythm and ensemble skills, Essential music theory and ear training, Effective practice strategies, Performance techniques and stage presence, Audition preparation, Professionalism and career development, Above all, Jeffrey aims to nurture well-rounded, thoughtful musicians who are equipped to thrive both on and off the stage.
Musical Education
University of British Columbia - Bachelor of Music (Orchestral Instrument) Southern Illinois University Carbondale - Master of Music (orchestral conducting & viola) My principal teachers included David Harding, Reginald Quiring, Edward Benyas, and Michael Barta (violin) University of British Columbia - Bachelor of Education
Awards and Distinctions
Performing Arts BC Provincial Festival (Provincials): Senior Division, 1st Place Richmond Music Festival: Gold standing Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival: Gold (Ensemble category) SIU School of Music Concerto Competition: Viola Concerto SIU School of Music Full Scholarship
Special Skills and Trainings
My musical journey has been shaped by a rich blend of international experience, community leadership, and immersive study across disciplines. I’ve taught English and music to children in Tokyo and Beijing, experiences that deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity and strengthened my communication skills as an educator. I also served as Vice-President of the Scandinavian-Nordic Cultural Association for two years, where I helped promote cross-cultural dialogue and community arts programming. As a lifelong learner, I’ve pursued extensive additional training. I studied viola with Amadi Azikiwe and arts administration with Laura Rosenberg, and participated in several international festivals and academies including the Ticino Musica International Classic, Hot Springs Music Festival, SALT New Music Festival, and PRISMA, where I studied conducting with Maestro Arthur Arnold and viola with Andrew Brown and Susan Gulkis Assadi. I also have diplomas in electrical trades and junior data analysis. My conducting studies have taken me across continents under the mentorship of renowned conductors including Arturo Tamayo, Ajtony Csaba (University of Victoria), Colin Metters, Luis Clemente, Jonathan Brett, and Maciej Żółtowski through programs such as the Atlantic Coast International Conducting Academy and Conductors’ Academy International Masterclass. I hold a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate and bring that pedagogical versatility into my music studio. I’ve performed with symphony orchestras both locally and internationally and currently sing and play violin with a local mariachi band—an ensemble that has taught me as much about musical joy and community as any conservatory. These diverse experiences enrich my teaching, allowing me to connect with students from all backgrounds and help them thrive musically, creatively, and personally.
Lessons in your home
Jeffrey is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- Abbotsford, BC
- Anmore, BC
- Burnaby, BC
- Coquitlam, BC
- Delta, BC
- Ladner, BC
- Langley, BC
- Maple Ridge, BC
- New Westminster, BC
- North Vancouver, BC
- Pitt Meadows, BC
- Port Coquitlam, BC
- Port Moody, BC
- Richmond, BC
- Surrey, BC
- Tsawwassen, BC
- Vancouver, BC
- West Vancouver, BC
- White Rock, BC
Lessons in a music studio
Jeffrey 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
Jeffrey 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:
Jeffrey 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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