Kristen's passion for music began as a very young girl. She was always surrounded by musicians, her mom and grandpa just to name a few. At the age of 4 Kristen began studying Classical piano and started teaching beginners at age 13 after completing her Level 8 with the Royal Conservatory of Music. In High School Kristen continued her Classical career achieving her RCM Level 10 and ARCT in Music Theory.

 

Middle and High school also offered new music opportunities. Kristen was able to explore other instruments such as Trumpet, Flute, French Horn, Guitar, and Drums. She also had the opportunity to take Jazz Piano lessons and play in a Jazz Band. Most of all Kristen found herself falling in love with Musical Theatre and Voice. Kristen has worked on many Musical Theatre Productions throughout the years in roles such as Pit Orchestra Pianist, Assistant Vocal Director, Stage Manager, and Actor. Kristen's most recent role was that of Pit Orchestra Pianist in The University of Calgary's production of West Side Story.

 

Throughout her competitive career Kristen competed in many competitions such as the Kiwanis Fine Arts Festival in piano, musical theatre, and voice. Kristen was very successful in these festivals winning many of her competitions, being awarded scholarships, and playing at the provincial level. Kristen also excelled in her RCM exams often achieving First Class Honors or higher.

 

Kristen is always learning and continuously working on professional development. She believes there is always something to learn and it shows in her continuing education. Kristen is a recent graduate from Kindermusik University in Greensboro, North Carolina where she thoroughly studied the benefits music education can have on the developing mind and the positive impacts it can have in an adults life. This allows Kristen to curate lessons that not only focus on music development but, other areas of development as well such as academic, physical, and emotional. 

 

Kristen has been teaching for the last 15 years and most recently ran Impact! Music Studio in Calgary. Her broad musical background allows her to give her students a well-rounded music education in a calm and comfortable environment. Kristen now calls Black Diamond home and lives here with her husband and three children.