Bell Music Piano Studio

Bell Music Piano Studio serves the families of Chestermere Alberta in the comfort of their own homes.

Introducing:
Piano Lessons
with Bell Music Piano Studio

Bell Music serves the families of Chestermere in the comfort of our student's homes. We instruct all levels from Beginner to Advanced, and ages 4 and up.

We customize our curriculum to develop the essential music elements of note reading, rhythm, technique and theory, while incorporating fun/popular tunes to keep students motivated.

We currently have a staff of four piano teachers. Regardless of which piano teacher instructs your child, you will benefit from the 30+ years experience of studio owner, Leith Bell.

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 have an astounding benefit to those receiving instruction. Of course the student learns about reading notes, rhythm, and the language of music. But here is a list of additional benefits!

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.

Boosts Academic Performance: Studies show that children who take music lessons often excel in subjects like math and reading due to improved concentration and discipline.

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.

Increases Patience: Learning an instrument requires time and patience, teaching children the value of perseverance.

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.

Improves Time Management: Balancing practice with other activities helps children learn time management.

Strengthens Problem-Solving Abilities: Decoding music and overcoming challenges during practice enhances problem-solving skills.

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

Enhances Mathematical Ability: Understanding rhythm, timing, and scales helps with mathematical reasoning.

Supports Language Development: Music education enhances understanding of phonetics, language patterns, and auditory skills.

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

Piano Lesson Benefits

Not all musical instruments are created equal. Here are some benefits to learning the Piano that other musicians would not experience:

Enhances Bilateral Coordination: Playing the piano requires using both hands independently, enhancing coordination between the two hemispheres of the brain.

Improves Multitasking Abilities: Pianists must read music, use their hands, and control foot pedals simultaneously, boosting multitasking skills.

Encourages Musical Theory Understanding: The layout of the piano keyboard makes it easier to understand musical theory, scales, and chords.

Provides a Strong Musical Foundation: Learning the piano offers a solid foundation for understanding other instruments and general musical concepts.

Increases Focus and Concentration: The need to concentrate on both hands’ actions and the music sheet improves overall focus.

Fosters a Deep Understanding of Melody and Harmony: The piano allows the musician to play melody or harmony, or even both.

Our Amazing Teachers

(click image to read bio)

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.

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 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), the Alberta Registered Music Teachers Association (ARMTA) and received the Top Teacher Award from Steinway in 2019 and 2021.

Bray Crowe

Bray has been playing piano for 16 years and has completed his Grade 9 with the Royal Conservatory. He has learned classical music and popular radio songs too. Learning piano allowed him to play music in Church, for festivals and talent shows, and with friends and family. Bray is currently pursuing a degree in Economics at the University of Calgary. Bray also teaching swimming and working as a life guard. He enjoys being outdoors, playing sports with friends.

Justin Ma-Phan

Justin Ma-Phan began taking piano lessons in grade 1. He completed his Royal Conservatory Level 8 Piano and Theory in high school. Justin is working on a Bachelor of Health Science at the University of Calgary, and he is currently researching the effects music can have on the brain. His minor in Music allows him to take classes in the sonic arts, music performance, as well as musical history. In his free time, he loves skating, baking, playing jazz piano duets and composing music.

Justin Ma-Phan

Emma Perizzolo

Emma began playing piano at age 6 and has always had a love for all thing’s music. She has recently completed her Royal Conservatory Grade 8 Piano program. Outside of her lessons she enjoys learning new pieces by ear, attending live concerts, and has volunteered her piano skills to a few assisted living complexes. Emma graduated from St. Gabriel High School in 2021 and is starting her second year Political Science studies at the University of Calgary. She lives with her family in Chestermere.

Emma Perizzolo

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: $132/month. (discounts available when paying for multiple months)

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: $198/month. (discounts available when paying for multiple months)

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: $264/month. (discounts available when paying for multiple months)

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: $330/month. (discounts available when paying for multiple months)

Piano 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?

The rate for single lessons is $36/half hour. Monthly lessons are discounted 10% with additional discounts being available for those who wish to pay for a semester (5 months) or the full year (10 months).

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 or 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 feel it.

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 a piano?

For beginners a digital piano is acceptable. The instrument must have a 88 weighted keys and an attached sustain pedal. An acoustic piano will be required once students reach an intermediate level with Royal Conservatory. If you need help selecting an instrument please contact Leith Bell.

Contact

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

or leith@bellmusic.ca (email).

Bell Music Piano Studio