With five pianos in the house, a studio of happy students, and siblings to duet with, Anneke te Bokkel, 22, is surrounded by music. She began her musical journey at seven years of age, and is
privileged to have studied piano under Elly Hollander, Piret Osso, Megan Newcombe and Jennifer Knelman, receiving a mark of 97% in her Intermediate Piano Pedagogy exam. Anneke also attends pedagogy workshops, always eager to learn something new to apply to teaching.
Combining her love of children, teaching, and music has been a rewarding journey for Anneke. In 2016, she began teaching piano at a private music school; in summer 2018, she began her own home studio. Her goal remains to have students play music for their entire lives and enjoys finding music that makes their eyes shine with excitement. She challenges her students individually and encourages them to share their music.
Classical, ragtime, and hymns are Anneke’s current favourite genres when she has time to play “just for fun”. Accompanying her friends during a hymn sing or playing duets with her sisters makes her realize that all the practicing has been worth it. Playing in seniors’ homes, hosting recitals and concerts, and joining local talent shows have been ways for her to share her music with others. Besides music, Anneke is taking a diploma program for tailoring, and enjoys many hobbies, such as baking, playing volleyball, and skiing.