In this one-on-one ongoing course, students will learn how to play the piano as well as the fundamentals of basic music theory. Each lesson will be catered specifically to the student and their learning goals. My main goal as a music teacher is to foster a love of music in my students and to provide them with the skills, resources and knowledge needed to be successful in their playing. I always strive to  create a relaxed and friendly learning environment so that students feel comfortable playing and are able to have fun while they learn. 

This course is learner-led and the content will be based entirely on the learner's interests, level and age. In our first lesson, I will ask your child what their goals are for our lessons. This will help me teach to their interests and objectives. Whether your child wants to learn how to play their favourite songs, learn how to read music, prepare for exams or anything else, I am happy to help and focus the lessons on those goals. I have experience teaching students with a variety of different goals and interests and find that catering my lessons to those interests creates the most dedicated and successful pianists. Regardless of your student's learning goals, I will still teach them the fundamentals of music and the basics of playing piano. So, while we will focus on the student's specific learning goals, they will still receive traditional training in piano as well.

Since the course is learner led and one-on-one, each lesson will be different to suit the needs of each individual learner. Some of the topics that we may cover (depending on age, interest and ability level) include:
-how to read music
-identifying notes on the piano
-music theory 
-technique (scales, chords, intervals, etc.)
-ear training (playback, clapback, sight reading, etc.)
-efficient practice
-rhythm

If you are interested in having your child take piano examinations, I have prepared multiple students for examinations with the Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada and would be happy to prepare students for other exams as well. I am able to prepare students for practical and / or theoretical examinations. Please let me know if this is your intent so that I can properly prepare and discuss the process with you before you enroll. 

Each lesson will be different depending on the student, but the following is a break down of a typical session:
1- Warm up: This could include technique practice (scales, chords, etc.), note identification or a quick game
2- Review of songs and previous lesson: the student will have the opportunity to play their song from the previous lesson in order to review the main concepts and ask any questions that they might have
3- Lesson: new concepts will be introduced and the student will begin to learn a new song or continue learning a song from the previous week
4- Ear training / games / review: in the last few minutes of the lesson, we will either review main concepts, work on ear training or play games to reinforce previous topics.

The structure above is only a sample structure for a student working out of a lesson book. Depending on the student, age and ability level, we may cover more or less than what is listed above because the course will be tailored towards each specific student. A beginner student can expect to cover the following topics in their first lesson book (the duration spent on each topic depends entirely on the student):
1- Introduction to playing (proper posture, finger numbers, hand positions)
2- Basic rhythms (quarter note, half note, whole note)
3- The musical alphabet and key names
4- The grand staff
5- Middle notes (CDEFG position and CBAGF position)
6- Steps and skips on the staff
7- Bass notes
8- Ties
9- Rests

Again, this is only a sample schedule, the course can be adjusted to fit your child's learning goals. I am very flexible in my teaching, please reach out to me if you have any questions about the course or any other expectations that I have not listed here. 

I am a very patient and understanding teacher. I really strive to create the most welcoming and comfortable environment for your child. I understand how difficult it can be to learn a new instrument and I also understand how scary it can be to play an instrument in front of someone new. All I ask of my students is that they try their best, come into each lesson with a willingness to learn and have fun!

*I offer sibling discounts. Please contact me after registering your first child to inquire.