Anita Howald BMus., BEd.
I’m Anita, Piano Teacher, and Early Childhood Music Educator. Music has formed a significant part of who I am, and was introduced to me at a very young age. Growing up, I explored many opportunities working with younger children in various roles, and in turn gained a love for children. These experiences naturally influenced me to combine my passion for music with teaching, eventually leading to the opening of Music for Life Piano Studio. My goal is to enhance the lives of all students by inspiring a love of music while developing creative, well rounded musicians.
Musical Biography
Anita's musical roots can be traced back to the Bradley Institute of Music in Niagara Falls, where she began studying classical piano with Ruth Ann Johnston at the age of six, as well as Grace Barnes in later years of study. She grew up in the Niagara Region performing in numerous piano recitals and concerts, and as a piano accompanist in her local parish church. Her teaching experiences began as a young assistant with group violin lessons.
Anita received a scholarship from the Bradley Institute for musical study in post-secondary education, and continued her music education at Wilfrid Laurier University. She studied piano with well known Canadian Pianist James Parker, completing an Honours Bachelor of Music Comprehensive-Music Education degree, and a Minor in Psychology. Following graduation, she taught for the Merriam School of Music and thereafter completed a Bachelor of Education at the University of Western Ontario. Anita was an Elementary School Teacher for over 12 years and now operates Music for Life Piano Studio out of her home. Anita holds additional certificates in teaching Elementary Piano through the Royal Conservatory of Music and Early Childhood Music Together Teacher Training.
From a young age, she has carried a passion for music and teaching. Anita has had broad experiences over the course of her career working with students of all ages in both group and private piano lessons. Her musical teaching experiences also include directing school choirs, teaching band, voice, and recorder. As a Kindergarten teacher, music was used as a tool for teaching and learning, to enhance the learning experience and overall development of her students. Anita has a keen interest in early childhood music education, the effects of music on child development, and is a strong believer in the importance of educating students and parents on the stages of musical development. Anita enjoys reading, cooking, sports, the great outdoors, traveling and spending time with her husband and two daughters.