2019 Pictured above- Students from Colwood Music School featured in the West Shore Arts Showcase- as well as cooperating studios- PJ Music, and Maple Leaf Ballet Studio 2019.   Performance location- Church of the Advent, Colwood



Philosophy-We believe the path to success is through clear instructions and knowing what to teach.   There are many activities one can use, but we focus on the things that make learning the piano straightforward.  Our students learn to read using flashcards, and easy to follow method books.  We teach easy fluid movement of the hands to avoid tension in the body and frustration.  Our students learn their pieces at the studio- before they go home, so that practicing at home can happen comfortably.  Very young children need help at home, but students from ages 7 and up are increasingly independent.   Periodic  practice incentive programs as well as two recital a year (in either November, February, or May- but NOT December or June) keep students motivated.  We build confidence by making certain our  students are mentally focused and physically relaxed when they play.   We give them the confidence to perform by first having them perform for small groups of other students and gradually building the conviction that they can be competent in front of larger groups. If they choose, they have   the opportunity to participate in  the Greater Victoria Music Festival, Royal Conservatory Exams, Registered Music Teachers recitals,  and the West Shore Arts Showcase.


Equipment- This studio is well equiped.  The main studio contains 2 grand pianos- a 6' foot Yamaha Grand piano and a Nord stage piano.  The Nord piano is portable to our students can go to various  outside venue as needed.  There are also 6 keyboards for group classes.   Upstairs there is a third grand piano in a space that can seat approx. 25 guests, for small performances.


For toddler classes we are well stocked with instruments, visual aids, and  story books.   Coming in September 2021- smart board for short videos in early childhood classes.


Online   Colwood Music Studio was online pre-pandemic.   During the pandemic we expanded our capacity and quality.  We will be offering theory online or in person- which allows a second class per week without parents having to drive as well as online adult group classes.    We also offer one- off private classes  by Zoom  on the weeks that we have (once a month) group classes for the private students, so that private students can have the experience of a group, again without parents having to make a second trip to music lessons.



Recitals  Minimum two in person  concerts a year, and possibly a third zoom concert (relatives from around the world can attend these).


 

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My Name is Catharine Kemp-Roth and I am the owner of Colwood Music School.  I have taught since 1980, and been on Colwood since 2001.   I have a B. MUs from the University of Calgary, as well as extensive training at the Victoria Conservatory.  My teachers have included Marilyn Engle, Charles Foreman, May-Ling Kwok, Robin Wood, Winnifred Wood.

My students over the years have won many awards, some into the provincial and national levels through organizations such as the Music Festival , Royal Conservatory of Music, Victoria Conservatory of Music.  I have produced a music therapist and one student, Mashka Tchernakova performs in Europe professionally.   I have taught workshops to other teachers focussing on piano technique for injury avoidance and rehab.   I have  play professionally as an accompanist, and recently established the West Shore Arts Showcase, where I performed "Carnival of the Animals' by Camille Saint-Saens


Customer Testimonials


I have known Catharine Kemp-Roth for twelve years and during that time she has taught both my step-daughter- from the ages of 4 to 14, and my son, again from the age of 4 (he is now eleven). I have always been immeasureably impressed by the quality of the her teaching, which gives clear attention to the fundamentals of technique as well as developing the essentials of musicality.   her lessons are conducted in a friendly and relaxed but firmly focused way.   This is complimented by her invariably pleasant demeanor and I am constantly surprised by her inventive approach.

 professor Gavin Bryars.   Composer.   August 2010 gavin@gavinbryars.com