Learn or relearn the language of music
Whether you’re a beginner or developing and rediscovering your piano skills, Cheryl offers personalized lessons at her home studio in the Comox Valley.
Cheryl Wendland
M.Mus. (performers), B. Mus. (performers), A.R.C.T. (performers)
About
Cheryl Wendland completed Master of Music and Bachelor of Music degrees in piano performance at the University of British Columbia and an A.R.C.T. in piano performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music.
She began playing the piano before the age of five and has been teaching since she was ten years old. Her mentors included Robin Harrison, Kenneth Van Barthold, Marek Jablonski and Leon Fleisher. Cheryl was a faculty member of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and of Red Deer College in Alberta.
Cheryl taught piano, theory, keyboard harmony, ear training and sight singing, both privately and in classes at these institutions. She was active as a performer in Canada and London, England and she adjudicated music festivals and competitions in several Canadian provinces.
In recent years, Cheryl has developed a special interest in working with adults discovering or rediscovering the language of music. She is currently welcoming new students.
Teaching Experience
Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto
Faculty Member
Toronto, Ontario
Red Deer College
Faculty Member
Alberta
A lifetime of experience as a private piano teacher
Lessons
In-person Lessons
All Levels
Testimonials
Cheryl was my piano teacher for 10 years, I began taking lessons with her when I was 8, and continued until I graduated high school. Cheryl is an exceptional pianist, which I constantly was inspired by, but I was mostly motivated by her genuine passion which came through in every aspect of her teaching. Her lessons were a balance of practising new styles and techniques on the piano, and learning to personally connect with the music in order to fully understand and play it. As I grew up and my relationship to music and playing the piano changed, I always felt like Cheryl’s lessons were created to fit and push me. In addition to her extensive knowledge and experience, and her natural tendency to encourage her students, Cheryl is an interesting, funny, and wonderful person to spend an hour each week with. I feel very lucky to have had her as a mentor in music and in life for as many years as I did, and now as a friend.
Odessa Gibson
I’ve had piano lessons with Cheryl for around 3 years and can honestly say she is the best piano teacher I’ve ever had. Cheryl is very patient (I’m a senior) and have been playing piano on and off for a great many years. She is very clear in what she is teaching and makes sure the student understands what is being worked on before moving on to something else, and is happy to recommend music to work on. I have a greater understanding of dynamics and hope to return to Cheryl when my health allows. I highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a teacher who has a great deal of experience in teaching and playing.
Maureen Shipton
Cheryl Wendland is an exceptional teacher and mentor who helped me reach my full potential as a musician and a performer. I studied with Cheryl for over three years. She successfully guided me through competitions, recitals, and auditions for university music schools. She always taught with care, attention to detail, rigour, humour, and warmth. Together, we selected repertoire that I found both enjoyable and challenging. Cheryl helped me develop my technical proficiency and musical expressiveness and gave me the tools to feel confident and self-assured on stage. I always treasured our time together every week and I loved how I could hear myself improving after every lesson.
Hannah Anderson
Cheryl was my teacher during adolescence – age 13 to 17. What I learned from her during that time transformed my entire life. Her teaching combines a rigorous approach to technique, with an uncanny emotional sensibility. The scope of her instruction knows no bounds – whatever musical frontiers you’re facing, she can help you traverse them. Whatever your level of skill, she can help you improve. Furthermore, she has an extensive knowledge of the history and context of the music she teachers, allowing students to feel as if they’re literally getting to know the genius composers they’re studying. Anyone studying music with Cheryl can consider themself supremely blessed. In the modern world, where our attention is constantly being diverted by petty distractions, Cheryl can help you develop an antidote. She’s a true master, and my humble words can never do justice to what meaning and value she has brought into my life.
Conner Molander
Cheryl was my teacher for almost 10 years, and took me from a complete beginner to an ARCT-level pianist. She is a true master of her craft and has a rich wealth of experience from her lifelong career as a professional musician and teacher. She has amazing knowledge of music theory, history, and even the biomechanics behind mastering technical prowess, but much more importantly, she teaches her students how to connect with each piece, to play expressively, and encourages them to choose pieces that speak to them, which results in a lifelong love of the piano. She approaches instruction with a patient and encouraging hand, and knows when to push you to do more. She became one of the most important mentors in my life and I have often reflected how incredibly lucky I was to have a teacher as rare and brilliant as Cheryl.
Helen Anderson
Learn more about piano lessons in the Comox Valley
Cheryl Wendland is currently welcoming new students.
Get in touch
Cheryl is welcoming new students. Don’t hesitate to reach out to her by email or phone.
cherylwend@hotmail.ca
(250) 338-8384
Cheryl Wendland Piano Studio 