MUSIC ON/OFFÂ
"Music comes to me more readily than words" - Ludwig van Beethoven
“Right from the start, Ms. Telega was able to get my daughter much more interested in playing piano than she was before, and she would more proactively practice. "
Right from the start, Ms. Telega was able to get my daughter much more interested in playing piano than she was before, and she would more proactively practice. Being a performing artist herself, Ms. Telega was able to demonstrate to my daughter how to play different passages with a high degree of musicality and proficiency, which was inspiring to my daughter. She also introduced to my daughter different practice methods that she had never learned before, which are very effective. Together with teaching her about different musical styles and techniques, Ms. Telega, made my daughter’s jump from taking a Grade 5 exam, the last exam she took, to the current Grade 10 exam much easier than expected. My daughter very much enjoys Ms. Telega’s teaching style, which includes a lot of teacher/student interaction, discussion, and in particular, the playing of duets which she finds to be a lot of fun. She also appreciates Ms. Telega’s patience. She feels that Ms. Telega’s knowledge of what performance entails is very useful in teaching her how to perform for an audience. I have no hesitation in recommending Ms. Telega to any prospective piano student.
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Peter K., Parent
Vancouver, BC
It is my great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for my teacher, Ewa Telega. I have studied with her for about two years. Before beginning lessons with Ewa, I had taken lessons with another piano teacher for a while. The progress that I made during my two years with Ewa as a teacher far exceeded my expectations and my parents’ expectations, which only demonstrates what a great teacher she is. When I first became her student, I had only done my exam for fifth grade in RCM. O had played some music in grades 7,8, and 9, but not very seriously. I was hoping to challenge the grade 10 exam and of course, I was lacking in technique and the skills to play the Grade 10 scales and repertoire. Within 1 year and a half I passed the technical portion of my grade 10exam, with first class honors. During this short period not only did I grow as a piano player, but I gained more confidence in myself.
Ewa is a professional piano player who has had much experience playing as a performer, her love for music is evident when she plays. Hearing her play excerpts of my own music helps me hear it better and eventually helps my performance. Especially since she is from Poland and has grown up with music of Chopin all her life, her knowledge of his music is demonstrated when she teaches his pieces. She imparts her enthusiasm and love of playing the piano onto me and any other students. Rather than only work directly on the pieces in my repertoire, Ewa allows me to explore different pieces of music to broaden my horizon so that I do not get bored of my own pieces and that I get more of an understanding of music. The lessons are customized to fit my skill level and at the same time just challenging enough to push me. Whenever I become tired of a piece, Ewa finds an innovative way for me to practice it so that feels new, for example: play the piece with eyes closed. I highly recommend her as a piano teacher and hope every student after me has the same great experience.
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Michelle K., 16 years old
Vancouver, BC
"Ewa allows me to explore different pieces of music to broaden my horizon so that I do not get bored of my own pieces and that I get more of an understanding of music."
"Her unique method of teaching helps me to be more creative and engaged in my work. Ewa is not only a good teacher; she is also a very inspiring person in my life."
I have been studying piano with Ewa for the last four years and I have improved significantly. Ewa has always encouraged me to participate in master classes and music festivals and she was always there to support me. What I like is that Ewa gives me the freedom to select my own pieces to work on and challenge myself. She is very patient and always finds creative ways to explain a particular idea within the pieces I am working on and as a result I am able to apply that knowledge whenever I start a new piece. Her unique method of teaching helps me to be more creative and engaged in my work. Ewa is not only a good teacher; she is also a very inspiring person in my life.
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Adam L., 17 years old
Mission, BC
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Ewa has helped me to analyze music with a flexible, liberal approach. She prefers to leave room for other explanations, while teaching me that music does not have to be interpreted in one specific way. I learned from her that how we play certain parts of a piece are subject to change, but she has demonstrated consistency in her teaching methods. When I have open ended questions, she gives extraordinary explanations and always leaves me satisfied. Her wit allows for sufficient examples of imagery and metaphors, which I think are significant for learning pieces. Several times, I have felt that she tries to take her students out of their comfort zone to explore into their own means. Her main goal is to make her students become sophisticated performers who are not afraid to express themselves. What I especially admire about her teaching is that she clearly delivers her thoughts while also respecting the students’ ideas. She has often made note of how I feel about certain subjects, changes, or situations. Because she is well rounded, she keeps the lesson sessions interesting and entertaining. Moreover, she has a great sense of humour and will make an effort to connect to her students. Thus far, I have felt that she gives enough attention to me as she remembers all the details of my work. Outside of teaching music, she has told me about her experiences as a performer, tips on taking care of yourself as a musician. She is always considerate of my condition as a student and finds solutions to overcome any of my musical challenges. Ewa has always maintained a curious attitude towards me to help me become my best. She is able to discover ways to motivate her students and encourage them to try anything. This year, I was encouraged by Ewa to participate in a few music festivals. As a result, I received bursaries, trophies, certificates and grades in first class honours with distinction. In the Chilliwack Lions Music Festival, I was runner up in senior piano, and in the Abbotsford Music Festival, I won first place in all of the classes that I participated in. She was very understanding of me when I was preparing to perform and compete. Moreover, when I decided to audition for music programs in a few major universities, Ewa gave constructive evaluation and gave me a great direction. As a result, I got accepted at a few universities with scholarships. This would not have been possible without her assistance. In the early lessons, Ewa had indicated that I did not have enough sense of beat, or rhythm. She consistently worked with me to help diminish my weakness, and I have improved greatly. Because tempo is one of the basic foundations of music, she suggested me the idea of feeling beat in my soul. It did not come easily, but now I naturally detect a pulse while I play pieces. Ewa has given me a lot of advices that I will use in my time at university and further future.
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Ju Hee L., 18 years old
Abbotsford, BC
"When I decided to audition for music programs in a few major universities, Ewa gave constructive evaluation and gave me a great direction. As a result, I got accepted at a few universities with
scholarships. This would not have been possible without her assistance".
"... if you practice a piece, you can make it perfect".
Ms. Eva is a very good teacher. She always believes in you, that if you practice a piece, you can make it perfect. She’ll give you a challenging piece because she knows you can do it.
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Adam N., 11 years old
Long Beach, California
I have been in Ewa Telega's piano class for almost four years and am filled with much gratitude. I have learned so much and I plan on continuing to practice piano in her studio. Thank you, Ewa, for your hard work and patience; without it I would not have participated in any of the events I have in the past three years.
Cheyenne D., 16 years old
Long Beach, California
“I have been in Ewa Telega's piano class for almost four years and am filled with much gratitude".
"I had accomplished more with her as my teacher than any year previous."
I have studied with Ms. Telega for about a year now to prepare for my level 8 RCM exam. Even though I had never been the most motivated of students, I had accomplished more with her as my teacher than any year previous. She always greeted me with positivity and made me feel like I was improving. I learned a great deal from each lesson and it was an absolute pleasure to have her as my teacher.
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Amelia V., 18 years old
Abbotsford, BC
I have been taking piano lessons from Ms. Telega for 3 years and each year has been a wonderful experience with a great teacher. Many of the things I have learned have been made much more interesting by Ms. Telega’s constant ability to make sure I comprehend the things I have learned and making sure I am able to do it. This has helped me become a better musician. One of the greatest things about lessons with Ms. Telega is that while she is not too laid back (she is devoted to making me a better piano player), she is lax enough that learning with her is a pleasure not torture. I find her methods are perfect and I am sure she changes her method for each student to aid his or her style of learning. I like that she never gets full blown angry, she will however become disapproving when the situation requires it which is essential for any piano player in training. She is also very kind, always finding new ways to help her students become the better piano player that they want to be. Thank you for the 3 years of wonderful experiences and thank you for helping me to become a piano player that enjoys playing the piano and looks forward to each lesson.
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Thompson C., 13 years old
Abbotsford, BC
"Thank you for the 3 years of wonderful experiences and thank you for helping me to become a piano player that enjoys playing the piano and looks forward to each lesson".
"I have learned so much with Ms. Ewa and my first year of piano lessons has been terrific”.
I am seven years old and have been Ms. Ewa's student for almost one year. Ms. Ewa is a kind piano teacher and I feel very comfortable with her. I have learned so much with Ms. Ewa and my first year of piano lessons has been terrific.
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Emil B., 7 years old
Long Beach, California
Our seven-year-old son, Emil-Bastien, has been with Ms. Ewa less than one year. In this short time, our son has gone from not knowing anything about the piano or music, to learning how to play pieces on the piano, understanding technique and theory, as well as having an appreciation for the piano and music. Ms. Ewa has the patience and guidance that works well with our son's ability to learn music. We are very proud of our son's music accomplishments which is attributed to Ms. Ewa's teachings. Our son has just had his first Certificate of Merit test and he did an outstanding job! Thank you, Ms. Ewa!!
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Lilia B., Parent
Long Beach, California
"Our son has just had his first Certificate of Merit test and he did an outstanding job! Thank you, Ms. Ewa!!”
"My family and friends have noticed my music is getting stronger. and it's all in thanks to Ewa!!!”
Ewa took me in even though I was starting at a late age. She really worked with me diligently so I could get to a level in my playing that I'm really happy with. She still helps me grow and learn the music, not just the order of the notes and which keys to push. Not only have I seen my skills improve greatly, my family and friends have noticed my music is getting stronger. And it's all in thanks to Ewa!!!
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Peter M., 16 years old
Long Beach, California
My piano teacher is Eva Telega. I have been her student for over a year. Miss Eva really encourages me to try again and helps me understand the things I did wrong. I really like the way she cares about me and congratulates me when I move up or when I get it right. She makes me a better pianist.
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Hailey C., 7 years old
Long Beach, California
"She makes me a better pianist."
"I really appreciate her commitment to and heartfelt care about my progress."
This is my second year of piano lessons with Ms. Telega, after a few years with another teacher. I really appreciate her commitment to and heartfelt care about my progress; she is very engaged with me as her student! I find this to be so encouraging. Also, her attention to detail has helped me make the pieces I am playing sound so much more beautiful.
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Lucy O., 16 years old
Mission, BC
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Our family has been receiving instruction from Ms. Telega for over a year now, and we are delighted with the beautiful music filling the house! Most of us are beginners, and so the pieces are very simple, but Ms. Telega’s diligence in helping us do them really well allows us to enjoy even the early stages of learning piano. Her extensive experience as a concert pianist sets her apart; she not only teaches the technical aspects of playing, but how to really create beautiful music and any level. As an adult beginner, I have enjoyed the process, even at the earliest stages. I would highly recommend her as a teacher.
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Lise O., Adult Student
Mission, BC
"Her extensive experience as a concert pianist sets her apart; she not only teaches the technical aspects of playing, but how to really create beautiful music and any level."
"I have found Ms. Telega to be a very diligent teacher, and yet she can be very fun to work with."
I started piano last year, after many years of studying the violin. I have found Ms. Telega to be a very diligent teacher, and yet she can be very fun to work with. She is very good at keeping me on track and stocking me with interesting pieces. I think she would be great for any student who is serious about piano and wanting to play beautiful music quickly.
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Nathan O., 17 years old
Mission, BC
I like how Ms. Telega is really organized. She has books with charts for each student. It is always really easy for me to know what to do and how much to practise. She has a very good method of teaching that allows me to make progress, which is encouraging.
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Gus O., 14 years old
Mission, BC
"She has a very good method of teaching that allows me to make progress, which is encouraging."
"Ewa Telega is an exceptional teacher."
My daughter Cheyenne has been attending Ewa Telega Piano Studio for the past three years. Ewa Telega is an exceptional teacher. She's a very passionate about her work and dedicated to her students.
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Chinyere S., Parent
Long Beach, California
Hi Ewa, just a quick note to say how delighted we are that the kids are becoming budding little pianists under your wonderful care. Not having grown up in a musical family it is such a joy to walk into the house to hear it permeated by the music of little fingers tapping away! I hated piano lessons as a kid and assumed that my own kids would follow suit; so, I'm amazed at how they developed such a love for playing so quickly. We even go on YouTube now and watch Victor Borges vignettes! Thank you for opening up this musical vista for our children, something we could never have done ourselves!
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Marc V., Parent
Abbotsford, BC
“I hated piano lessons as a kid and assumed that my own kids would follow suit; so, I'm amazed at how they developed such a love for playing so quickly.”
“Ms. Telega has been an absolute pleasure to work with. Ever since I first started working with her, I’ve noticed an improvement in my playing ability.”
Hello, my name is Douglas B. I am a student of music composition at Chapman
University and writing on behalf of Ewa Telega. As a piano instructor, Ms. Telega has been an absolute pleasure to work with. Ever since I first started working with her, I’ve noticed an improvement in my playing ability, for instance, when I first came to her, I had a stiffness problem with my wrists and arms while playing, but with careful planning and technique, Ewa was able to correct this problem by teaching me how
to relax and maintain focus while at the keyboard. Ewa has shown to be effective communicator speaking with articulation, and utilizing anecdotal and metaphorical examples when explaining difficult abstract ideas that pertain to personal artistic interpretation and style. She’s also an effective communicator because of her
mature disposition: she’s confident, comfortable to be around, understanding, compromising, interesting, and focused. It is for these reasons that I feel that Ewa Telega will be a wonderful addition to your staff.
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Douglas B., Adult Student
Huntington Beach, California
Ewa is a dedicated and professional music teacher. Our daughter, Adimchi has learnt a lot from Ewa’s tremendous experience. Ewa has assisted Adimchi in completing her RCM Theory Practical exams from level 7 to level 9 starting from 2016. Adimchi obtained 2 medals for outstanding results in the RCM examinations in the process, and was 2 points away from receiving the highest score in Harmony examinations as well in 2018. What makes the work by both teacher and student outstanding is that the work was mostly done via video chat (as we are based in Saudi Arabia), and then complemented by a weeklong final review in Ewa’s studio
in Abbotsford, BC. Adimchi will be taking her final Grade 10 exams in August 2019, and we believe this trend of excellent work will continue.
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Mike & Evelyn A., Parents
Saudi Arabia
“Adimchi in completing her RCM Theory Practical exams from level 7 to level 9 starting from 2016. Adimchi obtained 2 medals for outstanding results in the RCM examinations.”
“Her teaching methods are creative and refreshing, which help ease any feelings of tediousness which I may have felt practicing.”
I have been taking piano lessons with Ewa for four years, and it has definitely been quite the experience. Throughout my time with her as my piano teacher, she has continuously pushed me to achieve my goals in piano, be it recitals, festivals or exams. During lessons, she's very organized (having made her own handbooks for her students), and is always clear on where and how I can improve. Her teaching methods are creative and refreshing, which help ease any feelings of tediousness which I may have felt practicing. On top of everything, she's easy to talk to and has a good sense of humor, which makes it easy for her students to connect with. I may not be the definition of a motivated piano student, though Ewa has always been very supportive and patient with me. Ewa's guidance and encouragement has allowed me to achieve things I never thought I could have with the piano. Every lesson with Ewa was quite the ride, and it has definitely been a pleasure to have her as my piano teacher.
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Bryan H., 17 years old
Burnaby, BC
Within these few years, I have seen myself grow under Ewa’s guidance. She tailors
each lesson to the student’s ability and stamina and makes sure that her lessons are challenging and at the same time engaging and rewarding. She is very detail-oriented and knows exactly what articulation, tone, or expression should be played to make a piece more accurate to its style and pleasant to the ears of the audience. She is also very experienced as a performer and doesn’t hesitate to introduce new and innovative ways to my otherwise mundane practice. Moreover, she has an amazing ability to make long lessons (that may even run 3 hours long) interesting, well-paced, and productive. Ewa has honestly gone above and beyond the typical role of a piano teacher. She really enjoys getting to know each student and their life outside of the piano. The fact that she organizes playing classes and year-end recitals for students really shows how she cares about her students' improvement and pushes her students to be more confident with performing on the stage. For these past years, Ewa has pushed me out of my comfort zone, encouraging me to participate in music festivals, contests, and recitals which have not only allowed me to perform my pieces to a more polished level but have also enriched my musical education. She also encouraged us students to remain connected with the world of music by inviting us to piano concerts. Even outside of our lessons, she doesn’t fail to send me videos of other artists performing the pieces I was practicing, or tips and tricks on mastering technique and memory (which I have always found very motivating). Looking back on these past few years, I would definitely say that Ewa’s diligence in her teachings has inspired me to become a better musician and individual. Thank you, Ewa!
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Catherine H., 18 years old
Burnaby, BC
“Ewa has honestly gone above and beyond the typical role of a piano teacher. She really enjoys getting to know each student and their life outside of the piano. The fact that she organizes playing classes and year-end recitals for students really shows how she cares about her students' improvement and pushes her students to be more confident with performing on the stage.”
“Ewa is her first teacher and has made Shayla's introduction to formal piano training extremely pleasant, encouraging and productive. She has been consistently encouraging of Shayla as she develops her skills.”
Shayla has studied piano with Ewa for one year. Shayla started her lessons as an older student and hasn't had piano training previously except for one semester in Elementary School, which was conducted in a classroom setting, not one-to-one. Ewa is her first teacher and has made Shayla's introduction to formal piano training extremely pleasant, encouraging and productive. She has been consistently encouraging of Shayla as she develops her skills. Acknowledging that Shayla is an older student, Ewa communicates with Shayla respectfully and is intentional about ensuring Shayla is aware of what is expected of her and works to organize with Shayla where appropriate. This is fostering a positive relationship between Shayla and Ewa and inspires Shayla to work hard, practice consistently, and enjoy attending her lessons.
As a parent, who is new to the world of formal piano lessons I have also appreciated working with Ewa. She is respectful, organized and communicates effectively when changes are required, materials need to be purchased, or when special events are occurring. I do not know Ewa well, yet, but I look forward to continuing to work with her and getting to know her more. She emulates respect, kindness and grace. This makes her a strong teacher who is able to share her own love of music and inspire her students to achieve high standards and work hard.
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Erin D., Parent
Abbotsford, BC
Ms. Ewa taught me piano and theory for three years, from levels seven through ten. As I live abroad, the lessons were via Skype, although I was able to come to the studio in the summers. Under her tutelage, I was able to receive the highest mark in two of my theory exams. Our sessions were very beneficial in my development as a pianist, and many of her teaching methods, including the use of introspection (in which she guided me and allowed me to self-reflect and determine areas of improvement), proved to be very effective. I particularly liked how she would help me with the technical aspects by breaking down difficult scales into smaller components and slowing down the tempo to achieve fluency. During the lesson, Ms. Ewa would write remarks directly onto the music in different highlighter colours, which helped to reinforce the new information as I practiced afterward. She was always very warm and welcoming; she would often ask about my day and listen to me lament about the scalding Saudi weather. All in all, Ms. Ewa provided expert counsel and invaluable advice, not just on playing the piano, but on the art of performance as a whole.
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Adimchi A., 18 years old
Saudi Arabia
“Under her tutelage, I was able to receive the highest mark in two of my theory exams. Our sessions were very beneficial in my development as a pianist, and many of her teaching methods, including the use of introspection (in which she guided me and allowed me to self-reflect and determine areas of improvement), proved to be very effective.”
“Ewa Telega has been my music teacher for the past two years, and it is during these past two years that I have grown the most as a pianist. It is because of Ewa that I have been able to develop the technical skills to overcome any previous difficulties I had.”
Ewa Telega has been my music teacher for the past two years, and it is during these past two years that I have grown the most as a pianist. It is because of Ewa that I have been able to develop the technical skills to overcome any previous difficulties I had. I found that once my technical skills matured, so did my musicality and ability to express myself in music. I always enjoyed going to my weekly piano lessons with Ewa as we were able to accomplish so much during the time, while still having fun. Ewa has always cared about not only my music but also about me as a person and what was going on in my life. Her personability towards others is what makes Ewa an amazing piano teacher. One of the reasons why I have been able to grow so much these past two years as a pianist is because of Ewa’s attentiveness toward detail. Ewa was able to help me develop my pieces by discussing every detail that would make the piece whole. More than once, we would run out of colours to mark my score with, and I would have to make new photocopies of my pieces so that we could even further perfect them. Ewa’s personability and musicality is what make her the best music teacher I could have ever asked for, and I’m going to miss her a lot when I go to university.
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Aliya K., 18 years old
Abbotsford, BC
I've been with Ewa Telega Piano Studio for 3 years now. I learned the basics of piano playing. I am an adult learner so my needs are unique. I thank my teacher for being patient with me as an adult, with normal life challenges, work, hectic schedules, etc. I like the teacher's competence and skills. I feel this is perfect for my level. I wholeheartedly recommend Ewa Telega Piano Studio for all learners, adults or children alike.
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Leo M., Adult Student
New Westminster, BC
“I thank my teacher for being patient with me as an adult, with normal life challenges, work, hectic schedules, etc. I like the teacher's competence and skills.”
“I appreciated the colourful way that Ewa taught piano with her analogies and descriptions. Taking the piano and theory lessons really helped me improve my work ethic. I really enjoyed learning piano with Ewa.”
I have studied piano with Ewa Telega for just over two years. During those two years she helped me complete my Piano and Theory exams that I was looking to accomplish. One thing that I learned from Ewa during my lessons was to keep pushing even when you think that you cannot get improved any more. I appreciated the colourful way that Ewa taught piano with her analogies and descriptions. Taking the piano and theory lessons really helped me improve my work ethic. I really enjoyed learning piano with Ewa.
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Conrad, 18 years old
Abbotsford, BC
I have studied piano with Ewa for 3 years. My previous teacher moved to Winnipeg, and I went in to Grade 6 piano with low standards and terrible technical skills.
I had practiced for 30 minutes a day, for 5 days a week, and we would spend a large portion of our lesson talking. When I started with Ewa, the switch to 60 minutes a day was hard, but I learned a lot about persistence, and my hard work paid off when I won two classes at the festival in May. Ewa is a great pianist, but she is a better teacher, and I have learned lots from her.
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Charlie G, 14 years old
Vancouver, BC