Nian - Teacher #4693

Instruments:
- Composition
- Drumset
- Singer-Songwriter

Services:
- Composition
- Ear Training
- Music Theory (Advanced)
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)

Languages:
- English

Teaching Philosophy

Music has been a central part of my life since I first picked up a pair of drumsticks in junior high. From those early days in band and jazz club to studying Jazz and Contemporary Music at MacEwan University, I’ve come to appreciate music as more than just sound—it’s a language, a form of expression, and a way to connect with others.

As a drummer and composer, I believe rhythm is at the heart of all music. Whether a student is learning their first groove or mastering complex polyrhythms. I emphasize the importance of feel, creativity, and musicality alongside technical skills. My lessons are built around a balance of structure and freedom, developing strong fundamentals while encouraging personal expression.

Every student is unique, and my goal is to help them find their own voice through music. Learning should be an engaging and rewarding process, free from unnecessary pressure. I strive to create an environment where students feel supported, excited to learn, and confident in their growth as musicians. At the end of the day, music is meant to be played, and I want my students to experience the joy of making and playing music in every lesson.

Musical Education

I hold a Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Contemporary Music from MacEwan University, majoring in Composition. My studies covered jazz theory, harmony, arranging, orchestration, and contemporary composition, giving me a deep understanding of both traditional and modern approaches to music. I also developed skills in improvisation, ear training, and ensemble performance, working closely with fellow musicians in a variety of styles.

I began playing drums in junior high, taking private lessons while also participating in band and jazz club throughout high school. These early experiences laid the foundation for my passion for music, which I continued to refine through formal education and performance.

Special Skills and Training

My musical journey began with drums in junior high, where I first fell in love with rhythm. That passion led me to MacEwan University, where I earned a Bachelor of Music in Composition, studying jazz, contemporary music, and improvisation. I see music as more than notes on a page—it’s about listening, adapting, and expressing. My jazz background has shaped my approach to both performance and teaching, emphasizing rhythm, creativity, and personal connection. Beyond teaching, I’ve been fortunate to perform as a drummer in a funk/hip-hop band, playing at Taste of Edmonton, the Edmonton Fringe Festival, local venues, and private events across Alberta. Performing live has given me a deeper appreciation for the energy and connection that music creates, and I encourage my students to explore music in a way that feels expressive and meaningful to them

Rates

30 Minutes: $39.00
45 Minutes: $49.00
60 Minutes: $59.00

There is a one-time registration fee of 25 $ charged with the first lessons. All Taxes are included in prices, if applicable

NOTE: Your Credit card will be charged ONLY when the first lesson is set up and confirmed with the teacher

Policies


1. Cancellation Policy

Lessons not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice are billable to the client and payable to the teacher. This does not of course apply to travel fees unless the notice is effectively given at the door and the teacher has travelled to the location.

2. Cessation (quitting) Policy

A client must provide a 2 lesson notice period to stop lessons. So a weekly student needs to give 2 weeks of notice, a biweekly student works out to 3 weeks notice and a twice weekly student works out to a week of notice.

3. Illness Policy

Lessons cancelled due to illness or extraordinary circumstances with less than 24 hours notice remain billable to the client and payable to the teacher.

BAH teachers are encouraged to offer a make-up lesson at a future date in the interest of client relations and general goodwill. This only makes sense as teaching a student with the flu for example, will ruin the rest of your week's employment.

No more than 2 lessons may be made up due to illness within a 60 day period.

4. Rescheduling Policy

Any lesson can be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice.

Summer Vacation and Extended Absence Policy

Clients may schedule longer absences for trips etc. 24 hours notice is required.

It is normal and typical for students and about 20% of our teachers to schedule a break in the summer. We do not enforce a notice period (see cessation of lessons) at the end of a long summer break.

5. Evaluation Period

There are no free trial lessons with Beethoven at Home but we do offer a 2 lesson evaluation period where it is easy to try out a teacher. There are no free lessons during the evaluation period and clients may choose to discontinue the lessons at any time by providing the required 24 hours notice. After the student's 3rd lesson the required 2 lesson notice period will apply (see cessation of lessons above).

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