We were very fortunate to have Ina Dykstra as our piano adjudicator for our music festival. She interacted with student of all ages and abilities with such care, fostering open, constructive learning opportunities. In working with each student for just 5 minutes, she was able to identify specific issues and offer advice on technique, phrasing, voicing, or dynamics. As a teacher, I enjoyed watching how her guidance allowed students to reach a new level of artistic expression.
Kerry Wheler : Yellowknife Music Festival
Ina is a wonderful performer and piano teacher, and she brings her warm and energetic personality to everything she does.
Jamie Syer : Former Dean Victoria Conservatory of Music
BRAVISSIMO! Ina for your dedication & commitment to the St Albert Rotary Music Festival through the years. You and your students raised the bar with top notch performances that were often recommended to provincials. A trend setter with concerti, you were a role model for other teachers, continuing to research and perform student concerti at all levels. Your advice on developing our scholarship program has been a real asset in nurturing the talent in our community.
Maryan Threndyle: Festival Coordinator, St. Albert Rotary Music Festiva
I took piano lessons with Ina throughout my entire junior high and high school years. It's hard to relay exactly what I received through lessons with her because it exceeded developing only piano skills. Ina was more than a teacher to me; she was a mentor, a believer, and a friend. Today, I am a full time musician, and I am endlessly in debt to the time I spent with Ina. Ina invested her heart and time to get to know who I am as an individual as well as be sure to see me through my musical desires. She consistently challenged me and helped me develop the technique I have today (NOW I can thank you for that haha! :D). Furthermore, Ina went above and beyond her paid hour by attending my festival performances, talking with me on the phone when I may have had anxiety about an upcoming performance or post an exam, spent time with me during summer music camps and workshops etc. I also witnessed the heart she poured into her other students when I heard them play at our recitals. Every musician always played with individuality and it shone through the music. Ina, you really have been a mentor in my life. You've shaped the way I play and have a definite hand in the fact that I play music constantly. You nurtured my growth as a player but also gave me confidence to follow my dreams - which I get to live out every day!! Thank you for all your heart and investment Ina. Truly. I think about you a lot, and you have most definitely impacted my life in the most positive of ways. I will always love you! I miss you.
Jenie Thai: Singer/Songwriter/Performing Artist