Bell Music

Bell Music brings exceptional music education to the families of Chestermere - in the comfort of their own homes.

Introducing:
Music Lessons with Bell Music

Bell Music serves the families of Chestermere in the comfort of our student's homes. We offer private music instruction for ages 4 and up, from complete beginners through advanced students.

While piano remains at the heart of Bell Music, our growing team now offers instruction in a variety of instruments. Lessons are tailored to each student, developing strong foundations in note reading, rhythm, technique and theory while incorporating music students enjoy.

Our teachers are highly qualified, experienced music professionals who have made music their careers. Their backgrounds span teaching, performance, composition, and arranging, with decades of experience helping students at every stage of their musical development.

Lessons are scheduled weekly with length of lessons varying based on the level of the student. (more details below in Program Details)

Bell Music also provides essential performance opportunities with annual Christmas and Spring Recitals.

Leith Bell, owner of Bell Music

Invest in your child's future...

The Benefits of Music Lessons

Music lessons offer benefits that reach far beyond learning to play and instrument. along with developing musical skills such as note reading, rhythm and technique, students guild valuable skills that can benefit them in many areas of life.

Enhances Cognitive Development: Music education has been linked to improved brain function, particularly in areas related to language, reasoning, and spatial intelligence.

Improves Memory: Learning music strengthens the memory and recall skills by requiring students to memorize notes, rhythms, and compositions.

Teaches Discipline: Regular practice instills discipline and the understanding that progress comes with consistent effort.

Enhances Coordination: Music lessons, especially with instruments, improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Improves Listening Skills: Active listening is key in music, helping to develop better listening skills in everyday situations.

Builds Confidence: Performing music in front of others, whether in recitals or casual settings, can boost self-esteem and confidence.

Encourages Emotional Expression: Music allows children to express and understand their emotions in a healthy way.

Reduces Stress: Playing music can be a relaxing activity, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety.

Fosters Creativity: Music provides an outlet for self-expression and creative exploration.

Learn From Exceptional Musicians

At Bell Music, our teachers aren't simply people who know how to play an instrument - they are experienced music educators and professional musicians who have dedicated their careers to music.

Our diverse teaching team brings together decades of experience in music education, performance, composition and arranging, allowing us to match students with an exceptional teacher for their instrument, level and learning needs.

Meet Our Music Educators

(Click a photo to learn more)

4 Highly Qualified Teachers

90+ YEARS

of combined music teaching experience

Leith began playing piano at age 8. She continued piano, voice, harmony, history and pedagogy studies at a post secondary level. Leith completed her Music Degree from the University of Alberta in 2002. Leith has been teaching for more than thirty years; she has taught all levels, from beginners to Grade 10 Royal Conservatory, and ages 4 to adult. Leith has been mentoring piano teachers for ten years. Leith is a registered member of the Alberta Piano Teachers Association (APTA), and received the Top Teacher Award from Steinway in 2019 and 2021.

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Leith Bell (owner) Piano/Theory

Leith Bell (owner)

Leith began playing piano at age 8. She continued piano, voice, harmony, history and pedagogy studies at a post secondary level. Leith completed her Bachelor of Arts (Music) from the University of Alberta in 2002.

Leith has been teaching for thirty five years; she has taught all levels, from beginners to RCM Level 10, and ages 4 to adult. Leith has been mentoring piano teachers for ten years.

Leith is a registered member of the Alberta Piano Teachers Association (APTA), the Alberta Registered Music Teachers Association (ARMTA) and received the Top Teacher Award from Steinway in 2019 and 2021.

Eve Zellick
Piano/Woodwinds

Eve brings 20 years of music teaching experience to Bell Music. She holds RCM Level 9 Piano and has successfully taught students through RCM Level 10.

Eve has extensive experience working with students with diverse learning needs and abilities and is skilled at adapting her teaching to help each student learn and progress in a way that works for them.

A versatile musician, Eve has experience performing, arranging and transcribing music, and teaching a variety of instruments and music theory. Her published arrangements are available through Musicnotes and Hal Leonard's ArrangeMe platform.

Eve Zellick

John Robertson

John Robertson
Piano/Harmony/History

John brings more than 20 years of piano teaching experience to Bell Music. An accomplished pianist, he has performed piano concertos internationally and competed extensively throughout his music career.

John is equally comfortable working with beginning and advanced pianists, adapting his instruction to each student's level and musical goals. His extensive background as a performer, accompanist and instructor gives students the benefit of both practical teaching experience and a strong foundation in classical piano performance.

John is also adept at teaching advanced theory, harmony and music history.

Ata Ghavidel
Guitar/Piano/Composition

Ata began his musical journey as a guitarist before pursuing formal studies in composition. He holds a Master's degree in Composition from the University of Calgary. His work combines Western contemporary music with diverse music traditions, and he has collaborated with ensembles and orchestras in Canada, the United States and Europe.

Ata creates a fun, encouraging environment where students develop their guitar skills, creativity and musical understanding. He adapts lessons to each student's age and learning style, combining practical playing with music theory. He especially enjoys working with younger students, using games and encouragement to make learning enjoyable and effective.

Ata Ghavidel

Program Details by Level

While every level of our program share several elements, we also recognize the need to customize the curriculum as students progress in their musical development. The chart below provides many of these details based on the level of the student.

Pre-Reading & Primer

Weekly 30 minute lessons

Lessons will include sight-reading, rhythm, fingering exercises, and written theory assignments

Students at this level should be practicing 10-15 minutes a day at least 4 days per week in addition to their weekly lessons. Teachers give sticker rewards for students who meet their practice goals.

Parents are instrumental in helping their children develop effective practicing habits. As such the teacher will spend a few minutes at the end of each lesson reviewing goals for the week.

Rate: $136/month. (discount available when paying by semester)

Level 1, 2 & 3

Weekly 45 minute lessons

Lessons will include sight-reading, rhythm, fingering exercises, written theory assignments, and special performance repertoire

Students at this level should be practicing 20-30 minutes a day at least 4 days per week in addition to their weekly lessons. Teachers give sticker rewards for students who meet their practice goals.

Parents are instrumental in keeping children on track with practice goals and providing performance opportunities. Every student will lose focus at some point which makes the routine parents establish very important.

Rate: $204/month. (discount available when paying by semester)

Royal Conservatory Prep to Grade 4

Weekly 60 minute lessons

Teachers will ensure students are prepared based on Royal Conservatory guidelines. This will include weekly technique and repertoire, and bi-weekly Four Star ear training and written theory exercises.

Students will have access to virtual lesson notes and an extensive online library of repertoire and etude audio recordings, syllabus PDFs, and scans of popular pieces.

Students at this level should be practicing 30 to 45 minutes a day at least 4 days per week in addition to their weekly lessons.

Those preparing for exams will experience a brand new approach which will significantly reduces student anxiety by ensuring their teacher is there to support the student and allowing the student doesn't have to play on an unfamiliar piano.

Rate: $272/month. (discount available when paying by semester)

Royal Conservatory Grade 5 to 8

Weekly 75 minute lessons

Teachers will ensure students are prepared based on Royal Conservatory guidelines. This will include weekly technique and repertoire, and bi-weekly Four Star ear training and written theory exercises.

Students will have access to virtual lesson notes and an extensive online library of repertoire and etude audio recordings, syllabus PDFs, and scans of popular pieces.

Theory exams are a Royal Conservatory co-requisite for Grade 5 to 8. In addition to working through RCM theory books, the teacher can provide supplemental exercises and multiple practice exams.

Students at this level should be practicing 45 to 60 minutes a day at least 4 days per week in addition to their weekly lessons.

Those preparing for exams will experience a brand new approach which will significantly reduces student anxiety by ensuring their teacher is there to support the student and allowing the student doesn't have to play on an unfamiliar piano.

Rate: $342/month. (discount available when paying by semester)

Music Lessons

One-on-One Weekly Lessons

Two Annual Recitals

(click tabs above for more info for each level)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are lessons?

Monthly tuition starts at $136 for 30-minute lessons. Tuition is based on 36 scheduled lessons throughout the teaching year (September to June). Families may also choose to prepay a five-month semester at a 10% discount. Individual lessons are available at a rate of $38 per 30-minute lesson.

How do we pay fees?

The majority of our families pay via e-transfer but we also accept post-dated cheques. All fees are due the 1st day of each month.

Do we need to buy books?

We will be happy to purchase any music books on your behalf and add the cost to your monthly fees.

Do you have a lesson trial?

We offer a one-month trial period with no further obligation to continue if you decide that lessons aren't the right fit for you or your child.

How long is the program? Can we start part way through the year?

We generally follow the school year: September to June however we do accept registrations throughout the year. Lessons are also available over the summer months.

Do we need an instrument at home?

Students need regular access to an appropriate instrument at home. If you are purchasing or renting an instrument, we are happy to help you choose one that is suitable for your child's age and level.

For piano students: Beginners may use a digital piano with 88 weighted keys and a sustain pedal. As students progress into intermediate and advanced Royal Conservatory levels, an acoustic piano is recommended. Please contact Leith if you would like help selecting an instrument.

Contact

For all lesson inquiries please reach out to Leith Bell at 403-816-0211 (call or text)

or leith@bellmusic.ca (email).