Some of my Background

Jeanette was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She grew up in Castlegar, BC. Since the beginning of her studies at the age of 3, she has had many opportunities to explore and experience a full spectrum of music, and has received many awards and scholarships in the process. Her childhood years included much singing in both Chinese and English in the Chan household, and studies in piano, harmony and history. Junior and senior high school permitted opportunities to try the clarinet and trombone.

Piano studies were primarily under her mother, who also managed to instruct Jeanette's siblings. Harmony and History studies were with Mrs. Donnelly, during every school break, in Coquitlam. Jeanette received her ARCT Diploma with First Class Honours in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music in 1987, and has been an active and enthusiastic teacher since 1981, first in Castlegar, and then in the Lower Mainland (Richmond). She became a member of the BC Registered Music Teachers' Association in 1987, when she moved to Richmond.

Jeanette began creating music at age 3, when her mother discovered her playing something by ear that she had just been teaching another student. Improvisation had always been easy, so it was just a matter of time before things were written down. Over the years, she has taken delight in experimenting with Medieval modes, and other forms of tonality. She enjoys modulating with different chords, and searching for the unexpected. In her teaching, she has also been trying to encourage her students to "fool around" on the keyboard; she feels that it helps develop spontaneity, creativity and the ear.

Jeanette also completed her second ARCT diploma in Piano Teaching, believing that it would only serve to help her become a better teacher. She was one of the founding members of the Richmond Music Festival Society, and still enjoys working with the society. Because she loves teaching so much, she wishes to continue her studies to better prepare for instructing new and upcoming talented young pianists. She continues to learn new things, and is always on the lookout for interesting and creative ways to teach and encourage her students.

Other activities include her volunteer work with the BC Registered Music Teachers Association Richmond Branch. She designed and set up the website for the association, www.bcrmta.com. She is also an active member of the Vancouver Music Festival Workshop. She is an avid reader, and has always advocated for higher literacy with students. In fact, she has a small library developing in her studio, from which her students often borrow books. (most of the books are reviewed before being set out for students to check for suitability and reading level) She has a lot of hobbies, including stamping, card-making, drawing and painting. She is also a big advocate of the student awareness and safety, and continues her efforts in boosting the confidence and self-esteem in her students. Because she also loves baking, students often reap the rewards of her efforts.

Currently, she has a studio that features a Howard grand piano, a Yamaha Clavinova digital piano, and seating and tables for suitable for small classes. She teaches most of the lessons, but also hires in extra teachers to help with group lessons.

She also plays piano for wedding ceremonies during the year. She accompanies instrumentalists or vocalists for examinations on an emergency basis.

If you would like to contact Jeanette to discuss any of the above information, visit the contact page, or email her at jeanette@jchanstudios.com.