Teaching

Located in Strathcona SW Calgary, close to the Signal Hill and Westside Rec. Centre.

Lessons are tailor made for each individual students based on their interests, abilities, and needs. I have had students of all ages and levels and help them to reach their goals. Lessons are geared toward creating an increased understanding of different kinds of music and how songs are built. All students learn some music theory and reading musical notes. I have a gentle approach toward learning which encourages asking questions and experimenting. I recommend daily practice, but leave the rewarding and enforcement of this up to the student and their family. We have a weekly lesson time, set aside just for the student and try to keep to that time as much as possible. Generally students buy recommended books, music and other material that they are interested in learning and I go over that material with them to help them understand and perform it better. To view a standard teaching agreement click here:

• Vocals (Contemporary/Jazz/Folk etc) – vocalists work with an exercise CD or tapes to learn easy warm ups and to increase their technical abilities.
  
  
• Folk guitar – guitar students work with exercise books to learn basic skills of chording and some note reading, scales and exercises. It is highly recommended to have access to a keyboard as well as there are some concepts more easily understood by using a keyboard and then translating to guitar.
  
  
• Jazz flute – flute students work with scales, exercises and work books to develop basic skills and confidence.
  
  
• Piano/Keyboard – piano/keyboard students work with the Bastien series of books or if they have already begun lessons earlier, we usually go with the books they are familiar with. They learn scales and exercises to increase their skills and understanding of how music works.
  
  
• Music theory – all music theory is taught through out the lessons using the current songs or exercises we are working with. It is introduced throughout the lessons. There is generally some writing of exercises and some light written homework assigned as the playing skills develop.

Dec 19, 2005

“I am in no way obligated to say the following nor am I receiving any inducement. I choose freely and willingly to give my positive endorsement of Jessica Erlendson. Jessica Erlendson has taught piano to my daughter for the last three years. I have found Jessica Erlendson to be professional, trustworthy and honorable. She is always on time, efficient, and knowledgeable about her product (music). We have never had any reason to worry with Jessica as she has always been extremely honest especially in regards to monies paid in advance for my daughters lessons.”

Sincerely,

Mary Simmonds

Real Estate Agent
Royal LePage Foothills
Office: (403)249-4322

'There is a home for everyone. Yours is waiting – let’s find it."

jessicaemusic@gmail.ca