Lesson Info

Learn online in the comfort and convenience of your own home, or in person in my home based studio in Kemptville, Ontario.
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Lessons are 45 minutes in length for beginners and are held weekly. Parents of young children attend each lesson with their child. This is in order to support practise and reinforcement at home and create a positive learning environment. 

Music theory is now integrated in all lessons on an ongoing basis.  I also offer private or group theory lessons to students who play other instruments or pursue music studies elsewhere.

Summer lessons will be scheduled in late spring for those who are interested in continuing piano lessons through July and August.

Method

Books and methods for teaching will be selected based on each student's  individual learning styles and goals. 
Methods that I am currently using include:   Faber Piano Adventures, Piano Safari, Royal Conservatory of Music. 

Practice

Part of learning to play the piano is daily practice. If the only time you play the piano is during your lesson, then your muscles will have trouble remembering what they did during your last lesson and you won't make much progress. That isn't much fun. It's important to set up a routine time for practice and to follow the teacher's notes. Parents play a crucial part in their children's success.  Regular home practise with parental assistance (up to 11 years) is required. 

Instrument

The better the quality of your instrument at home, the better your practice will be. You can select an acoustic piano, new or used. Or you can opt for a keyboard or electric piano. It is important to have a full size keyboard (88 keys) that has weighted keys, or is touch-sensitive.

Performance Opportunities

I generally hold two concerts each year.  Students  will have an opportunity to perform in front of friends and family in a relaxed and nurturing environment.  My recitals are generally held at a local church or hall, and are a great opportunity to build confidence in the students' playing. Preparation will begin in advance to ensure the students are well prepared and excited to demonstrate their progress.

​Occasionally I have a casual get together at my home for adult students to share some refreshments and play a song or two if they wish.

Steinway Young Performer’s Club

I encourage all students to become involved in the Steinway Young Performers’ Club whic his a free monthly performance club. This club provides a wonderful opportunity to become comfortable with performing and to prepare for upcoming recitals, festivals, and exams. It is also a nice social experience to get to know other students and share your music. 

Music Festivals

The Brockville Music Festival and the Ottawa Kiwanis Music Festival both take place in April and there are classes available for all levels. I keep my students up to date on registration. 

Examinations

The opportunity to prepare for Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations is generally offered to my piano students after approximately 2 years of study.  Exams can be a great motivator for some, but they are not for everyone.  I never push a student to do an exam.  Exams should be seen as a positive and rewarding experience.
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