Melanie Poruchny
Piano, Yamaha Group, Theory
“Whoa! Look at her fingers!” was the first thing my Mother said when I was born. Yes, I have long fingers. You could say I was born to play the piano. Since I could move my digits I have been playing and learning all that I can about music and loving every minute.
I believe in music education. Not just playing notes on a page, but understanding how and why it is put together.
Everyone learns in a different way and I believe that true teachers are able to adapt their teaching methods to best serve the student.
In my music education, I was not so lucky to have teachers like this. Instead of nurturing the skills that I naturally had, I was told not to use them and to just read the notes on the page. Well… that didn’t last very long.
I ended up filling in some of the musical gaps myself through my love of popular music. Who knew that Composition and Improvisation were going to be some of my favourite things to study? And don’t get me started on Theory! When I finally made sense of all the notation?!! LIGHTBULBS AND FIREWORKS! All these missing pieces were where the fun really started and when I truly could call myself a musician instead of someone who could just play notes on the page.
Proud achievements:
- Full Yamaha Grade 5 and Grade 4 Fundamentals
- I have been a Yamaha group and private teacher in Edmonton for 17 years
- I am an authorized Yamaha Examiner,
I have Published a Children’s book based on a song I wrote. It’s called “Ode to my Sock” – ( you should check it out sometime!)
Jillian Meyer
Piano, Yamaha Group
Jillian is a pianist, composer, teacher, and facilitator. She recently completed her Masters of Music in Leadership from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, UK (2018). She also holds a BMus in Piano Performance and Composition from the University of Victoria (2012). Jillian has been teaching Yamaha Group and Private lessons in Edmonton for 17 years, and also has experience with the Royal Conservatory of Music and ABRSM examination systems.
She teaches both group and private lessons, is a certified Yamaha examiner, and has successfully completed her Yamaha Grade 4 Piano and Grade 3 Fundamentals exams. Jillian is a consultant for Yamaha Canada, training and giving support to new teachers. Jillian is passionate about music-making with people of all ages and levels. She has worked in schools, hospitals, and other community settings and believes that creativity exists in everyone!
As a performer Jillian has given solo piano recitals, performed as a pianist, vocalist, and percussionist in various ensembles, and has performed in festivals and concerts throughout Canada and the UK. Jillian’s compositions have also been performed in Canada and the UK. Jillian teaches all styles of music as well as composition and music theory. She is looking forward to combining everything she has learned and experienced throughout her career so far to create an invigorating and fun teaching practice at YaMusic!
Caitlin Jurak
Piano, Yamaha Group
I learned to read music the same year I learned to read words and have been “speaking” this beautiful language ever since! Music has been an enormous and enriching part of my life in every season, and I was blessed to have a family that always fostered my desire to learn. I worked hard to complete my RCM levels 1-10, as well as advanced rudiments and courses on Music and Art. I spent twenty-three years learning under incredible teachers who opened my eyes to different sides of this amazing art; from a teacher with her Masters in Piano Performance to one with his Masters in Jazz Piano. I spent countless hours playing “just because”, writing original compositions and learning piano pieces by ear. I have played in many community events and performing groups and have accompanied on piano most Sundays for my local church.
I branched into other instruments that gave me an even greater appreciation for music: guitar, violin and voice.I always made time to keep furthering my experience with piano. Which leads me to my favourite role with this instrument: teaching it! When I was asked to take on my first beginner students (almost sixteen years ago), I had no idea that I would go on to have the most wonderful career and share this instrument with countless students.
I am very excited to be part of the team at YaMusic! I love witnessing the magic that happens when a student meets and interacts with music in a new way each week. I appreciate seeing each student blossom in both their skills and their enjoyment of music, which I believe go hand in hand. My passion is to see every student love music more because of our time spent at the piano together, and carry what they learn with them beyond our lessons and into the rest of life!
Cameron Herron
Guitar, Ukulele and Bass
Cameron is a performing funk, rock, pop, and jazz guitar player. Recently graduated with his bachelor’s degree in jazz and popular music from MacEwan University, Cameron spends his time in the classroom, in the practice room, or onstage. He has been teaching in Edmonton for five years as both a private and group lesson instructor.
As an early Yamaha lesson learner, Cameron has been attending or teaching the Yamaha music program since he was four years old, only interrupted by his work at MacEwan University.
Above all types of music Cameron’s passion lies in funk. Whether it’s electric guitar, funk bass, or a clavinet – Cameron is ready to make heads nod!
Fun Fact: His favorite color is green!
Pin Wen Chen
Violin, Piano
Pin-Wen was born in Tainan, Taiwan. She is currently pursuing a Doctoral of Music degree in violin performance at the University of Alberta. She previously completed a master’s degree in violin performance at the University of Oklahoma (U. S.) and a bachelor’s degree in violin performance at the National Kaohsiung Normal University (Taiwan). Before coming to Canada, Pin-Wen has played with numerous symphony orchestras throughout the United States and Taiwan, including the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, Amarillo Symphony, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Opera in the Ozarks, Tainan Symphony Orchestra, and De-Xing Chamber Ensemble.
In addition to violin performance, Pin-Wen is passionate about piano collaboration and teaching. As she grew up in a violin teaching environment, her specialty is to combine violin learning concepts with piano teaching. She often plays piano accompaniment for violin students for their competitions, auditions, and exams. Currently, Pin-Wen is a piano accompanist at the Edmonton Star Light Choir (It is a volunteer-based organization). Her most recent performances include performing at the Giuseppe Tartini at 330 Symposium as a harpsichordist at the University of Alberta as well as being the piano accompanist at The Starlight Choir New Year’s Live Concert.
She is excited to join YaMusic and is looking forward to sharing her experience throughout her career with the students!
Yining Yang
Piano, Theory
Yining Yang is an accomplished violinist musician and Bachelor of Music student at the University of Alberta, boasting 19 years of dedicated study. Proficient in multiple instruments and disciplines, Yining’s musical journey began at a young age, earning her national recognition in chamber music in Beijing and provincial acclaim for her solo violin performances in Hebei, China. Yining has enchanted audiences at prestigious venues such as the Winspear Centre and Convocation Hall in Edmonton with a repertoire that spans orchestral, choral, and chamber music. She showcased her versatility as a soprano singer with esteemed ensembles like the Augustana Choir and the University Concert Choir. Yining’s passion for music education is evident through her teaching experiences. She imparts her extensive violin, piano fundamentals, and primary voice knowledge, incorporating the Kodály and Suzuki methods. Dedicated to expanding her musical abilities, Yining studied conducting, aiming to refine her leadership skills and broaden her understanding of orchestral dynamics. As a certificated Suzuki violin music teacher, she aspires to provide the next generation of musicians with a nurturing and supportive environment. She looks forward to exploring the wonderful world of music with Yamusic students
Jessica Singleton
Voice
Jessica is an enthusiastic voice teacher who is passionate about student-first, personalized teaching, meaning that lessons are structured around each student’s individual musical interests and vocal goals, and her educational approaches emphasize judgment-free, self-expressive learning. Singing is for everyone, and Jessica believes that learning music should be a positive, fun, and enjoyable experience that builds confidence in addition to technique and skill. She strives to provide a nurturing learning space that invites students to embrace their sound and helps them feel able to unreservedly explore their voices and creativity.
Jessica offers lessons to students of all ages (8+) at any skill level, from total beginners to advanced vocalists. She specializes in vocal techniques of contemporary popular music genres and jazz styles, including pop, rock, folk, country, funk, R&B, blues, swing, bop, cool jazz, and bossa nova, as well as their subgenres and fusion styles. How and what students learn in terms of genres, repertoire, skills, and teaching methods is completely dependent on each student’s own specific preferences, goals, learning style, and experience level.
Jessica has seven years of performing experience and twelve years of private vocal training, and is currently attending Grant MacEwan University, completing her Bachelor of Music with a major in performance. She is excited to use her experience and education to help you develop your voice and share in the joy of music!
Tim Neilson
Piano
Based in Edmonton, Tim Neilson is a professional musician and educator who is passionate about sharing music with his students. With six years of experience teaching, he seeks to teach to make his lessons fun and engaging, while also teaching the skills necessary to be a functional, adaptable, and creative musician.
Tim holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Drumset Performance from MacEwan University and Grade 10 RCM Piano. Currently, he is studying privately with Steve Lyman, a renowned and visionary contemporary jazz drummer based in New York City. While Tim loves to hone his craft in the practice room, he especially enjoys performing local live shows and recording new music in the studio.
When not playing or teaching music, Tim can be found taking photographs, hiking, and exploring the mountains!
Zach Hassan
Guitar, Bass, Ukulele
Zach Hassan is a professional guitarist and composer. Born and raised in Edmonton, he has been studying guitar with some of the city’s finest instructors since he was eight years old, and has been performing professionally since he was sixteen. His passion for music brought him to MacEwan University, where he is currently enrolled in his final year of the BMus program, majoring in Composition.
As a performer, Zach has played across Edmonton’s finest venues as a rock, funk, and pop Guitarist. His specialty as a composer lies in fusion music, with his goal being to combine contemporary Jazz with traditional Arabic music.
Zach is currently assistant teaching the jazz band at Jasper Place High School, in order to broaden his experience and knowledge as an educator. He is also privately studying classical guitar, with the hope of completing his RCM levels.
He is excited to join YaMusic and share his experiences to help students discover the joy of learning music!