West Kelowna Academy of Music

Such amazing teachers! Music is taught with dedication and they go above and beyond to help the students develop a love for music. A very encouraging atmosphere for the students. Very thankful to have Karen’s skilled teaching!

Karen has become such a cherished part of my family’s musical education. Although we have witnessed her skill supporting students pursuing a more regimented musical education, she has been more than willing to support our desired approach to the simple fun of learning to play multiple instruments for joy!Both Karen and her daughter have such a warm, non-intimidating way with our kids that we have come to appreciate so very much!

My daughter (5) and I go to lessons, but on alternating days. Teacher Julia is amazing and we always learn so much and have a great time.

I have wanted to take up the piano for many years and decided that when I retired I would finally have the time. I have been taking lessons for about a year and have been enjoying it immensely. Karen is a gifted musician and teacher who is able to challenge me and encourage me at all the right times. If you are considering learning music as an adult, I highly recommend WK Academy of Music

Loving and patient, fun and spirited. These are the words I think of when describing Julia. My daughter adores Julia and looks forward to her piano lesson every week. You are a wonderful teacher, thank you for enriching our child with the love of music!

Since May of 2019, I (Cory Billett) have been a student under Karen learning the violin. Karen has been a wonderful instructor by being encouraging, challenging, and patient. She has gone above and beyond my expectation of an instructor through providing opportunities to play around the community. I will be writing my RCM grade 2 exam in the coming time and Karen has helped me pick out music that best fits my style of playing. Given her professionalism, kind demeanor, and expertise on the violin, I would rate her a 10/10 and would keep coming back for more lessons! Thank you Karen and Julia!

I am an adult student learning piano for the first time! I have been taking piano lessons for the past 6 years from both Karen and Julia. Julia has filled in to coach me from time to time and I have known her for years. She is such a talented musician and has a true passion for all kinds of music. In 2017, I took my Grade 1 exam from the Royal Conservatory and got First Class Honours with Distinction! Julia was my teacher for many sessions before my exam and even played piano duets with me at our church to help me get ready and feel more prepared. She has such a gentle, patient manner and is so encouraging. She gave me so many helpful tips to calm my nerves and applaud my successes! I cannot recommend this music school enough. I am learning so much. Thank you Karen and Julia!

So happy I connected with these ladies! Mom and I are enjoying our piano lessons so much! Who knew us 'older' peeps could make such music! Thank you Karen!

My daughter (now 20) had piano lessons and latterly Advanced Rudiments of Theory lessons with Karen from the age of 13. At that age, my daughter had many competing commitments and was also new to Canada. She was reluctant to carry on with piano but Karen inspired her afresh with her enthusiasm and the way in which she adapted lessons to spark my daughter’s interest. She encouraged her to continue learning and performing and this will now be a lifelong interest and skill for her. Without Karen’s motivational style of teaching and the many opportunities to perform that were available from the music school, I feel certain my daughter would have given up learning the piano. Thank you for encouraging and developing my daughter’s lifelong love of music. Highly recommended.

My 2 young sons took Skype CNCM piano lessons with Karen for 3 years. She was awesome and worked hard to capture, engage and foster their interest (which can be challenging with beginners; especially through Skype). She was quite successful in instilling a continued interest in piano and music in general. Both of my sons continue to play piano and have started on other instruments as well. I will always be thankful to Karen Emmond for sharing her love and passion for music with my sons!