What People Say

"As a parent, I appreciate the care Anne took when my daughter was struggling with a new concept or challenging piece and Anne was able to help her be successful and proud of her accomplishments.

"As an adult student, Anne has not only improved my playing tremendously, but also my enjoyment of music.  She has a wide range of techniques to help, and her enthusiasm for music is contagious."

--Alisa Thompson

"Music has always been a big part of my life.  Ever since I can remember, I have been singing and dancing and performing for my family and friends at home and at school.  It wasn't a surprise to me that music class quickly became my favorite part of the school day at Thornhill Primary School.  I remember excitedly getting into our single file line to walk down to the music portable to see Mrs. Hill for our music lessons.  It was there in those short classes that Mrs. Hill gave me the tools, knowledge and opportunities to take my love for music and integrate it into who I am today.

"Anne recognized my talent and eagerness early, and didn't hesitate to provide me with good, positive outlets.  I remember doing everything from recorder to xylophones to singing to acting to composing...We even put on a Christmas musical and a musical to save the environment!  Organizing all of those kids and all of that music was no easy task.

"As if that wasn't enough, Mrs. Hill also recognized that my home situation wasn't going to afford me the means to continue to nurture my talents outside of school.  I come from a single-parent household, and music lessons just weren't going to be in the budget.  Anne and her sister [pianist Laura Spitzer] decided that they would award me a scholarship for $1,000 USD and music lessons on the instrument of my choice.  I chose piano, and that money bought me my first upright, and I began lessons with Mrs. Hill immediately.

"I went on to be a consistent place holder in the Pacific Northwest Music Festival, to play in a Gala Night, to hold my Grade 8 Practical RCM Certificate, to major in Music at the University of Victoria, and to currently be a professional singer at several major churches in Canada, including Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria, BC, and the Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul in Montreal, where I was featured at the CBC's Christmas Sing-in in 2011.

"Looking back, none of this would have been possible without the support, grooming, hard work and patience of this amazing woman."

--Mark Anthony Briand, Tenor/Pianist

"Thanks Anne for making music such a pleasure to learn.  The foundation you provided has helped me to this day."

--John Ancheta, artist, and guitarist for Yamantaka//Sonic Titan