About

My Goal

Selke Music School is a private music school with classes available in both Gladstone and Neepawa Mb. Often in rural locations such as ours it is difficult to find quality and variety in music education.

I grew up close to Gladstone Manitoba. I had my first piano lesson when I was nine years old, but that teacher moved away after only a year. My next two teachers also moved away after only a year of teaching me. My fourth teacher managed to stay two years before she too moved! My college years were not much better; there was a different director of music every year I attended. I often joke that if you wanted to move, take me on as a student! This left me with a rather eclectic music experience, it has also given me a passion for what kind of experience I want my students to have. I want my students to experience a consistent, comprehensive music education that sets them up for success! This takes times and a clear plan. The programs that I am offering are a reflection of what I wish was available to me as a student. They have been developed with the intention of seeing your child succeed. My goal is to provide your students an opportunity to learn, grow, create their own music, and eventually explore the various careers options in the industry. Currently Piano Classes are my main focus, but I am please to offer beginner voice and early music as well.

The Curriculum

The curriculum we use has been developed using the standards set forth by national and international examination boards. The syllabi referenced to create our curriculum were from The Royal Conservatory, Conservatory Canada, the Canadian National Conservatory of Music, and A Common Approach (A Common approach is the summation of several International Bodies of musical study and development). You can be confident that your student will meet the standards of any examination board should they choose to participate in exams, however exams are not required.

Additionally our teaching methods incorporate Music Learning Theory. Music Learning Theory is exactly what its name is – a theory describing how students learn music. It is based on the research of Dr. Edwin E Gordon, who spent his life researching how people and specifically children learn and understand music.

Teaching methods and ideas that have been incorporated to various degrees include Music Moves, Wunderkeys, Piano Pyramid, Differentiation, aspects of Dalcroze and Kodaly, Materials from Vibrant Music Teaching, Teach Piano Today, and Entrada Technique

Amy Selke ~ Piano, Voice, and Early Childhood music

Bachelor of Christian Ministry, Currently Studying to receive Elementary Pedagogy Certificate through the Royal Conservatory.

Although I grew up in this area I was very surprised that I ended up returning to live here after spending several years away. My husband Mark and I now live close to Gladstone and have recently welcomed our first baby!

My love of the piano grew out of the lessons my mom signed me up for when I was nine. I also love reading, swimming, board games, movies, theater, writing, dark chocolate and spending time with my dog Satchmo. She’s a German Shepherd who I am teaching to skijor! My faith in Jesus is the most important aspect of my life, and loving people is next. Any spare time I have is spent researching teaching methods, or listening to pedagogy podcasts. I love my students dearly and am thankful to be part of their lives! One of my favorite music styles is Big Band – it’s probably due to the black and white movies I grew up watching!