Teaching Artists - Bakerview Music Academy

Heidi Kettner, Choir Teaching Artist

Heidi was born and raised in the Lower Mainland, where she enjoyed making music from a young age. Her musical journey began with piano studies before she started her vocal training at the Chilliwack Academy of Music in her teens. She later spent a year enrolled at S. K. Lee College on the campus of the Vancouver Academy of Music, before completing her Bachelor of Education with a Music Specialization at Burman University in Alberta. Heidi enjoyed spending many years serving as a classroom music teacher, band, and choir director before taking time off to facilitate her children’s home learning education. Her approach to teaching encompasses the passion she has for instilling a life-long love of music and learning in her students. Heidi lives in Abbotsford with her husband, son, and daughter.

Jennifer Schaubel, Musicianship Teaching Artist

Jennifer brings a versatile mix of passions and talents to the Bakerview Music Academy. Her training began at the age of five at the Vancouver Academy of Music, where she studied piano, violin, and Kodály well into her teens. Most of her life has been dedicated to advocating for and working with children and at-risk youth. When the creative spirit that exists in every child is nurtured and inspired, the seeds of endless possibilities become rich for development. It is these very seeds that Jennifer is dedicated to planting with the students at BMA.

Julin Giesbrecht, Cello Teaching Artist

Julin is a university student who has enjoyed music throughout his entire life. He began taking piano lessons at age seven, and later started taking cello lessons at 10. He enjoys music thoroughly and is happy to be able to share it with BMA and the rest of the world. During his years as a cellist, Julin has participated four times in the Langley Community Music School festival, where he won the Cello Club Award (2019), the Colin Hampton Musicianship Award (2022, 2023), and the Ernest Collins Award (2024). He was also the recipient of the Beth Nickel Memorial String Award in 2024. During his free time, Julin enjoys messing with computers, playing with Rubik’s cubes, doing card tricks, and hanging out with his dog, Pierogi.

ASSISTANT TEACHERS

Tearyn Heaven, Assistant Teaching Artist – Strings

Tearyn has been studying music theory and piano for nine years with Music Language Studios in Mission, the double bass for the past five years with Michael Vaughan in Coquitlam, and is currently a senior member of the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra directed by Dr. Calvin Dyck. He thoroughly enjoys listening to, performing, and making music, especially when he can share and play it with others. Tearyn likes to spend time outside, go on hikes, and take flying lessons. He also enjoys being with his family, friends, and three cats. Tearyn is excited to join the BMA team this year.

Tobias Kettner, Assistant Teaching Artist – Piano Accompanist

Tobias began taking piano lessons in Ontario when he was four years old. When
he and his family moved to Abbotsford, British Columbia, he continued his music studies with
Jean Ritter. He is currently working towards taking his grade 10 Royal Conservatory of Music
exam in piano. Tobias enjoys playing piano at his church and also at local retirement homes.
In his free time, Tobias likes to play tennis, read, and play board games. He also enjoys
listening to orchestral music and going for hikes.

VOLUNTEERS

Elan Chow, Assistant Teaching Artist – Violin/Viola

Elan Chow is a violinist from Abbotsford, BC. He is currently in Grade 12-French Immersion at W.J. Mouat Secondary School. Elan has studied violin with Carla Birston at the VSO School of Music since he was four years old. Elan is actively involved in music; he plays both violin and viola in chamber music and orchestra. Outside of music, Elan enjoys drinking bubble tea, hiking, and baking.