Explanation of highlighted terms at the very bottom
Have you always wanted to learn that piece? Maybe it’s a Newfoundland folk tune or the latest Adele hit or the theme from Star Wars.
Regardless of your level, we will find a version that you will be able to play. I often write out simplified versions of tunes so that beginners can get the satisfaction of playing something they love right off the bat.
Lessons are tailored to a student’s unique needs and interests. Drawing on my experience as a Classical pianist I help students to learn to play repertoire* of all kinds. During a typical lesson a student might review their note names on flash cards, create an original rhythm on a white board and clap it out, learn some basic chord progressions that they could use while jamming with friends, improve their reading skills through some sight-reading* , improvise a duet with their teacher, learn to recognize types of chords like major, minor, or diminished by ear, review their scales, or see if they have that Chopin prelude memorized! All at their own pace and in a safe and supportive learning environment.
As a teacher I have two main priorities: first and foremost that you enjoy yourself through discovering the joy of playing music; secondly, that you grow as an all-round musician.
For students with experience, I bring to you what I’ve learned through success in university level piano performance and conducting programs, experience as a seasoned accompanist*, and years of teaching students of all levels, as well as personal experience working through performance injury*.
I support those who are interested to pursue success in Royal Conservatory of Music exams. Students are under no expectation to perform. Most of my students just do it for the fun of it!
Get to know more about your teacher!
♪♫
*repertoire is a fancy name for pieces of music
*sight-reading means to play music you’ve never seen before on the spot
*an accompanist is a pianist who accompanies or plays piano with other musicians. It could mean playing a duet with a violinist, supporting a singer, being the orchestra for an opera production, or helping rehearse and perform with a choir. Accompanists need to be very strong sight-readers and know how to listen to other musicians as well as follow conductors.
*yes it can happen to the best of us. Performance injury is common for a large percentage of musicians. It’s not unlike an athlete dealing with injury. Usually it comes from repetitive-strain and issues with how the pianist moves their hands and body.