Welcome Kristen!

Hello! My name is Kristen Zaza, and I’m so excited to be joining CGS this year as the new music teacher. Music has been an integral part of who I am for as long as I can remember, and I firmly believe that learning to understand and appreciate music from a young age can inspire young people’s creativity and enrich their lives in so many different ways.

I’ve been working as a pianist, composer, singer, music director and music teacher in a variety of capacities since high school. I have studied Classical Piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music since I was five, and actually went on to specialize in theatre, drama and performance in my undergraduate studies. While attaining my Master of Arts degree at U of T, I decided to combine my love of music with my love of theatre; my research focus was the use of music in theatre. This is what brought me to work with children as a music director in youth theatre and arts training programs all across Ontario. I love helping children find the confidence to love their own voice and particular musical style! I have also been teaching piano, voice and ukulele privately for over ten years.

As a long-time music teacher, I have worked with children both in group classes and in private lessons; and I’m so excited to have found a home at CGS where I can do both and share my love of music with such bright and creative students! This week, we learned about beat and rhythm, built our own songs together out of familiar melodies, began learning new songs for the first assembly, and began exploring Mozart’s life and musical style (he’s my favourite!).

Thank you so much for your warm welcome. I can’t wait to get to know you and your children better as the year goes on.

Kristen Zaza
Music Teacher
Children’s Garden School