CONSERVATORY of MUSIC

tyson kerr

PRIVATE LESSONS | JAZZ PIANO

conservatory instructor
I know that the way to inspire curiosity and exploration in developing students' musical lives is to be curious about how each student is moved by music, and what voice they want to develop in response. My students gain a solid technical foundation in voice or piano while they widen the scope of their listening, and become confident crafting their own music, be it improvisatory, through-composed, or an interpretation of existing works.

About

Tyson Kerr is a stylistically diverse, award-winning composer, arranger, clinician, and multi-instrumentalist. He is involved in numerous projects: pianist/composer for WCMA-nominated jazz quintet The Writers' Guild, singer and music director for acclaimed vocal group 6 Minute Warning, organist for St. Paul's United Church, and accordionist and composer for his quirky improvising folk quartet, Myrtle's Turtle.

Tyson has composed and arranged music for Ballet Edmonton (formerly known as Citie Ballet), Edmonton Fringe productions, several big bands including the Banff Jazz Festival Jazz Orchestra, various TED Talks, Youtube series and podcasts such as Alexis Hillyard’s Stump Kitchen, and a number of choirs including the acclaimed Óran chamber choir.

Past and present collaborations include Christine Duncan, Brou-Lala, Martin Kerr, Grex, The Element Choir, Óran, the Don Berner Big Band, Five Artists One Love, Christian Mena, and Jeff Hendrick.

He is a graduate of the Banff School of Creative Music, University of Toronto Jazz Program, and Grant MacEwan Music Program.

Tyson currently teaches through MacEwan University and the Sarah McLachlan School of Music.

Lessons

Tyson teaches private piano lessons online and in-person at the Alberta College Campus. He offers lessons for ages 5 to adult, from beginner to advanced levels including RCM Levels 1-ARCT. He specializes in jazz piano. He also teaches classical, pop, contemporary, composition, improvisation, arranging, and songwriting. Lessons are available weekday mornings and afternoons.

Request lessons with Tyson to discuss specific availability and rates.

Education

  • Master of Social Work (in progress)
  • Bachelor of Music (Piano Performance), University of Toronto
  • Music Diploma, Grant MacEwan University
  • Participant, Banff School of Creative Music

Performances / compositions / recordings

  • Edmonton, Toronto, Banff, and Ottawa International Jazz Festivals: 2009 - 2017
  • Pianist/composer for WCMA-nominated jazz quintet The Writers' Guild, singer and music director for acclaimed vocal group 6 Minute Warning, organist for St. Paul's United Church, and accordionist and composer for his quirky improvising folk quartet, Myrtle's Turtle.
  • Collaborated with Christine Duncan, Brou-Lala, Martin Kerr, Grex, The Element Choir, Óran, the Don Berner Big Band, Five Artists One Love, Christian Mena, and Jeff Hendrick.
Tyson Kerr is an exceptional jazz piano teacher; he is gifted and does a stellar job teaching! He is motivating, gives clear instructions and is a pleasure to work with!
Gerry, Jazz Piano Student
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