Leif Hatzi-Blaak
Richmond
Summary
Leif was born on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, otherwise known as Vancouver, British Columbia. He is currently finishing his Bachelor’s in Music Composition Honors degree, with a minor in Psychology at Simon Fraser University.
Throughout his studies, he has collaborated with various artists and musicians including writing scores for film, contemporary music performances, and dance choreography. Other collaborations include working closely with musician and professional harpist, Elisa Thorn during the SFU School For Contemporary Arts 2022 Music and Sound Festival. He has also had the opportunity to work as an Apprentice Sound Designer alongside Canadian composer Joelysa Pankanea for Bard on The Beach’s Henry V 2023 theatre production. Leif has been playing the piano since he was three years old and has been composing his own original music since he was five. His first album titled Girl In The Blue Dress, produced by Chaucer Gilson and recorded and mastered by Nicholas Charuk, was released on YouTube and BandCamp on August 1st, 2023 presenting a collection of his solo piano works composed over the years. Other achievements include, winning various scholarships and awards for his art particularly for his accomplishments in music composition.
As well as a composer and musician, Leif also works with young children as a piano teacher at the Richmond Music School. He aspires to follow his passion in creating music for film, dance, theatre, and further educating people on the beauty and power of music.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Piano Teacher
Richmond Music School
09.2021 - Current
- Boosted student confidence in their abilities through consistent positive reinforcement and encouragement.
- Introduced students to appropriate hand positioning, finger transitions and pedal use.
- Communicated with parents regarding upcoming events and student progress.
- Developed lesson plans, selected course materials and prepared assignments.
- Included piano composition instruction and improvisation techniques.
- Prepared students for Royal Conservatory of Music piano exams.
Apprentice Sound Designer
Bard On The Beach
01.2023 - 08.2023
- Worked closely alongside composer, Joelysa Pankanea on the Shakespeare play, Henry V as an apprentice sound designer.
- In charge of sound sourcing, editing audio, and guiding actors' harmonies with the piano in vocal practice during rehearsals.
- Demonstrated eagerness to learn by asking questions and seeking clarification when necessary.
- Enhanced practical skills by assisting both the composer and director of the play in various tasks involving audio engineering and music composition.
- Adhered to company policies, procedures, and safety guidelines during daily work activities.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Music Composition
Simon Fraser University
Vancouver, BC06-2025
Skills
- Piano performance and pedagogy
- Music Composition skills
- Interdisciplinary collaborative art experience
- One-on-one teaching experience
- Effective lesson planning
- Strong communication skills
- Composition and improvisation experience
- Adaptive teaching methods
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Student motivation techniques
- Music notation fluency
- Sight-reading proficiency
- Ear training expertise
- Recital preparation
- Expert piano playing
- Practice strategies
Accomplishments
- Scholarships/Awards:
- Service Award - School For The Contemporary Arts Spring 2024
- Service Award - School For The Contemporary Arts Summer 2022
- District Authority Scholarship (Fine Arts - Music), 2020
- Meiko Assoon Memorial Scholarship, 2020
- First Class Honors - Richmond Music Festival 2014
- Music History and Theory: Level 9 and 10 Certificate
- RCM Level 10 Piano Certificate
- RCM Level 8 Piano Certificate
Certification
- Certified Piano Teacher, Richmond Music School - 2021 to present
- Royal Conservatory of Music Training - 2007 to 2019
Timeline
Apprentice Sound Designer
Bard On The Beach
01.2023 - 08.2023
Piano Teacher
Richmond Music School
09.2021 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Music Composition
Simon Fraser University
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