Janna Banman
Piano Faculty
B.A., M. Mus., PgDip.
A native of Almaty, Kazakhstan, Janna (Zhanar) Banman is an accomplished pianist, collaborative pianist, and dedicated piano educator with extensive international teaching experience. Her musical career has taken her across Kazakhstan, Indonesia, France, Norway, and Canada, enriching her teaching philosophy through exposure to diverse musical traditions and educational approaches. Janna is fluent in English and Russian and has a basic knowledge of French, allowing her to connect with students and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Janna currently serves as Piano Facilitator at Mount Royal University Conservatory in Calgary, where she plays an active role in supporting and coordinating the piano program. Her responsibilities include connecting students with piano instructors, supporting faculty, coordinating auditions and performance opportunities, and contributing to the continued development of the Conservatory's piano community. Alongside her leadership responsibilities, she maintains an active piano teaching practice.
Janna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Kazakhstan and a Master of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Calgary, where she studied under the guidance of Marilyn Engle. She further pursued her musical development in Norway, earning a Postgraduate Diploma in Piano Performance under the tutelage of Erling Ragnar Eriksen.
Committed to continuous artistic and professional growth, Janna studied Theory and Analysis of Contemporary Music in Paris with Dr. Hasegawa of the Eastman School of Music. She has participated in the World Piano Meeting in Portugal on several occasions, attending masterclasses with distinguished pianists Aquiles Delle Vigne, Mamiko Suda, and Makoto Ueno. She has also performed in masterclasses with Daniel Röhm in Norway.
Janna's passion for teaching began during her early musical training in Kazakhstan, where she gained experience introducing young children to music. Over the years, she has developed a personalized and student-centred teaching approach, adapting her methods to each student's individual abilities, learning style, and musical aspirations. She believes in establishing a strong technical and musical foundation while nurturing creativity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for music.
Janna teaches students of all ages and abilities, from young beginners to advanced pianists and adult learners. She prepares students for examinations through both the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) and the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), offering instruction both in person and internationally online. Her students have achieved excellent examination results, including Merit and Distinction honours, and have participated in piano competitions, festivals, and public performances.
Beyond examination preparation, Janna encourages students to develop their artistry, musical independence, and performance confidence. She views competitions and performance opportunities as valuable experiences that foster discipline, resilience, and artistic expression.
Janna firmly believes that learning to play the piano is a transformative experience that extends far beyond the instrument. Through music education, students develop essential life skills, including patience, perseverance, concentration, self-discipline, and creative thinking. Her greatest reward as an educator is inspiring students to discover their musical potential and develop a lasting love for music.