I have had the privilege of providing piano lessons for students of all ages in Stratford since 1990. I have coached and prepared students for Kiwanis Music Festivals and Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) exams with success.

In recent years, I have been offering group or private lessons for adults to learn to play the piano or rediscover their skills in a supportive setting paying attention to their own interests, goals and learning styles.

Finding ways to be more creative, expressive and imaginative in playing the piano is not only for my students but also for myself as teacher. In that regard, I am a student for life and value the role professional development plays in my ongoing musical journey. I have membership with and participate in three professional piano networking groups.

In 2014, I was awarded the Women of the Year Award for education, sponsored by the Avon Maitland Teachers’ Local.

What Children, Parents, and Adult Students are Saying

“It is really fun learning to play the piano with you.” – Jonah, age 7

“It’s been fun and interesting.  You have inspired me to keep going for piano.  You’re also very kind, cool, funny and musical.”   Lena, age 7

“Thank you for all of your time, patience, support and most of all, creativity… your recital was outstanding”   Mary Kathryn, parent

“Thank you so much for your infinite patience and wisdom – for your skills as a teacher, musician, and mentor.” Jane, parent

“You have taught her how to play her pieces with feeling and made her music come alive.”  Joy, parent

“Thank you for your many years of dedication to excellent teaching! Your appreciation, compassion, and love towards the children is so evident! You are a gifted musician and teacher, and a warm-hearted, caring, creative soul.” Angela, parent

“I admire your dedication to teaching music and the creative and innovative ways to reach and engage each child.” Melanie, parent

“We sincerely appreciate your kind, gentle and patient approach to teaching music. You seem to know how to challenge the children without it being overwhelming.” Michelle, parent

“We appreciate your patience, caring and flexibility with our crew! You also inspire us to be better educators as well.” Kendra and Tanya, parents

“I attended my children’s piano lessons with Brenda for several years.  This made a great jumping off point for starting to take adult lessons on my own.  My lesson with Brenda is a treat I give to myself each week.  Brenda has helped me to move along at my own pace and to focus on goals that are enjoyable to me, such as preparing for family Christmas concerts and learning to improvise.  I have found it to be a great stress reliever, a fun way to challenge myself, and it has helped me be a more understanding and helpful piano coach for my kids.” Sara, adult student

“We started lessons with Brenda knowing little about music and nothing about playing the piano. She is an excellent teacher whose expertise has been invaluable. Her lessons are challenging with their attention to detail, but Brenda is patient, encouraging, and very adaptable to our learning styles. Overall, it has been a fun and rewarding experience. Thanks Brenda.” Tammy and Burleigh, adult students.

“I love my piano lessons and I love practising at the piano including all the technical routines. Why? I have a piano teacher extraordinaire, Brenda Horst!

I have been taking lessons for about 6 months and coming from a classically trained background where I had to have the written music in front of me, I stated that I only wanted to perform certain pop music that I loved and I didn’t want to do scales and other technical rituals. Brenda agreed and gave me a simple piece she thought I might like (I loved it) and explained the technical aspects behind the tune. I was hooked from the very beginning and doors have been opened for me that I never dreamed possible. At the first lesson I was improvising and am currently delving into chording to create sounds and experiences that I thought were highly improbable for me. And did I mention that I’m having so much fun! Brenda’s positive attitude and her own love of the piano are outstanding as far as this almost septuagenarian is concerned. I am positive that Brenda Horst is the perfect piano teacher for all ages, skills and attitudes.” John, adult student

“After a break of many years I decided to return to the piano and was fortunate to be able to begin lessons with Brenda Horst in a small adult class, eventually progressing to private lessons.  Brenda provides a positive, supportive learning environment.  Formerly classical trained, I have enjoyed branching out and learning improvisation, jazz, and other genres, as well as playing classical pieces.  Whether you are looking to learn to play the piano as a beginner, or are interested in rediscovering your love of playing, Brenda is able to teach and inspire you, no matter your age and experience.” Julia, adult student

Contact Me:
Email: brendahorstmyc@gmail.com
Phone: 519 271 7535