How long have you been teaching for?

Since 2016, so 8 years now!

Who do you teach?

I teach all levels, beginner to advanced, from the age of about 7. I will go younger if they are mature for their age.

Where do you teach?

I teach in Regina out of studios at The Conservatory and the Pantala Arts Lab. Contact me for more specific information.

When do you teach?

This year, I am teaching after-school hours on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. 

Do you do online lessons?

Yes! I use the Zoom platform to deliver lessons. 

What do you teach?

My overall goal is to cultivate well-rounded musicians who can read and play written music, read and play a chord chart or lead sheet, learn songs by ear and make their own arrangements, and improvise with confidence. 

I always learn what music students listen to and love best, and what their specific goals are, to inform what I teach a student. 

I tend to use the Piano Adventures method book for beginner note-reading, supplemented by other music, exercises, and pieces learned by rote. 

I prepare students for RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music) exams if they love classical music and are so inclined. RCM is a well-respected music education and examination institution in Canada: click here for more information.

How do you teach?

I love piano pedagogy and I could talk about it for hours; click here to see some blog posts with my strategies and thoughts!

Overall, though, my guiding principle is to create a supportive and fun environment for students to discover and learn through their own experience and creativity.  

I emphasize teaching the physical approach to the piano: how to make different sounds and colours happen in a mechanistically sound way. 

I did not have the benefit of learning these principles as a student; it hampered my playing. I struggled with inflammation and pain for a long time. Not anymore! I sound better, feel better when I play, and am more able to express myself and the music. 

I play lots of duets with my students and improvise with them often! Music is so much more than what's written on a page. Making your own music is so fulfilling! 

What are your expectations?

Students should have an instrument to practice on at home: an acoustic piano (in good shape and in tune) or a digital piano: 88 keys with weighted action. If you go to a instrument seller and ask for a digital piano for piano lessons (not a synthesizer or keyboard), they will give you lots of options at different price ranges. Often, these are available for rent at a very reasonable monthly cost. 

Students should practice! I teach all my students how to practice: it is not a skill we are born with! 

Shoot for more frequent and shorter practice sessions, rather than one or two long "cram" sessions. Practicing the day after the lesson is crucial so they don't forget what we worked on. Otherwise, every day with one or two days off is great. 

Length of time is less important than the quality and focus of practicing. However, young beginners usually do fine with 15 minute practice sessions. 

Young beginners often benefit from having the parent sit in on the lesson, and sit with them for part or all of their practicing. Younger children usually need that support so they remember to practice, and practice with intention!