Elmer's story

Deep in the heart of Cochrane, right next to our very own Mackay’s ice-cream shop, you might get a chance to hear the soothing sounds of a piano at Rockyview Hotel. Those melodies are coming from none other than our resident pianist, Elmer Jespersen.

He had quite the interesting start to his musical lifestyle, as he goes on to describe his unconventional way of learning to play. “Oh, I took a longing for it when I was a kid, at about age 10. They tell me I had six lessons and then the teacher moved away and it was up to myself. I’m a self-learner so, I had to read the music and apply it to the piano, and then I just love to play. I learned to play the accordion and organ as well.” It’s incredible to think that someone with such a talent for piano was able to achieve that level without much of any help.

When it comes to passion, Elmer is someone defined by his dedication to playing beautiful music for himself along with everyone in earshot of the Cochrane community. Elmer has said that his music is a comfort spot for him, with him detailing exactly what his music means to him. “It’s been a solace to my heart and a lot of the times when I feel disappointed I just come down and play a song for myself a lot of times. My endeavor is for those who walk by here are to touch the heart of one or two persons, that’s all I’m asking.” A true hearted musician isn’t easy to come by these days, so it’s refreshing to hear about someone being so passionate about the music they play.

Elmer has made it his moral code to never willingly accept money for his music, as he wants people to enjoy his music as much as he does. “I’m not looking for any self-gratification or anything like that. I’ve touched hundreds of people here who were going through stressful situations and problems and their being touched by it just by listening to the piano.” Elmer’s love for the piano shines through these streets like a ray of sunshine. Mr. Elmer Jespersen has been volunteering around Cochrane as our beloved piano player and now you know exactly how humble of a man he is. You can catch him all around Cochrane, or, hear his melodies as you’re leaving Mackay’s. For all the heartwarming moments he has helped create for the Cochrane residents, you can thank our resident pianist, Elmer Jespersen.