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RCM Ambassadors

RCM Ambassadors

The RCM Ambassadors are experienced teachers and pedagogues who have successfully incorporated the Certificate Program into their own studio practices.  Their insights and leadership as members of the RCM College of Examiners have proved to be an invaluable resource for teachers who are preparing students for RCM examinations.  

Our team of US-based Ambassadors is here to assist those already teaching the Certificate Program, and to provide guidance for teachers who are interested in getting started.  Private studios, music schools, and pedagogy programs have all benefitted from their experience and support.
 

Wendy Bachman
Wendy Bachman, a native of Vancouver, BC, resides in State College, PA. A member of the College of Examiners for 28 years and a piano teacher of 38 years, she holds a Masters Degree in Piano Pedagogy and Performance. Wendy serves on the board of the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association.  
Dr. Linda Govel
RCM Certified Teacher Dr. Linda Govel has a Doctor of Musical Arts from the Thornton School of Music and teaches in Rolling Hills Estates, CA. She's received the Teacher of Distinction award and her students have won RCM Center Awards, State Awards, Regional Gold Medals, and 2 National Gold Medals.
Dr. Victoria Holland
Victoria Holland, soprano, D.Mus. Northwestern University, is the Lead Editor and Compiler of the 2019 RCM Voice Series and Syllabus. Victoria's passion for vocal performance and vocal pedagogy have led to affiliations with renown concert series and music organizations in North America and abroad.
Dr. Michael Krikorian
Michael Krikorian is a pianist, composer, music educator, and scholar. He is the Assistant Professor of Piano and Music Technology at California State University, Fresno, and currently serves as the VP for Conferences for the California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT). 
 
Dr. Stephen Pierce
Stephen Pierce enjoys a multi-faceted career as a performer, teacher, presenter, clinician, and scholar. He serves on the keyboard studies faculty at the University of Southern California and at Interlochen Arts Camp each summer, and teaches privately in Pasadena, CA. 
Dr. Jonathan Roberts
Jonathan Roberts is the owner and director of the South Shore Piano School in the Boston area. Jonathan is an examiner for RCM, as well as the state competition chair and president-elect for the Massachusetts chapter of the Music Teachers National Association. 
Heidi Saario
A native of Finland, Heidi Saario has served as an RCM Examiner since 2008, and has over 20 years of teaching experience in Finland, Canada, and USA. She teaches independently in Alameda, CA, and serves on the Executive Board of CAPMT. She holds a Masters Degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy.
Dr. Jill Sprenger
Jill Sprenger has received piano performance degrees from Oberlin Conservatory, Indiana University, the University of California, and the Vienna Hochschule while on a Fulbright Grant. She is currently the founder and Director of the new Fort Worth Conservatory of Music and Fine Arts. 
Sheila Vail
Sheila Vail, pianist, BM, MM Peabody Conservatory, is a teacher and owner of the Indian Springs Academy of Music in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is also a member of the College of Examiners and serves as the Cincinnati Center Representative.