About Us

Nikita Labdon, Owner of Prelude Music

Hi! I am the owner of Prelude Music. I have been teaching private music lessons for over 10 years and have my Bachelor of Music Vocal Performance degree from the University of Manitoba.

Music has always been a big part of my life. As a child, I was involved in piano and voice lessons, band, choir and Musical Theatre productions.

I am currently an active member of our performing arts community and have had the pleasure of performing Opera, Jazz and Musical Theatre in Winnipeg and abroad.

Being able to have music as a part of my life from such a young age allowed me to not only develop my passion for performing, but helped me discover my love for teaching and fostering a love for music in others.

Here at prelude we hope to inspire a love of music into all of our students from ages 6 months- 90 years!

Jacqueline Arthur, B.Mus, M.Mus

Voice Instructor & Musical Theatre Instructor and Administrator

Jacqueline is a passionate and encouraging voice teacher who enjoys teaching singers of all ages and skill levels. She received a Bachelor of Music degree from University of Lethbridge and a Master of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Manitoba.

Jacqueline is an experienced performer who has had the opportunity to perform several operatic roles such as Mrs. Peachum (The Beggar’s Opera), Fernando (Rodrigo), Maurya (Riders to the Sea), and La Peinture (Les arts florissants).

As a teacher, Jacqueline strives to create a fun, safe environment in which her students can grow as artists, improve their musicianship and vocal skills, and achieve their personal goals.

Kelly Beaton, BMT, MTA

Accredited Music Therapist, Piano and Voice Instructor, Melodies & ABC's Instructor, Sing It Girls Facilitator

As a music therapist, Kelly works with individuals and groups to explore the healing potential of music, offering creative pathways for emotional expression, personal growth, and meaningful connection.

Every lesson and/or session is designed to offer opportunities for choice-making, self-expression, and building self-confidence—inviting and empowering people to take an active role in their own growth and development.

To Kelly, music is a deeply personal experience—and she’s dedicated to helping each person discover their own rhythm, voice, joy and meaning in every session.

Outside of the studio, Kelly enjoys riding her bike, spending time in the kitchen, swimming, visiting animal shelters, creating art and crafting with her nephews and nieces. She also actively performs and records in the musical project.

Jaimie Terpstra, BMT, MTA

Accredited Music Therapist, Guitar Instructor, Melodies & ABC's Instructor.

As a certified music therapist, I support individuals and groups of all ages and backgrounds. My one-on-one work often focuses on young children and pre-teens who are working on goals related to speech and academics, emotional regulation, social skills, and attention. I also facilitate group sessions in adult day programs and schools, where I help foster social connection, teamwork, leadership, attention to tasks, and regulation skills.

My approach is centered on being client-led and affirming, while still entering each session with a thoughtful plan to support individual goals and needs.

I bring over 10 years of experience working with children, and 6 years of experience supporting both kids and adults with various neurodivergence's and disabilities. My passion for this work comes from a desire to make music accessible and enjoyable for as many people as possible, while supporting individuals and families in their goals, building trusting relationships, and nurturing a healthy community.

Naomi Friesen, BMT, MTA

Specializations: Accredited Music Therapist, Guitar and Piano Instructor

Naomi finds joy in supporting individuals and groups to explore, express and process feelings in daily life while fostering self-compassion along the way. In the studio Naomi works with kiddos through a child-led, play-based approach and enjoys incorporating music learning goals in therapy.

In the community Naomi provides services for older adults focussed on memory care using reminiscence and sensory experiences, and music for social and emotional development for youth and adults with disabilities. She presents music as a communicator, connector and a portrayal of the clients’ unique selves. Naomi seeks to highlight every person’s strengths to be used in making music within the safety of the therapeutic relationship.

Heather Grafe, BSM, BFA, BEd

Specializations: Piano, Ukulele, Theory Instructor, Intro to Piano/Ukulele Instructor

Heather Grafe is a seasoned educator with a few University degrees (BSM, BFA and BEd) and a hard-earned certificate (ARCT, Piano Performance). She has enjoyed teaching French, English and Elementary Music in classrooms from Toronto and Calgary to Nairobi and Mombasa, Kenya.

As both an Elementary Music classroom teacher and an experienced studio piano teacher, she draws on the wisdom of various music pedagogies such as Keyfest, Music for Young Children, Orff, Kodaly, Dalcroze, and Montessori to provide a balanced and rich music curriculum. She believes that discovering and learning music should be a joy-filled journey!

Ashley Roch, B. Mus

Piano Instructor

Bio Loading...

Russell Peters, BMT, MTA

Accredited Music Therapist, Guitar, Ukulele, Drum and Piano Instructor

Russell is a Certified Music Therapist who graduated from CMU's Bachelor of Music program in 2010. Over the past fifteen years, he has traveled all over Manitoba providing music therapy in schools, personal care homes, and in the community.

Russell also enjoys teaching, and at Prelude Music he provides lessons on piano, guitar, ukulele, theory, and introductory drums. He is a passionate educator who believes that everyone can learn to experience the joys of making music regardless of background or ability.

Russell is well-versed in many different styles of music, using a flexible teaching style to best suit each individual student.

Tony Zazula, B.Mus

Guitar, Ukulele, Theory and Song Writing Instructor

Tony Zazula was born and raised in Grande Prairie, Alberta. He has 18 year of musical experience which includes performing and teaching since 2017 and composing for over a decade. Tony also created his own Youtube channel, Zazulastudios which highlights his guitar performances of standard repertoire, original compositions and his arrangements of anime and game music.

Tony began his formal college training in Grande Prairie and then moved to Lethbridge, Alberta to further his studies in classical guitar performance. It was at the University of Lethbridge that he further developed his craft, knowledge and love for the classical guitar - graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree.

Tony can help you prepare for an RCM exam, a university audition, or to develop your  understanding of music and hone your skills further. His teaching style is focused on building a strong foundation to help every student succeed in their musical goals.

Rick Chow, B.Mus, M.Mus

Intern

Rick is a proud graduate of The Education University of Hong Kong, where he earned his degree in Music Education with distinction. With over 7 years of private music instruction and 2 years of school teaching experience, Rick has cultivated a strong foundation in guiding students through piano, clarinet, and vocal instruction. Currently, he is a music therapy student at Canadian Mennonite University and serves as a music therapy intern at Prelude Music, deepening his commitment to using music as a tool for emotional and personal transformation.

Rick’s teaching and therapy sessions are vibrant, creative explorations that invite students and clients to discover the joy and healing power of music. Whether in a classroom or a therapeutic setting, he fosters a supportive, nurturing environment where individuals feel safe to express themselves, learn from mistakes, and grow. His patient and gentle approach helps students build musical skills and self-confidence. Drawing on his training at CMU and hands-on experience at Prelude Music, Rick integrates his educational background with therapeutic techniques to meet the unique needs of each individual.

Celebrated for his ability to connect with others, Rick’s goal is to inspire a lifelong love for music. Whether teaching or providing therapy, he creates a caring and encouraging space where students and clients can thrive musically.

Nicole Steinley, BMT 

Music Therapy Intern, Melodies and ABC’S Instructor

Nicole Steinley (they/them) is a music therapy intern from Canadian Mennonite University, currently working with adults and children with disabilities, as well as early childhood development.

Nicole’s therapeutic philosophy is informed by their identity as a Queer and neurodivergent person, and they are exploring approaches to therapy that are neurodiversity-affirming, strength-based, sensory focused, and trauma-informed.

In addition to guitar and piano, Nicole also plays the clarinet. Though Nicole likes a range of music from hard rock to indie folk, they still know every Taylor Swift song by heart!