BIOGRAPHY
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Music has been one of the most influential parts of Leah Downey’s life for as long as she can remember. She started music lessons at the age of 3, and hasn’t stopped since! Leah has tried many instruments throughout the years, including the trumpet, piano, alto horn, ukulele, guitar, kalimba, and most importantly, the pipe organ. Leah is currently studying the pipe organ at Memorial University's school of music, and wishes to major in composition.
Leah has studied piano since the age of 3, and voice since the age of 8. She joined the Mount Pearl Show Choir when she was 12, and has travelled to countries such as Japan, Russia, Amsterdam, Austria and Sweden performing choral music. She was a featured soloist in the World Peace Choral Festival in Vienna, performing among the Vienna Boys Choir. Most recently, she was a part of a resident choir in Worcester, England at the Worcester Cathedral. She has also performed in Etcetera’s 25-32 as a choir member, and has since then graduated to a member of the Etcetera band as a pianist and percussionist. She has also performed with the Company of Etcetera productions in shows such as Godspell, Circus Glorious and Our Divas Do Christmas. Leah knows from personal experience that music has the tendency to impact people in positive ways, and wanted to share that from a young age. She became the assistant director of the performance group at the Salvation Army at the age of 13 and has conducted choirs, dance ensembles and handbell choirs. She began teaching piano lessons at the age of 16. Her lifelong goal is to provide the experience music gave to her growing up, and plans on being a school music teacher when she finishes her degree. She is thrilled to be joining Courtney Fowler’s Performance Academy as a voice/piano teacher to continue spreading music to younger generations. |
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teaching philosphy
Every student will be influenced by music in different ways, and therefore I believe in music lessons that focus on the students' wants and goals. Students should like and relate to the songs that they sing or play, and be proud to perform it.
I believe music lessons should provide a healthy outlet for expression. This means I will create a safe space where the student feels comfortable and confident in themselves through positive reinforcement.
I believe music lessons should be enjoyable and fun. Students should be encouraged to use their imagination, think outside the box and play, all while learning important techniques and being challenged.
I believe in providing repertoire from all genres, generations and cultures. Through this, students will gain a better cultural, societal and historical understanding of music, giving them a well-rounded experience.
I believe through music lessons, students not only gain an understanding of music, but also learn how to express themselves, critically think, create and be the best version of themselves.
I believe music lessons should provide a healthy outlet for expression. This means I will create a safe space where the student feels comfortable and confident in themselves through positive reinforcement.
I believe music lessons should be enjoyable and fun. Students should be encouraged to use their imagination, think outside the box and play, all while learning important techniques and being challenged.
I believe in providing repertoire from all genres, generations and cultures. Through this, students will gain a better cultural, societal and historical understanding of music, giving them a well-rounded experience.
I believe through music lessons, students not only gain an understanding of music, but also learn how to express themselves, critically think, create and be the best version of themselves.
