Piano Lessons2026-08-15T04:46:51+00:00
Piano Lessons with Lora Wentworth at the Upbeat Music Academy Kelowna

Piano Lessons Kelowna

Take Piano Lessons With An Experienced Teacher in Kelowna

Looking for piano lessons in Kelowna? At Upbeat Music Academy, we offer private piano lessons for kids, teens, and adults at our home-based music studio in Glenmore.

Whether you’re completely new to piano, getting back into playing after a few years away, or already have some experience and want to keep improving, Lora Wentworth can tailor lessons to your experience, interests, and goals.

Our relaxed and encouraging approach helps students build confidence, develop a strong musical foundation, and enjoy learning piano at a pace that feels comfortable for them.

Private piano lessons: $34 per 30-minute lesson

Upbeat Music Academy
455 Glen Pine Ct, Kelowna, BC V1V 1R3
250-317-3685

Meet Your Piano Teacher, Lora Wentworth

Hi, my name is Lora Wentworth, and I’ve been teaching piano and music for more than 25 years. I’ve had the opportunity to teach students of all ages and experience levels, from young beginners taking their first piano lessons to adults, retirees, and more experienced players looking to improve their skills.

For me, the most important part of teaching is making sure students enjoy learning. Everyone has different interests and goals, so I like to get to know each student and tailor lessons to what they want to accomplish. We might work on a favourite song, build better technique, learn more about music theory, prepare for an exam, explore composition, or simply work on becoming a more confident pianist.

I hold a Diploma in Music Performance and Composition from Selkirk College, a Licentiate in Music Education through RSL Awards, and RCM Grade 8 piano. I also taught Music Theory at the Center for Arts and Technology for seven years. While teaching there, I developed a revised approach to the curriculum that resulted in the highest passing success rate among the program’s instructors.

Music has always been a big part of my life outside the classroom too. I’ve performed in bands, directed bands of up to 35 musicians, worked as a choir director and church organist, and performed as a wedding pianist.

I try to keep my lessons relaxed, encouraging, and focused on the individual student. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, my goal is to help you enjoy making music while building skills and confidence along the way.

Piano Lessons Kelowna, Upbeat Music Academy Kelowna

Piano Lessons for Different Ages and Experience Levels

Piano lessons can look very different from one student to the next. A child learning their first notes, a teenager wanting to play their favourite songs, and an adult returning to piano after 20 years may all need a different approach.

For Kids

For younger students, lessons focus on building a positive relationship with music while developing good playing habits and fundamental skills. Lora keeps lessons engaging and age-appropriate, helping students learn at a comfortable pace while building confidence at the piano.

For Teens

Teen students can explore the music they enjoy while developing their technique, reading, theory, and musical expression. Lessons can also support students involved in school music programs or those who want to work toward a particular musical goal.

For Adults

It’s never too late to learn piano. Some adults are complete beginners, while others are returning to an instrument they played years ago. Some simply want to learn songs they love or have a creative outlet outside of work and everyday life. Lessons can be adapted to whatever you want to get from playing piano.

Piano Lessons Kelowna, Upbeat Music Academy Kelowna

What You’ll Learn in Piano Lessons

Lessons are designed to help students grow as musicians while having fun and learning music they enjoy.

Students will learn how to:

  • Play songs from a variety of musical styles
  • Develop better technique, coordination, and confidence at the piano
  • Read music and understand how songs are put together
  • Improve rhythm, timing, and musical expression
  • Play chords and create their own accompaniment patterns
  • Understand scales, keys, and music theory in a practical way
  • Build confidence playing for others
  • Explore creativity through composition and improvisation

Performance Opportunties

For students who enjoy sharing their music, Upbeat Music Academy hosts two Student Showcases each school year. These relaxed performances give students the opportunity to play something they’ve been working on for family and friends.

Performing isn’t required, and students can choose whether they’d like to participate. For those who do, it can be a great way to:

  • Build confidence
  • Become more comfortable playing for others
  • Work through performance nerves
  • Set a musical goal
  • Celebrate progress and hard work

For students who prefer a more structured path, lessons can also include music exam preparation or other personal musical goals.

Piano lessons with Lora Wentworth at the Upbeat Music Academy Kelowna
Lora Wentworth teaching Piano Lessons

We love Lora’s enthusiasm and down to earth teaching style. She is a great piano teacher. She has a large range of musical knowledge and is very supportive. Definitely recommend.

Jen Howard (Parent)

Piano teacher teaching Piano

“My girls love going to their piano lessons! Lora is a fantastic teacher and very lovely person.”

Miranda O’Donnell (Parent)

Piano teacher practicing Piano

“Our daughter has been taking piano and sax lessons with Lora for over 7 years.
Lora is a fabulously fun and knowledgeable teacher.
We can’t recommend her enough.”

Lori McClenaghan (Parent)

Piano Lessons Kelowna

Take Piano Lessons With An Experienced Teacher in Kelowna

Looking for piano lessons in Kelowna? At Upbeat Music Academy, we offer private piano lessons for kids, teens, and adults at our home-based music studio in Glenmore.

Whether you’re completely new to piano, getting back into playing after a few years away, or already have some experience and want to keep improving, Lora Wentworth can tailor lessons to your experience, interests, and goals.

Our relaxed and encouraging approach helps students build confidence, develop a strong musical foundation, and enjoy learning piano at a pace that feels comfortable for them.

Private piano lessons: $34 per 30-minute lesson

Upbeat Music Academy
455 Glen Pine Ct, Kelowna, BC V1V 1R3
250-317-3685

Lora Wentworth Piano and Saxophone Teacher Upbeat Music Academy Kelowna

Meet Your Piano Teacher, Lora Wentworth

Hi, my name is Lora Wentworth, and I’ve been teaching piano and music for more than 25 years. I’ve had the opportunity to teach students of all ages and experience levels, from young beginners taking their first piano lessons to adults, retirees, and more experienced players looking to improve their skills.

For me, the most important part of teaching is making sure students enjoy learning. Everyone has different interests and goals, so I like to get to know each student and tailor lessons to what they want to accomplish. We might work on a favourite song, build better technique, learn more about music theory, prepare for an exam, explore composition, or simply work on becoming a more confident pianist.

I hold a Diploma in Music Performance and Composition from Selkirk College, a Licentiate in Music Education through RSL Awards, and RCM Grade 8 piano. I also taught Music Theory at the Center for Arts and Technology for seven years. While teaching there, I developed a revised approach to the curriculum that resulted in the highest passing success rate among the program’s instructors.

Music has always been a big part of my life outside the classroom too. I’ve performed in bands, directed bands of up to 35 musicians, worked as a choir director and church organist, and performed as a wedding pianist.

I try to keep my lessons relaxed, encouraging, and focused on the individual student. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, my goal is to help you enjoy making music while building skills and confidence along the way.

Piano Lessons with Lora Wentworth at the Upbeat Music Academy Kelowna

 A Great Piano Teacher

“We love Lora’s enthusiasm and down to earth teaching style. She is a great piano teacher. She has a large range of musical knowledge and is very supportive. Definitely recommend.”

– Jen Howard (Parent)

Piano Lessons for Different Ages and Experience Levels

Piano lessons can look very different from one student to the next. A child learning their first notes, a teenager wanting to play their favourite songs, and an adult returning to piano after 20 years may all need a different approach.

For Kids

For younger students, lessons focus on building a positive relationship with music while developing good playing habits and fundamental skills. Lora keeps lessons engaging and age-appropriate, helping students learn at a comfortable pace while building confidence at the piano.

For Teens

Teen students can explore the music they enjoy while developing their technique, reading, theory, and musical expression. Lessons can also support students involved in school music programs or those who want to work toward a particular musical goal.

For Adults

It’s never too late to learn piano. Some adults are complete beginners, while others are returning to an instrument they played years ago. Some simply want to learn songs they love or have a creative outlet outside of work and everyday life. Lessons can be adapted to whatever you want to get from playing piano.

Piano Lessons with Lora Wentworth at the Upbeat Music Academy Kelowna

 A Fantastic Teacher

“My girls love going to their piano lessons! Lora is a fantastic teacher and very lovely person.”

– Miranda O’Donnell (Parent)

Piano Lessons Kelowna, Upbeat Music Academy Kelowna

What You Can Learn in Piano Lessons

There’s more to learning piano than simply playing the right notes. Lessons help students develop the skills to understand music, play with confidence, and eventually become more independent at the instrument.

Depending on your experience and goals, lessons may include:

  • Learning songs from a variety of musical styles
  • Developing piano technique, coordination, and confidence
  • Reading music and understanding how pieces are put together
  • Improving rhythm, timing, and musical expression
  • Playing chords and creating accompaniment patterns
  • Learning scales, keys, and practical music theory
  • Ear training and learning to play by ear
  • Composition and improvisation
  • Preparing pieces to perform for others

The goal isn’t just to get through a piece of music. It’s to help you understand what you’re playing and give you skills you can continue to use as a musician.

Piano Lessons with Lora Wentworth at the Upbeat Music Academy Kelowna

We are so grateful to Lora

My daughters started piano with Lora at 4 and 6 years old and have developed a love for music. We are so grateful to Lora for her patience and care.
– Natashia Krenz
Young boy taking a Piano lesson with Lora Wentworth

Performance Opportunities

For students who enjoy sharing their music, Upbeat Music Academy hosts two Student Showcases each school year. These relaxed performances give students the opportunity to play something they’ve been working on for family and friends.

Performing isn’t required, and students can choose whether they’d like to participate. For those who do, it can be a great way to:

  • Build confidence
  • Become more comfortable playing for others
  • Work through performance nerves
  • Set a musical goal
  • Celebrate progress and hard work

For students who prefer a more structured path, lessons can also include music exam preparation or other personal musical goals.

The Upbeat Music Academy Kelowna serves Kelowna, Rutland, Wilden, Lake Country, Kettle Valley and West Kelowna

Frequently Asked Questions About Piano Lessons

Lora Wentworth charges $34 per 30-minute private lesson.

In our experience, children can start learning the Piano successfully age 5 and up.

For piano lessons, students should have access to a keyboard with at least 5 octaves (60 full-size keys) and touch-sensitive keys. Touch sensitivity means the keyboard responds to how firmly you play. The harder you press the keys, the louder the sound.

When you’re just starting out, you don’t need an acoustic or digital piano with weighted keys. A good-quality, touch-sensitive keyboard is perfectly suitable for beginners.

Weighted keys are designed to feel more like the keys on an acoustic piano. They provide resistance when you play, allowing students to develop proper technique and control while also creating greater dynamics and expression in their playing.

As a student progresses and becomes more serious about piano, we recommend upgrading to a digital or acoustic piano with 88 weighted keys. This provides a more realistic playing experience and is especially beneficial as students develop their technique and musical expression.

Absolutely! Piano lessons at Upbeat Music Academy are available for complete beginners of all ages. You don’t need any previous musical experience to get started.

Beginners learn the fundamentals of piano in a supportive and encouraging environment, including proper technique, reading music, rhythm, chords, and playing songs. Lessons are tailored to each student’s age, experience, interests, and goals, so you can learn at a pace that feels comfortable.

Whether your child is touching the piano for the first time or you’re an adult who has always wanted to learn, we’d love to help you get started.

If you want to get good, you need to put in the time.

Many of us are used to instant gratification now a days. Please understand you will get out of the Piano what you put into it time wise.  The more consistently you practice, the better you’ll get.

On average, 30 minutes of practice or more a day depending on the level the student is what is needed.

That said most younger students will need to ease into it.

With younger students, start with 15 minutes 4-5 days a week and then increase the practice time slowly till you can get to 20 or 30 minutes a day.

Set a daily time to get in the habit of practicing. For example: After dinner, as soon as you get home from school or a set time 4-4:30pm.

If you do this 5 days a week, take the weekend off.

  • Method book(s), sheet music, worksheets, lesson binder/notebook for lessons and assignments
  • Even though our Piano teachers are equipped with their own Computer, Tablet or Mobile phone which have access to Youtube, if the student is wanting to learn or need help with a particular song by ear, please bring your device the song is on (Ipad, Cel Phone, Etc.).
  • If it’s your first Piano lesson with us and you have taken lessons before, please bring any previous learning material to your lesson.

Yes! If the student is willing, twice a year we arrange a teacher supported, student showcase for our students to perform at outside our studios.

Having anxiety before a performance is completely normal but small performances like this are an important life skill to develop.

If the student understands they are supported and shown appreciation for the hard work they have put in, the more confident they will be with other areas in their lives.

Comfort with public speaking,  interacting with others and feeling safe for going outside your comfort zone all starts with goals like this.

This is highly encouraged as a life lesson.

When you sign up for lessons, you book in for a specific weekly time slot. Most commonly, September through June, as the Upbeat Music Academy follows the “school calendar”.

Lesson fees are either payable IN FULL for the entire year in advance of starting your lessons, or you have the option of choosing an averaged monthly pre-authorized payment either through your credit card, eTransfer or cash. Please note: casual cash payments are not available.

  • We understand that missed lessons happen from time to time. When possible, we offer several options to help students stay on track:

    • Online lesson: If you can’t make it to the studio, you may be able to take your lesson online through Zoom.
    • Extended lesson: Your lesson may be extended to make up missed time, depending on the schedule.
    • Rescheduled lesson: We may be able to arrange your lesson for another day or time, depending on availability.

    There are also no paid lessons scheduled during the Christmas and Spring Break holidays, which can provide additional opportunities to arrange a make-up lesson.

    For complete details, please see our Lesson Policies.

If you want to get good, you need to put in the time.

Many of us are used to instant gratification now a days. Please understand you will get out of the piano what you put into it time wise.  The more consistently you practice, the better you’ll get.

In my years of teaching piano, I’ve found that students usually make faster progress when they practise for 20-30 minutes several times a week rather than trying to cram everything into one long session.

That said most younger students will need to ease into it.

With younger students, I would recommend starting with 15 minutes 4-5 days a week and then increase the practice time slowly till you can get to 20 or 30 minutes a day.

Set a daily time to get in the habit of practicing. For example: After dinner, as soon as you get home from school or a set time 4-4:30pm.

If you do this 5 days a week, take the weekend off.

When you register for piano lessons, you reserve a specific weekly time slot. Our regular lesson year generally runs from September through June, following the school calendar.

To make payments convenient, you can choose from the following options:

  • Monthly payments: Lesson fees are averaged over the school year and paid monthly through pre-authorized payment by credit card, e-transfer, or cash.
  • Payment in full: You can also choose to pay the full year’s lesson fees in advance before your lessons begin.

Please note that casual or drop-in cash payments are not available.

First off, we’ll miss you!

Two lessons notice must be provided for withdrawal. Immediate withdrawal is subject to a two lesson cancellation fee. The Upbeat Music Academy reserves the right to terminate lesson contracts on unpaid accounts.

Monday: 10 AM – 9 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 9 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM – 9 PM
Thursday: 10 AM – 9 PM
Friday: 9 AM – 5:30 PM

Upbeat Music Academy Kelowna
455 Glen Pine Crt.
Kelowna, BC
V1V 1R3
P: 250-317-3685

(We’re very close to Watson Rd. Elementary School)

See our map here

The Upbeat Music Academy follows the School District 23 Calendar

Please note:
– There are still lessons on Pro D days (they are not considered a holiday)
– Clients are not charged for lessons that land on Holidays so there are no make up lessons or refund owed.

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“Lora finds ways to reach and teach each individual student as though they were the only student she teaches.”

Sam Holderness
Parent

Hundreds Of Happy Customers

Lora Wentworth Piano Lessons Kelowna 5 star reviews on Google

Rated 5/5, year after year!

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