Music

About Me

I’ve been playing piano since age 5 – music was my first love! At 9, I became enraptured with figure skating, and was a figure skater, and then a coach until I injured out of that world about a decade ago.

I then found music again, this time in Toronto’s indie music scene. With the support of that community, I learned drums, bass, and eventually became the lead singer and songwriter of a band, Terrible and the Horribles. I’ve had the privilege to play in many other small bands around the city, and have about 8 years of experience as a gigging musician. Mentoring students and encouraging them in their performance aspirations is one of my favourite things about teaching music.

Money and scheduling

24 hours notice is expected for cancellations in most cases, barring extenuating circumstances

“No-shows” – i.e: when I arrive at someone’s house and they are not there for their scheduled lesson, will still be billed at the regular rate.

If I have to cancel, I will also endeavor to give you 24 hours notice, or as much notice as I can.

I usually don’t work on the following dates/holidays: Winter solstice (Dec. 21st); Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s Day; Halloween (Oct. 31st). Occasionally, I will take a week or two off for vacation. In those instances, I will let all students know in advance.

Rates include preparation and materials, except full books that we collectively agree should be purchased, such as RCM books. If purchasing books is not possible for you, but you’d like to pursue RCM or another method, please speak to me.

Philosophy and expectations

I am encouraging and straightforward – I expect my students to practice, but will not yell at or ridicule them for not doing so. Life happens, and music should be a refuge and a source of pride. I will gently push students to make time for their practice and offer practical planning suggestions to help reach their goals.

I strive to provide an environment that is inclusive and comfortable for people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, abilities, and backgrounds.

If you or your child have specific needs, I encourage you to let me know so that I can adequately prepare for lessons.

I believe that music is for everyone – anybody can sing, and anybody can learn to play an instrument! If you’ve been told you can’t do it, then I’m the teacher for you. I love helping people find their musical “voice”, whatever that may be.

I am very interested in all types of music theory and history, but I formally teach only Western music theory (the kind of theory that European classical composers use, like Chopin, Beethoven, and Bach)

I do sometimes integrate tidbits of knowledge from other traditions to make students aware of the diversity of musical traditions worldwide, but am not equipped to teach other traditions formally.