My philosophy is that students have the most fun with music when they are putting their utmost into it. Love of music and joy in accomplishment are my goals for my students”

— Ann

Ann Baker Mendenhall, Piano

Ann grew up in Costa Rica, received her Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio, and pursued her Masters degree at the University of Victoria, studying with Dr. Robin Wood.

She has been passionately involved in both teaching piano and performing for over thirty years. Former students have gone on to study music at the University of Victoria, Indiana University, Oberlin Conservatory and the University of Costa Rica.
 
The Mendenhall Music Studio is located ten minutes southwest of Duncan in charming, rural Glenora. The teaching room features two grand pianos: a Steinway and a Yamaha, as well as an upright Young Chang. There is also a waiting room and a practice room with a Yamaha Clavinova. Ann enjoys working with students of all ages and levels. The focus is mainly on classical music, but popular is also included. Each student receives a weekly private lesson and attends a group lesson every three weeks. Enthusiasm and motivation are high as students are encouraged to achieve their maximum potential.

There are two recitals each year, in December and June, at which students perform solos and duets. Students may also choose to enter the Pianofest and Music Festival. Many students have received awards, and on occasion, outstanding students have been selected by the adjudicator to go on to the BC Festival of the Arts.
When appropriate, students are encouraged to take RCM exams. Study of music theory is considered essential. Interested students are also encouraged to improvise, play by ear, and compose.

Ann says, "My philosophy is that students have the most fun with music when they are putting their utmost into it. Love of music and joy in accomplishment are my goals for my students."

Ann Mendenhall is president of the Cowichan Valley Music Teachers Association and has spearheaded many community outreach projects, including the Young Musician of the Week in the local newspaper, the "I Played This Better At Home" concert series, and the Bursary Fund for deserving local music students. The CVMTA also brings in many fine artists to do workshops and masterclasses: for example, Jamie Parker, Valeri Grohovsky, Winifred Wood, and Dr. Herbert Henke (Eurhythmics.) Since 2005 the CVMTA has also presented a highly acclaimed, biannual series of Music History Workshops, ranging from the Medieval era through the 19th century.

In 2011, advanced students of the Mendenhall Music Studio performed a Mozart concerto movement with the Cowichan Consort Orchestra. In 2012, they performed Saint-Saens’ “Carnival of the Animals” with the Vancouver Island Symphony. Ann Mendenhall is Artistic Director of the Chemainus Classical Concerts recital series, and organizes masterclasses for her students by artists such as Cary Chow, Elias-Axel Pettersson, May Ling Kwok and Bruce Vogt.

Ann is a member of the BC Registered Music Teachers, Victoria branch. She often performs both solo and chamber music. In 2013 she was honoured to receive the City of Duncan Perpetual Arts Trophy.

For more information about Ann Baker Mendenhall and her teaching, please visit www.mendenhallmusic.com; or email: am-pm@shaw.ca or phone 250-748-8196.