Frequently Asked Questions

Lessons

What ages/levels do you teach?

The students I teach must be at least 6 years old and can range from true beginners to those preparing for post-secondary school auditions.



What teaching methods do you use?

For younger students and beginners, I usually use a combination of Faber Piano Adventures and material specific to the student's interests (sheet music, ear training, improvisation). Intermediate/advanced students will likely be following the Royal Conservatory of Music level-by-level requirements appropriate to them, but more specific goals can be set.



How does payment work?

Payment (as well as availability) is required on a monthly basis. Whether you are taking 1, 2, 4, or 100 lessons in a month, I must know which weeks we're on for scheduling purposes.



What are your rates?

My rates run at $45/half hour, $55/45 minutes, and $65/hour for in-home lessons (in Toronto proper). Each in-home rate is discounted $5 for lessons in my studio, and discounted a further $5 ($10 off in-home rates) for online lessons.



When are your studio hours?

For now, my studio (located near St. Clair West and Dufferin Street) is open on Sundays. Kinda like church. Except all day.



What if we can't make a lesson?

If a lesson is missed due to an unaccounted-for scheduling conflict, neither a refund or a make-up lesson will be offered. If an unforeseen circumstance (ie. illness, snowstorm) causes the student to miss a lesson, a refund OR make-up can be provided with at least 24 hours notice. With less than 24 hours notice, the student and I may try to schedule a make-up lesson, but a refund cannot be provided.



Why should I take lessons from you?

I have a hard-to-find combination of experience and youth; I've been lucky to have achieved a high-level at an early age, which jumpstarted my teaching career at the age of 16. Despite my wealth of knowledge, I'm always searching for better methods and seeking to seamlessly incorporate technology into music education.



Can I have a free trial lesson?

If you would like to come to my studio on Sunday for a trial lesson, I'd happily have a 30-minute meet-and-greet/piano lesson with you at no cost. If you would like a trial lesson at your location, I would ask for half of my regular rate.



Do you have a referral policy?

Yes, great question! For any student that you refer who takes a trial lesson, you will get 1 lesson for free. The referred student does NOT have to continue lessons with me for this policy to apply, nor do you have a limit on how many times you can redeem this offer. So yes, you could potentially have free lessons for life with the right amount of referrals.



How much should my child practice?

Every person - regardless of age/experience/talent - needs to practice at least 3.5 hours a week (30 minutes a day) to retain the information they learn during the lesson and to improve technically. They may practice every other day (for at least 1 hour), but should not miss practicing for 2 consecutive days. Staying away from the piano for a long time while still learning the instrument is a huge hindrance, as the student is playing catchup with their own abilities rather than improving upon them.



Will you make sure my child practices?

At the end of each lesson, I will let you and your child know what they should be practicing until their next lesson. Parents have a major impact on their kids' progress as their skills and knowledge increase by ensuring that practice is done consistently. Without this influence from parents, students' progress could slow greatly, or come to a halt. I offer a few benefits to track practices, including a Google Doc/Sheet of the student's goals and a homework log, as well as a check-in message/email to you midway between lessons. However, the responsibility rests with parents to ensure their child is practicing every day.



Music/Audio Services

What are your rates to score a project of mine?

This is a VERY difficult question to answer, as my rates depend on many factors, such as scope of project, and equipment needed. Rates can also be charged on a per-hour, per-minute-of-music, or as a percentage of the overall project budget basis. Please get in contact with me directly with as much detail as you can provide, and I'd be happy to give you a quote.



What are your rates to mix a project/song/album of mine?

Please see above answer.



What are your rates to accompany me for an audition/exam?

These rates vary depending on the length and difficulty of the material that I must play, as well as the number of rehearsals that will be required. Typically, rates run at $65/hour for rehearsal, and $45 overall for the final performance.



I need a whole ensemble for my event! Can you help?

Luckily, I run in quite a few music circles and have frequent collaborators that play all sorts of instruments! I would be more than happy to try to coordinate an ensemble of your choosing from my contacts, so please contact me directly with your request!