Pianist, teacher, and researcher
Dr. Jean-Pierre Calitz
Personalized piano teaching shaped by performance experience, educational research, and 20 years of teaching students at different ages and levels.
Online worldwide • In person in Vancouver • English and French
Teaching with depth and clarity
Musical development is more than playing the correct notes
Jean-Pierre Calitz is a South African-born pianist, educator, and researcher. His teaching connects healthy technique, thoughtful practice, musical understanding, and the individual goals that bring each student to the piano.
He completed a Doctorate in Piano Performance at the Université de Montréal and a Master’s in Piano Performance at Western Michigan University. He also holds Performer’s and Teacher’s Licentiates from UNISA and a Performer’s Certificate from Trinity College London, all with distinction.
His graduate work in applied positive psychology, with a focus on mindfulness, wellbeing, and performance, informs a calm and practical approach to concentration, confidence, and performance pressure.
Experience students can use
From first lessons to advanced performance
Individual teaching
Lessons adapt to the student’s experience, learning pace, repertoire, practical schedule, and reasons for studying music.
Exam and performance preparation
Students can work on RCM, ABRSM, and Trinity requirements, competitions, auditions, recitals, and the skills needed to perform with confidence.
Online expertise
Jean-Pierre has specialized in live online teaching since 2019, with clear camera, sound, demonstration, and feedback practices developed for piano lessons.
Professional record
Performance, higher education, and research
Jean-Pierre has performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and collaborator across Africa, North America, and Europe. His principal mentors have included Nettie Immelman, Albie van Schalkwyk, Silvia Roederer, Lori Sims, and Paul Stewart.
He has held teaching positions at Western Michigan University, North-West University, the Tshwane University of Technology Opera School, and St John’s College. His doctoral work examined the piano music of Nikolai Medtner and the interpretive decisions involved in performing this demanding repertoire.
His Royal Conservatory teacher profile provides independent confirmation of his professional teaching credentials.
Start with a conversation
Tell Jean-Pierre what you would like to achieve at the piano
A trial lesson is a practical way to discuss your goals, current level, scheduling, and whether the teaching approach is a good fit.