👋 About Me
Welcome! I’m Janice, an internationally experienced elementary teacher, Ontario music specialist, and passionate believer in the joy of music at every age. For more than a decade, I’ve inspired students in Ontario, Bermuda, Kuwait, and now Sechelt, blending classical training with the creative, engaging Carl Orff approach. My lessons emphasize sequential skill-building, but are always filled with fun, movement, and music ​for the whole self. My philosophy? Every student-regardless of age or ability-can flourish with the right encouragement and personal support. My goal is to spark confidence and a lifelong love of music in every lesson!
🎶 Classes Offered
1
Piano Lessons
(All Ages, All Levels)
No experience necessary—beginners to advanced, children to adults! - Personalized one-on-one lessons tailored to your learning style and favourite music - Classical foundations, pop, or anything in between - Strong emphasis on creativity, enjoyment, and skill development - First lesson is always FREE! - 30 minutes for first term, then 40 minutes as needed Join as a young musician, or return as an adult—everyone’s welcome.
2
Play, Move and Sing Group
(Ages 6-10, More Soon!)
Welcome, young students ages 6-10! Explore music through the proven, playful Orff method: - Singing, speech, creative movement, dance - Learn percussion, xylophones, and rhythm in a fun group - Build strong musical concepts through games, play, and teamwork - Orff approach supports improved literacy and math in young learners. It’s great for the brain—and so much fun! (More group ages coming soon—ask to join the waitlist!)
3
Little Mozarts
(Ages 3-5)
A joyful music program just for preschoolers (ages 3–5), attended with a parent/adult. - Based on “Little Mozarts” for the youngest musicians - Meet Mozart Mouse & Beethoven Bear - Songs, stories, puppets, rhythm activities, creative movement - Explore instruments and visual music notation Perfect for building early love for music—and leads naturally into piano!
Why Choose Spruce Music?
At Spruce Music, every lesson is tailored to nurture a lifelong love of music in a supportive, joyful environment. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Janice is dedicated to helping children, beginners, and adults grow their musical abilities with encouragement and expertise. Whether you’re learning piano, singing your first notes, or exploring music for the first time, you’ll benefit from individualized attention and engaging lesson plans that make learning enjoyable and rewarding.
Located in the heart of Sechelt, Spruce Music is more than just a studio, it’s a welcoming space where every student is valued, progress is celebrated, and music becomes a meaningful part of everyday life. Plus, your first lesson is absolutely free, so you can experience the difference for yourself risk-free!
How It Works
1
Get in Touch or Book a Free Intro Lesson
Use the contact form or click "Get Started" to request your complimentary first lesson, ask questions, or discuss your goals.
2
Meet Janice & Explore Your Option
We'll connect either in person at the studio or by phone/email—so I can learn about you (or your child's) musical interests, experience, and scheduling needs. I'll help you choose the best class: Private Piano Lessons, Play, Move, and Sing Group, or Little Mozarts.
3
Start Learning & Making Music
Begin lessons in a welcoming, supportive environment! Whether you join a group or start private lessons, every session is tailored to your pace and interests. Parents are always welcome to ask questions or observe.
4
Grow with Confidence & Joy
Watch as skills develop, creativity blossoms, and confidence grows! Lessons build step by step, and every milestone is celebrated. Moving up, trying a new group, or tackling a favorite song? I’ll be there every note of the way.
Testimonials
Sarah L.
"The music groups have been a fantastic way for my child to explore and appreciate different styles of music."
"The music groups have been a fantastic way for my child to explore and appreciate different styles of music."
“I was nervous to start as an adult, but Janice is so welcoming and was thrilled to help me finally learn piano!”
Jane S.
“I was nervous to start as an adult, but Janice is so welcoming and was thrilled to help me finally learn piano!”
“My daughter started Little Mozarts at age four and now plays her first song on the piano! Janice makes classes so much fun.”
David B.
“My daughter started Little Mozarts at age four and now all she talks about is music! She wants to start learning piano now, Janice makes classes so much fun.”
Qualifications
With an international career in music education, Janice brings decades of expertise to Spruce Music Studio in Sechelt. She is an Ontario-certified music specialist and accomplished elementary teacher with extensive experience teaching in Canada and abroad. Janice's unique approach blends classical training from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto with the dynamic, creative Carl Orff method. Her background includes directing school bands, choirs, and musical productions, as well as years of service as a church organist and choir director in Ontario and Bermuda. Janice is passionate about structured, sequential musical growth—always delivered with joy, creativity, and encouragement for learners of all ages and abilities.
Experience
2024-2025
Teacher
Sunshine Coast, BC
SD46 Elementary On Call Teacher
2019 - 2023
Teacher
Trillium Lakelands Board of Education, Ontario
Primary PE and health, Junior health, ESL tutoring, Junior and IntermediateCore French
2008 - 2018
Teacher
Bermuda Ministry of Education, Bermuda
Primary & Junior Music, French, Art, Mindfulness Project
2006 - 2008
Teacher
Near North District School Board, Ontario
Primary & Junior Music, Grade 2 Numeracy, Science
2003 - 2006
Teacher
Peel District School Board, Ontario
Primary & Junior Music
1999 - 2003
Teacher
Al Bayan Bilingual School, Kuwait
JK, SK ESL, Grade 2 Language, Numeracy, Science, Art, Private tuitions
Education
2003
Michigan State University (Overseas)
M.A. Curriculum and Teaching & teacher credential
This program provided international teachers the opportunity to complete a combined Master of Arts in Curriculum and Teaching with Michigan State teacher certification. The program sites were Thailand and France. Courses had a strong literacy focus as well as a focus on experiential learning. Two years of practicum were completed (for me in Kuwait) with an on-site teacher advisor and final certification under review of my mentor-prof from France. All in all, it was an amazing personal and professional experience!
1985
University of Western Ontario
B.Sc.N.
My Bachelor of Science in Nursing was completed in London, Ontario. It was a post-diploma program for experienced nurses and was focused on pre-medical and nursing science and arts. Completion of the program provided graduates with the ability to work in community nursing, management and other specialty areas.
1980
Conestoga College, Guelph, Ontario
Registered Nurse Diploma
I completed my initial Registered Nurse diploma in Guelph, Ontario. It included nursing theory and science classes as well as the required practicum hours. And yes, I can make a bed that you can spin a quarter on! Those were the days when we all worked hard to obtain that desired black band on our caps! The diploma opened the door for me to work in critical care areas such as Intensive Care Nursery and Coronary Care.
Additional Qualifications
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Ontario Music Specialist - Orff Part 1 and 2 of 3 at Royal Conservatory, Toronto
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Orff Jazz by Doug Goodkin, Royal Conservatory, Toronto]
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Director and Producer of School Musical Productions
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French Part 1
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Special Education, Part 1
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Primary Math, Part 1
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Computers in the Classroom, Part 1
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Intermediate (Science-Biology)
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English (native)
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French - Neurolinguistic Approach to FSL – UWO, Trois-Pistoles, QC
Languages
