HELEN BEACH

E-mail: helen@cantatemusicschool.com

Instructor Helen J. Arrol Beach, ARCT (Performers Piano) and DipFA (Specialization: Kodály Music Education) brings an exuberant approach to her teaching. She, along with her two partners, established Cantate Music School in 1997 where she is presently co-owner and teacher in the "Kodály Music Explorers Program". Helen offers several adult musicianship classes through Cantate Music School "Music Lecture Series". She developed and taught several adult music education classes with the University of Calgary's Continuing Education Faculty since 1985. She teaches aurallmusicianship skills for several independent music organizations previously including the Cantare Children's Choirs. Helen is regularly invited to give lectures and live student demonstrations on Early Childhood Music to various audiences including the annual Kodály Summer Music Programme held at the U of C, ECS/kindergarten teachers, employees of childcare centres, and new parent organizations. She is a coach for students needing specialized ear training work or instrumental teachers requesting Kodály training.

Her past musical experience includes teaching in the Early Childhood Kodály Musicianship Program at Mount Royal College Conservatory for 8 years (1989-1997); a sessional instructor at the University of Calgary teaching a course on Early Childhood Music; private lessons in piano, theory, singing; church organist and choir director. Helen was able to participate in the 18 International Kodály Seminar 1995 at the Zoltán Kodály Pedagogical Institute of Music in Kecskemét, Hungary. Helen served on the Board of the Alberta Kodály Association as editor of their provincial music journal. She is the parent of two girls, Erin and Jacquelyn, both of whom are Kodály Program graduates now continuing their musical pursuits. Helen remains a rehearsal piano accompanist for Erin, her professional cellist daughter, as well as an accompanist for Erin's cello students.