Since I was 6 years old, I remember dreading the piano teacher’s presence… The stern looks, the forceful and linear way of teaching, and the endless hours of practice that was required - with music that I didn’t even like or understand. Today, with over 15 years of RCM teaching experience, I’ve learned from some of the best in the business and also from some of the worst… As I began to teach my o
wn students, I realized that most of them didn’t enjoy learning the way I was taught either. What if we consider the possibility that every student is unique in their natural strengths and abilities and teach them the way they learn best? This is exactly where my approach differs from most traditional teaching styles. If a student is really into jazz music, why not start with a jazzy piece that he or she already knows and loves? If another student is really into Bruno Mars, I figure, that would be the best place to begin in order to encourage him or her and bring out the enthusiasm. Does that mean we’ll never touch the classical stuff? I take classical music very seriously (and so does the RCM) but I realize it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. So doesn’t it make sense for a teacher to meet the student where he/she is instead of expecting the reverse? I have gotten a lot more cooperation and optimism when I’ve met the student where they were, instead of expecting the reverse. I begin by taking the time to get to know each student’s personal learning style and customizing a program that is right for them. We ease into the program at the student’s own personal pace and achieve any goals they may have (and I may have for them), related to piano. The one thing I cannot take away is the practice time - the students still need to practice but with a personal approach, it becomes much more enjoyable! The students will learn the notes, scales, read music, and a variety of pieces from different genres. Of course, I prepare my students for RCM exams and enjoy teaching how to improvise on the piano. I have a deep passion for music. I have finished piano levels 1-10 of The Royal Conservatory of Music. I’ve played in several different bands, where I practiced playing a large variety of musical genres - pop, rock, jazz, blues, even Indian Bollywood music. Different styles of music began to intrigue me, so during my last year of high school, I started to focus on jazz. in 2008, I graduated with a Bachelor of Jazz Music from Humber College, a prestigious jazz music school in Toronto. As a part of my program at Humber, I feel fortunate to have received some unique experiences, including scoring animated films and recording a demo album in a professional musical studio. Over the years, I have grown as a solo piano player, but have also learned the value of listening to other musicians while playing together. This is a vital skill that is often overlooked, which I make a point to teach my students. Whether you’re checking out this page because you’ve got a 3-year-old whom you’d like to begin learning piano or you’re 89, who never got the chance to start, IT IS NEVER TOO LATE! Please feel free to message me with any questions. I look forward to meeting you and helping make your piano dreams a reality!
