Take Lessons from a Pro

Hello! My name is Stefan Kijek. I am a professional performing pianist with 20+ years experience teaching piano lessons. I specialize in teaching classical and jazz piano, improvisation, and composition, and have performed and taught country, blues and pop music as well.

All levels and styles are welcome in my studio, ages 8 and up! I tailor students' lessons to their interests and use my knowledge to support their direction, style, and growth. Typically we would decide what that process might look like in a (free) trial lesson, and build a plan from there. I emphasize correct technique and effective methodology, as learning music can be difficult at times and requires a strategy for success. I teach out of my home studio at 10827-80 avenue.

Classical Piano

Classical music can be engaging and instructive, and is probably one of the most thorough ways to start learning to play the piano. I typically prefer to start beginner students with the RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music) method, emphasizing technique, repertoire, fundamental music theory, ear training, and sight reading.

Jazz Piano

Jazz is hard to play! There is no doubt about that. That being said, there is only one way to learn, and that is by doing. I teach improvisation through the lens of its history, showcasing the tradition of jazz as it developed from its roots in blues to the modern electronic era. Jazz piano is learned most effectively when a student has already achieved an intermediate level of playing, scales and technique have been established, and the student has a basic working knowledge of music theory, which becomes necessary in order to move forward.

Composition and Songwriting

Composition and Songwriting can be very fun and fascinating lessons! An excellent approach at understanding composition is to examine songs and styles the student already likes, and reverse-engineer them to discover how they were made. This approach can apply to any style at all, whether Baroque era classical piano, rock, pop, jazz, or electronic music, and is very motivating for learning the intricacies of music theory and ear training.

Book a Free Trial Lesson

Student Testimonials

  • "I studied piano with Stefan for about a year and a half. Before that, I was self-taught and played somewhat haphazardly, but I started experiencing wrist tension and pain, and felt I had hit a wall with my technique. That’s when I decided to reach out to him."

    From the very first lesson, he welcomed me with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. After I played a little so he could see where I was at, he immediately understood the steps I needed to take, and built a personalized structure tailored to my goals.

    Posture, relaxation techniques, music theory, technical skills, ear training, and musical philosophy—he supported me sincerely in every aspect. And it wasn’t just classical music—he also taught me jazz (his specialty), as well as blues, rock, country, and other styles.

    Over the course of our lessons, not only did my technique improve, but the way I listened to music changed too. I began to hear the sound of each instrument more vividly, more delicately, and with greater joy.

    If you’re looking for a piano teacher, I truly can’t recommend him enough!

    Ritomo Amamiya - Musician/Artist, Victoria, BC

  • I’ve been taking piano lesson with Stefan for seven years.  As someone who started out with no background in music, I’ve really appreciated how clearly he explains theory and technique.  Over time, I’ve been able to work up to playing pieces by Chopin and Rachmaninoff, which has been very satisfying.  Stefan’s a knowledgeable and passionate teacher, and I’ve enjoyed learning from him.

    Matt - Manager, Edmonton, AB

  • "Stefan’s encouragement and support have made all the difference in my piano journey. He creates a space where learning feels comfortable and motivating. His deep understanding of the piano comes through in every lesson, making complex ideas easy to grasp and helping you truly connect with the music. Each session is engaging, thoughtful, and tailored to your growth as a student."

    Geoff - Teacher, Grande Prairie, AB

  • "Stefan is the most knowledgeable person I know when it comes to music theory, and his ear for music is second to none.    He not only helped me become a better piano player, but helped me to understand music as a whole far better than I could imagine."

    Cody Blakely - Music Producer, Edmonton, AB

Credentials

Diploma in Jazz Performance, Grant MacEwan University

Royal Conservatory Grade 9 Piano

Grade 3 theory/keyboard harmony

Bandleader, composer, "The Temporalists". "Overgrowth" is available online via spotify, apple music, itunes, youtube, or via this website!

20 years gigging/performance experience in most genres, specializing in original jazz.