Joelle Kuyek recently earned certification in piano for having the highest marks in Conservatory of Canada Level 5 in theory and history.
The 16-year-old Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School student traveled to Edmonton recently to take part in an awards recital at the Ascension Lutheran Church.
“Joelle started piano when she was seven years old, with a local teacher here from 100 Mile, Ginny-Lou Alexander,” said Joelle’s mother Denise Waldner Kuyek.
When Alexander retired, mother and daughter began looking for a new teacher. There are several amazing music teachers in town but no one at Joelle’s level so they had to look outside of 100 Mile House, Denise said.
They turned to Heather McGuire, one of Joelle’s music examiners from previous years, who proved very helpful to Joelle in taking the exam, said Denise. Her location in Edmonton, however, presented a challenge.
“Thanks to COVID-19, they did all the piano lessons for the last two or three years now over Zoom meetings,” said Denise, adding that five years ago this would have been unthought of.
“It’s worked out pretty well,” said Joelle. “I really do like my teacher.”
An option in Zoom allows her to enable the original sound which makes for better tone and truer to the sound of the piano. She has become so accustomed to not having her teacher in the same room Joelle said she doesn’t really remember what it is like to be taught with an instructor standing beside her.
While virtual lessons work for her, Joelle still recommends having a teacher in the room if possible. She also recommends doing some research before choosing a teacher.
“It’s difficult to have a teacher you don’t click with. So really make sure that the teacher you’re going into the music field with is somebody that you’re going to get along with and you know has good reviews,” said Joelle. She also cautioned up-and-coming musicians that music is not something you can play once or twice a week and expect results.
“Music is something you have to work for,” she said.
Lessons consist of two hours per week and once or twice a year, mother and daughter made a trip to Edmonton for an in-person lesson.
When asked why she enjoys playing the piano so much Joelle said she likes performing with other musicians. She spends over an hour every day practicing piano plus time practicing the sax for her school band which she has played since Grade 5.
Denise said that while her daughter enjoys playing and performing it can be an effort some days to practice. She also plays rugby and soccer so time after school can be limited. She finds the time by practicing for an hour before school and then another half hour or so after dinner.
Joelle has one more exam coming up. Once that is behind her she does not have any plans to continue with lessons.
“I will still be playing songs, I don’t want to forget it,” she said. “I really do enjoy playing so I would like to keep playing and playing with other musicians.”
“Music is a community. Playing with others is the most fun you can have with music,” said Joelle.
