Mia is a pianist and an educator native of Osaka, Japan, currently based in Stratford, ON.  She teaches at the School of Music Arts in London, ON, and is now accepting new students at Coda Piano Studio in Stratford.

Mia started taking music lessons at age 3 through the Yamaha education system and has been surrounded by music and piano ever since.  Mia holds a Bachelor of Music from Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB, and a Master of Music from Western University.  She was fortunate to study with various teachers including Lynn Johnson, Stephen Runge, and Brett Kingsbury.

While she was a student, she participated in several summer music programs to develop her solo and chamber music repertoire such as Orford Music Academy (QC), Scotia Festival (NS) and Tuckamore Chamber Music Festival (NF).

Mia’s interest in piano is not only performing pieces by great composers but also
having a healthy approach to the instrument both physically and mentally.  She received a full scholarship to attend Dr. Lister-Sink Intensive Injury Prevention Program in the US to learn prevention of performance injuries from piano playing.

As a performer and educator, Mia is looking forward to sharing the joy of music with students for building a life-long skill for students.

*More information about lesson registration is on the website!*

Contact Info:
Website: codapianostudio.my.canva.site
Email: miamasui.piano@gmail.com
Phone: 519-857-2581
Instagram: @coda_pianostudio

Mr. Potvin’s teaches the centuries’ old method of voice training which is based on the natural development of the voice. Everything is done to help the student produce comfortable singing, with a rich and full tone without ever forcing or pushing.
Stéphane has earned a Bachelor of music in piano performance, a Bachelor of education, and a Masters’ in conducting. He received his vocal training from Louise Yard and Carol Bagott-Forte. He has been teaching voice, piano, and conducting for over thirty years. Under Mr Potvin’s tutelage, students develop both a rich and full tone and increased self-confidence.
Mr. Potvin is equally comfortable teaching students of any age, from beginners to advanced people. Lessons are one on one, with a duration of 30 to 60 minutes. Lessons take place at St James Anglican Church on Monday afternoons.

Contact Information: info@voicebuilder.ca, www.voicebuilder.ca

Testimonials
After three years of work with Stephane, my voice production has greatly improved, and my vocal range has expanded by nearly an octave. Stéphane’s encouragement and honest approach regarding my progress or lack thereof has kept me interested and wanting to continue my studies under his guidance.
— Bruce Morrow

Stéphane’s methods were a bit unusual I thought, certainly different from former teachers I had studied with. However, after almost three years of study with him I have found that my vocal range has increased & amp; my knowledge of voice production has greatly improved. He has extensive knowledge about voice production & amp; is able to impart this knowledge to his students effectively. In conclusion, I feel he is an excellent voice teacher & I feel privileged to be studying with him.
— Mary-Lou Montgrain

Stephane Potvin has transformed my voice in just two years. As a lifelong choral singer, I used
to squeak out a high G; now I can easily pull out a high B flat! On a choir tour this year, singers
around me were clearing their throats or coughing from vocal fatigue; I had no issues
whatsoever and kept singing healthily with ease. I owe all this to Stephane!
— Lianne Tan, Oakville (Music Director, West Plains United Church)

I find Mr. Potvin to be a willing, committed, and patient teacher. His own passionate dedication to his craftand willingness to share his knowledge and experience helped me achieve very consistent competence.This did indeed enable me lead the choir to feel confident to do many well-received performances during the eight years I was co-conductor.
— Sue Crowe Connolly

My musical journey with Stephane began July 2021. Looking back, I can see a well laid out plan to achieve the “next step” on the path. I have been singing in my church choir for the last 6 years and my newfound voice and range has garnered very encouraging comments from both the minister and music director.
— Steve Burford

Professional mezzo soprano Kathleen Promane has over 20 years experience of teaching private voice lessons. With a Bachelor of Music and a postgraduate Diploma in Opera from the University of Toronto, she is well equipped to guide students of all levels. Kathleen is an expert at coaching songs in English, French, Italian and German. She has also sung extensively in Spanish, Czech, and Russian. Kathleen has worked with singers from all genres and finds her classical background is very helpful in expanding ranges, facilitating with projection, developing healthy singing habits to encourage vocal health and cultivating an inclusive and informative learning environment. Kathleen has had the opportunity of working with some of the world’s leading vocal technicians in classical music including Mary Morrison, Jan Simons, Marlena Malas, Wendy Nielson, Anita Krause, Laura Tucker and Jennie Such. Notable coaches Kathleen has worked with are Emily Hamper, Rachel Andrist, Brian Zeger, Craig Rutenberg, Martin Dubé, Martin Isepp, Michael McMahon, Liz Upchurch, Carol Isaac, Stephen Ralls, Paul Dorgan, Don Tarnawski, Sandra Horst, Kinza Tyrell, Andrea Grant, Kate Carver, Amanda Johnston.

As a voice  teacher, Kathleen has helped many young singers  prepare for university and college auditions, musical theatre auditions, music festival preparation and Royal Conservatory Examinations all the way up to the ARCT level.

As a piano and ukulele instructor, Kathleen has been teaching beginner piano and ukulele for 5 years and has a well-developed love for sharing her theoretical knowledge and love of music with young people. She has a very calm and positively reinforcing approach and enjoys finding unique ways to connect musically with students. New to the Stratford area, Kathleen teaches out of her home in St Marys, Ontario.

Contact information:

https://www.kathleenpromane.com/

Email: kathleenpromane@gmail.com

]]> https://stratfordmusicteachers.ca/erin-coffey/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=erin-coffey Fri, 15 Jul 2022 15:02:51 +0000 https://stratfordmusicteachers.ca/?p=423
My studio is called ConBrio Music which means ‘with spirit’. Music is a gift that we develop and share with others, one that feeds our spirit, challenges our coordination, builds our brains, and creates life-long enjoyment. Music is important, especially through the pandemic, lessons have not been canceled, making music, enjoying music has not been canceled, and using music for stress relief is valuable. Music is a unique way to express ourselves and give voice to emotions that young students in particular may not be able to express in words.

My favourite part of teaching music is variety – from working with young beginners to coaching University students, every day is different.

I have been teaching piano and theory since 1995 and have submitted more than 800 students for RCM Exams! I particularly enjoy teaching the Advanced Theory Levels and it is a privilege to work with the students of many accomplished colleagues. I am an active member of ORMTA (the Ontario Registered Music teacher’s association), have an Honour’s Bachelor of Arts Degree and Certificates in Piano Pedagogy (art of teaching) from RCM. As a teacher I value life-long learning and continue looking for new ways to improve my knowledge and teaching.

Piano students are encouraged to play a variety of musical styles. My training is primarily classical, but since the mid-1990s I have enjoyed learning to chord and improvise for worship at church. I follow the RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music https://www.rcmusic.com/) curriculum for the core of what I teach, and welcome students to bring any other music they want to play! Duets, trios, and quartets (2 pianos, 8 hands) are great fun to learn and perform with others.

Come visit the studio to find out more!

Contact:
226-868-4086
studioerin@gmail.com
14 Mowat Street, Stratford ON
https://www.conbriomusic.ca/

Having grown up in a piano-teaching household, and having herself begun pedagogy training and piano-teaching at age 15, Sandra Mogensen has decades of experience and evolution as a piano teacher. Her teaching philosophy is to encourage, support, and challenge her students to express who they are through music, and to open doors to that expression by giving students the necessary musical and technical tools. 

Using a wide range of musical styles and diversity in teaching materials, Sandra tailors her piano-teaching to the individual student, and prioritizes a gender-balanced approach in choosing repertoire.

Accepting students for hybrid learning in a combination of in-person in Stratford, and virtual lessons, or for exclusively virtual lessons. Sandra has 8 years of experience in teaching virtually.

Specializing in intermediate and advanced level piano students, and adult students of ALL levels.

Vocal coaching areas of specialty: art song, oratorio, diction (French, German, English, Scandinavian languages)

To hear Sandra Mogensen in performance, please see
youtube.com/pianomusicshewrote
youtube.com/mogenpianist
For more information and to contact Sandra, please go to sandramogensen.com

TESTIMONIALS from former students:

• My brief period of study under Sandra not only dramatically changed the way I play the piano but also gave me confidence as an artist in general. – CA

• Her passion and skill resonate in her teaching, leaving a lasting impression. -KP

• Ms. Mogensen was an incredibly influential teacher. I write about her with great affection and gratitude. Ms. Mogensen’s approach to performance and art has left an indelible mark on me and is present in my work as a choreographer…What is most impactful from her teaching is self-embodiment, the acceptance of the whole person as an artist, all facets inextricable from the performer. – LR

• Sandra has an ability to use her vast performance experience as an effective tool in her teaching. She upholds an active role in musical performance and development, and this has most recently been manifested in projects such as recent CD releases and concerts of the music of Edvard Grieg. As my piano teacher, Sandra always translated her performance successes and passion for music into valuable teaching moments. – CM

• I had previously spent time with a few other teachers, but Sandra was in an entirely different league. She was both firm and nurturing, pushing me to do my best while keeping a real sense of joy in making music. My playing was transformed under her tutelage, and I always felt that I was being treated like a serious artist.  Today, I make my living primarily as musician, teaching piano lessons, accompanying and directing choirs, and composing for theatre. I owe a huge part of my success to the artistry, technique, and musicianship that I learned form Sandra. She is an amazing teacher and musician and I can’t recommend her enough! – AJ

• I feel extremely privileged to have studied with such a master of music. Sandra provided me with the confidence to pursue a career in music and for that I am forever grateful. – LE

• …the experience has been transformational. Her teaching style is innovative and uniquely holistic: I am deeply impressed by the way in which she has inspired me to think of art as an essential part of life… – JK

• Sandra has a great ability to help solve any problems, technical, rhythmic, stylistic or personal. – YM

• …she intuitively understood what stood between me and mastering a piece… – MF

• Sandra is not only a talented pianist but also a well-rounded teacher; my studies with her were both enjoyable and efficient. – CA

• Sandra was a phenomenal music teacher in her short time of teaching me. I learned many lessons not only in piano but in life as well. Her teaching strategies helped me greatly in my pursuit in becoming a professional musician. – CD

• No small detail was overlooked, and my overall musicianship improved greatly under her guidance.  – AB

Piano, (classical/pop) or the art of accompanying
Voice, pop/musical theatre
Coachings for vocalists: Classical, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, & Musical Theatre
Coachings for instrumentalists, and chamber music of all levels
Theory and ear training (group classes possible)
French Horn
Trumpet
Orchestral audition preparation for brass and winds
University audition preparation for piano, voice, brass and winds
Stratford Symphony Youth Orchestra

Patrick grew up in New Brunswick, Éric in Québec, they met at Western University and moved to Stratford in 2017. Alongside his work as a professional musician, Éric also teaches a studio of voice and piano students. He offers coaching and audition preparation for voice (opera or musical theatre), piano, chamber ensembles and accompaniment students. Éric is fluent in French and English, and can coach multiple languages for singers. He is happy to accept students who want weekly lessons, or to work with students as a coach on an “as needed” basis, preparing them for kiwanis, university auditions and/or attending student’s lessons as an accompanist. 

Éric has a B. Mus in performance from the University of Sherbrooke and a M. Mus in collaborative piano from Western University. He has been teaching piano since his teenage years and always keeps a balance between teaching and performing. The Stratford Festival brought him to Stratford as Éric joined as rehearsal pianist on HMS Pinafore and substitute keyboardist on Guys & Dolls. Then, Éric was the associate conductor on The Music Man, Billy Elliot and, in 2020 before Covid-19, on Chicago. Éric joined the Stratford Festival’s Education Department in 2017 as music director of the musical theatre intensive The Shakespeare’s School and has been teaching different workshops for the theatre since then. He has performed with Canada’s finest musical theatre talent and was recently seen on stage with legendary composer Alan Menken in Portrait of a Collaboration: Alan Menken & Marion Adler. Further credentials can be found at:

linkedin.com/in/ericcharbon

Patrick privately teaches french horn, trumpet, piano (classical only), theory and ear training. He also offers sectionals and masterclasses to chamber ensembles, brass and wind students.

Patrick recently joined the horn section of the Stratford Symphony Orchestra. He obtained his B. Mus with honours in performance from Dalhousie University and a M. Mus in performance & literature from Western University. Patrick completed his RCM grade 10 in piano before making the switch to french horn. Patrick has performed with professional orchestras in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario, as well as toured across Europe with an orchestra from Long Island New York. 

Both Patrick and Éric maintain small studios, with a focus on (but not limited to) students aged 10 and above. They are able to share students, and always begin with an introductory zoom meeting for prospective students to understand their goals and match them with the appropriate teacher.
Éric & Patrick have formed Peck Productions in 2018 as they produced Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah at the Palace Theatre in London. You can reach both of them at:
peckprods@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/peckprods/
Lessons are held at their home in Stratford, On. 

Jill Wright has several years of experience teaching piano and theory in the provinces of Saskatchewan, Alberta, New Brunswick and most recently in Ontario while being an active member of the above-mentioned provincial Registered Music Teachers’ Associations. She earned her Associate Teacher’s Diploma from Trinity College of Music, London, England.

Jill is also experienced in providing piano accompaniment for various instruments, solo voice and choral groups including church and school choirs. As well, she has held several music ministry positions including choral conducting and instrumental support at numerous churches across the country.  While living in Saskatchewan, she served on the board of the Saskatchewan Choral Federation.

From a young age, Jill has enjoyed singing in various choral groups in Canada including Calgary’s Spiritus Chamber Choir and the Halifax Camerata Singers, both of which are awarding-winning a cappella chamber choirs.   Currently, Jill is a member of the alto section of the Stratford Concert Choir and Kinnaris Women’s Ensemble.

Contact for further information:

• email: jillwinpet@gmail.com
• phone or text: (519) 272-3005

Every student that I have taught over the years has been wonderfully unique. From that perspective I work with each student’s strengths and weaknesses, while encouraging each one to be the best they can be, as a pianist, a musician and a person.

There are different learning styles and each student will learn music reading, theory and performance in their own way. I try to keep an open mind and do my best to work with each young person in what works best for them. Parents are welcome at lessons.

There are of course basics that need to be mastered. Reading, technique and theory. However, along with the basics, and after that, there are many opportunities for each student to develop her or his unique “voice.” My aim for each student is to find enjoyment in their studies through a variety of pieces and styles. For some there will be enjoyment in improvisation and composition. (I often use Christopher Norton’s books and backing tracks for improvisation.)

As musical skills develop through piano study, my hope is that my young students will be equipped to use their talents in church, at school, with other instruments and friends, and in my Studio “Music Parties”. At Music Parties students perform for other students, their families and learn to communicate musically with others, make friends, and where they can improve their skills at the piano.

My students enjoy performing at festivals: also exams are an option for some.

So you can see that there are many goals that we can set together. And I see myself as a community music teacher helping young students on their musical journey. I respect my students, am proud of their achievements and very much love teaching them. There has been great joy for me guiding youngsters!

Of course, junior and intermediate students make up the largest percentage of any community music studio. And my studio has been the same.

However, I have been honoured over my teaching career to have helped and encouraged advanced students achieve some excellent goals and results.

A Few of My Students’ Outstanding Achievements

• ARCT diplomas
• Silver medals for top marks in their provinces. Including marks of 97 and 96 for grade nine and ten RCM examinations.
• First places (and scholarships) at various music festivals Acceptance into University Music Schools from UBC to McGill.
• Acceptance twice into the preparatory department of the Juilliard School of Music (competing with hundreds of applicants).
• Taking 4th place (runner-up) at the Virginia Waring International Competition in Palm Springs.
• First prize at CIBC Senior Piano Competition in Vancouver (where I was also named Teacher of the Year).
• Top prize at the Korean Youth Piano Competition (Vancouver)
  National Winner at the Concours de Musique in Montreal (Intermediate Level).
• Acceptance into the Casalmaggiore International Summer Music School in Italy (Santa Chiara).

About Myself

• DMA program at Case Western University (full tuition scholarship) as a fortepianist with Penelope Crawford (fortepiano) and Igor Kipnis (harpsichord).
• MMus (performance) from Boston University School for the Arts, with full tuition scholarships.
• Canada Council Study Grant and a Major Arts Grant (Manitoba Arts Council) for studies with Joan Davies (pianist, BBC recording artist, touring artist and Fellow of the Royal College of Music) in the UK.
• BMus University of Manitoba (piano, voice and viola).
• Along with performing on piano, and with my husband in the Moir Fortepiano Duo, I have maintained private piano studios in Winnipeg, Toronto, White Rock BC and now in Stratford.

Testimonials:

“Ruth is so positive and encouraging in her style of instruction. She provides a strong technical foundation while also taking into account A’s musical interests.” — K. (parent)

“You are the best piano teacher ever.” — S.H. (Student)

“Thank you for being such a patient and kind teacher.” — N. (parent)

“You are amazing and made all my experiences that much better.” — J. (student)

“Ruth Moir’s Studio was a place where I was inspired and thrived in my piano studies.” — R. (past student, now a fine teacher herself)

“Thank you for all you do for me, for helping me and teaching me ‘how to learn.’” — O. (student)

“You helped me learn how to ‘go for it’” — H. (student)

“Inspirational teaching, patience and expertise.” — C. (parent)

Contact Ruth Moir

• address: 214 John St. S. Stratford ON N5A 7T3
• telephone: (519) 508-8012
• email: rfm@fortepiano.ca
• website: under construction

In my teaching I have always sought to have my students enjoy the challenges of each composers’ style and to help them to love music and to become the best musician that they can.

My primary studio is in Stratford, where my teaching piano is a semi-concert grand. Regular studio “parties” or home concerts are organized for students to play for each other, in preparation for festivals and exams. My secondary studio is in Uptown Waterloo.

My previous students have always proven to be a most diverse group. Some of the young beginners were later accepted into university programs in music and later entered grad school. These are now professional musicians spread around the world (Whistler, New York, Australia and Hong Kong). Others later entered the sciences and are now physicians with an interest in music. There were adults who returned to music once their careers were well established, or even retired, and were looking for some artistic challenges.

Completing a B.Mus from the University of Manitoba, I was then awarded Canada Council and Manitoba Arts Council grants for 3 years of study in the UK with Joan Davies (BBC recording artist). Ruth and I were later recruited by Boston U. as scholarship candidates for the M.Mus program and studied with Igor Kipnis.

I taught in B.C. for 15 years at Trinity Western University and in my private studio. My wife and I began touring as a two fortepiano team performing widely up and down the west coast in both Canada and the United States. At this time I also lectured in Toronto on performance practice at the Royal Conservatory’s summer school “The Art of Teaching.”

I was fortunate during my time in Winnipeg to work with Alma Brock Smith. This provided a musical lineage that led back to the Theodor Leschetizky. He was a pupil of Czerny, who had studied with Beethoven. As a “Leschetizky Pianist” I am a founding member of the Canadian branch of the Leschetizky Association.

Testimonials

“Ron, you were the right teacher at the right time for me. Your passion for the piano and music and art inspired me to keep playing at a time when I might have stopped. You inspired me to keep going and growing. I think of you often when I’m teaching or coaching my own students. Thank you!” —S.H, professional pianist and coach, Western Canada, December 2018

“The lessons I had with Ron Moir were crucial in my development as a pianist and overall musician. The formative years of my childhood were spent with Ron, and without him I don’t think I would have continued to take my talents as seriously as I did and still do. The amount of patience and dedication he has is nothing short of incredible. ” —D.K., February 2019, currently studying composition in Amsterdam

“Thank you for memorable years in which you shared with me the invaluable gift of music. Your methods and secrets for successful performance has greatly built my confidence.

“What you probably aren’t aware of is how much these lessons have impacted the way I see myself in the big world I am about to enter.I am greatly inspired by your wholesome lifestyle , your sense of humour, and the way you show students how to add colour to the black notes on the page . Music has always been an integral part of my life & studying with you had heightened my appreciation.” —A.S., August 2014, currently studying at McGill

“I just want you to know how much I appreciate you for being my teacher. Without you, I don’t think I would be able to be where I am now. You’ve helped me restore my passion for music. Honestly and truly, I’m thankful.” –—J.K., Oct 2010, currently working as a musician in Toronto

Contact Ron Moir

• address: 214 John St. S. Stratford ON N5A 7T3
• telephone: (519) 508-8012
• email: rfm@fortepiano.ca
• website: under construction

Take time to establish a framework that acknowledges the student of who they are and then create a mindful process that inspires each student to begin to take ownership of what they are creating and how they express themselves on this adventure of music and life.  No matter what happens, whether you soar or stumble, everyone is worthy to be who they are.  You are Awesome!  Thank you for being YOU! 

Mr. Paul looks forward to the privilege of connecting and creating a unique musical experience with each student/family.  You are invited to check out one of my websites: regalmonster.com (AKA Calming the Practice Monster!)

Short Biography

Paul Coates holds ARCT diplomas in both piano and voice as well as a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music from the University of Western Ontario. He also studied at the Chautauqua Institute and the Banff School of Fine Arts. He was privileged to perform for Elisabeth Schwarzkopf in London England and has attended master classes with Gwendolyn Koldofsky, Elly Ameling and Rudolph Jansen.

Since his graduation he has enjoyed an active and varied performing career as both singer and accompanist, including solo concerts, chamber music, appearances with orchestras, CBC and TV Ontario broadcasts.

Paul has been a faculty member of the School of Music of Windsor and the Royal Conservatory of Music where he taught in both the Community School and the Glenn Gould Professional School.

Currently he maintains a private studio in Stratford. He is also active as an adjudicator and a clinician for ORMTA and is excited about his new series of talk for any organization on “FINDING A KINDER WAY – to BE who YOU ARE!”

The importance of being mindfully present in the now while celebrating the whole student. You are AWESOME just because you are. Not because of what you do or do not do! Your imagination is your limitation in life. You should have no limits when it comes to your imagination. However there is value in having a process that Acknowledges and Inspires you to dream, to reach for the Stars, to “Find A Kind Way to Be, To Be Who You Are!”

Mr. Coates has examined for RCM & CC has been travelling across Canada presenting a workshop for teachers, parents and students entitled: “Calming the Practice Monster” (www.monsterworkshops.com).

NEW: “The Studio Monster Experience” – Practice Tips & Tools for Everyday Practice! Contact Regal Monster Productions if interested in booking a TICKATI-TACKATI-Talk!

Paul Coates’ Contact Information:

• currently accepting online students
• email: regalmonsterproductions@gmail.com 
• website: regalmonster.com

• Grade 9 practical piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), grade 8 theory and harmony from RCM, and Music History courses at Laurier University.
• Recitals, festivals and exams.
• Levels: beginner thru grade 8.
• Lessons are customized to the student as everyone is unique in their talents.
• Teaching piano, theory and composition for 22 years.

Piano lessons started out as a fun hobby as I went to Laurier University for my Bachelor of Science in biology and physical geography and continued with Mohawk and the Michener Institute for Medical Laboratory Technician.  I do work full time as a Laboratory Manager, and I also work part time as a fitness instructor.  I volunteer for the YMCA and the Tavistock fair, and have volunteered for Trinity church in the past.

I have run many Church Christmas and Easter concerts, and the Tavistock Talent shows. I taught the music for young children program for many years but unfortunately due to time restraints decided to focus on private lessons. 

I really enjoy the private lessons, and getting to know my students one on one.  We go on a musical journey together, and I love the places we go.  Some journeys are for personal satisfaction, some have been for exams, and others have had the honour of receiving festival trophies for all their hard practice.  Everyone’s musical journey is different and I enjoy them all. 

Live, love and share your Musical Moments.

Musical Moments Piano & Theory with Dana McGregor
#2021 Line 29 RR#2 Tavistock ON N0B 2R0
kadayen@hotmail.com
(519) 807-6581

Eric started teaching music when he was 12 years old, after obtaining Grade 10 on piano accordion. With 48 years of teaching experience, he has found that “interest is the greatest motivator of learning,” and that playing music has to be “fun.”

Eric teaches:

• Accordion (piano and button)
• Banjo (Bluegrass and tenor)
• Bass (electric)
• Clarinet
• Dobro
• Ear training
• Fiddle
• Guitar (classical, electric, acoustic)
• Harmonica (chromatic, diatonic)
• Keyboard (piano, organ, synthesizer)
• Mandolin
• Music Theory
• Recorder
• Recording production technique (Protools, Logic Pro, GarageBand)
• Songwriting
• Ukulele
• Voice

Music Styles: Classical, Jazz, Popular, Celtic, Bluegrass, Folk, Rock.

Beginner students are taught by “ear,” playing along with YouTube videos and recordings. This is, after all the way we all learned our first language. We learnt how to talk by imitating our parents… learning to read much later.

After the student has learnt to actually “play” music, applied music theory is taught… explaining why and how these chords, melody notes and rhythms work with each other.

Music notation, (reading) is then taught after the student is already performing and enjoying music.

Music “reading” is introduced earlier on some instruments: violin, clarinet and piano for instance. And on some instruments it’s not really practical to read traditional music notation, but we use tablature or chord symbols: harmonica, dobro, banjo, ukulele, singing and chording on guitar and piano.

Creativity, songwriting and composition are encouraged from the earliest stage of learning music and since lessons are taught in a professional digital recording studio, the techniques and art of modern recording are experienced.

Eric teaches through Skype to advanced guitar students from Australia, Europe and across Canada.

Eric in Studio with “Five Instrument”Student

About Eric Mahar

One of Eric’s earliest musical memories is playing a plastic ukulele or harmonica in front of the television along with the Don Messer Show. Add to this fact that his parents and grandparents are Prince Edward Islanders and he grew up listening to family and relatives playing “Olde Time” music at get-togethers.

Eric’s music education began with harmonica, taught by his father Fred Mahar, and then achieved grade 10 on the Piano Accordion at age 12. He then studied classical guitar, electric guitar and clarinet, playing in several professional bands and joining The International Musicians’ Union before high school, (youngest musician at the time to belong to the union).

After high school, Eric studied music at Humber College graduating with “First Class Honours” in the famous Certificate program, as well as private classical guitar lessons through the University of Toronto. During this time he was fortunate to have private lessons for jazz guitar with the legendary guitarists Lenny Breau, John Abercrombie and Ralph Towner.

Many years were then spent on the road in various recording studios across Canada and Europe with a variety of recording artists, including a ten-year association with the multiple Juno Award-winning group, “The Mercy Brothers,” as a producer and performer.

Eric returned to college to gain a Certificate in Broadcasting and worked in media sales at a Toronto Advertising agency.

Lately, Eric has been a featured jazz, country, pop and classical guitarist/singer performing in Canada and Europe in a variety of stage shows, theatre productions or concerts, and is a busy studio musician and producer. He enjoys mountain biking, cross country skiing or just being out in the woods.

Benefits of Musical Study with Eric Mahar Include:

• teaching all ages of students: 5 to seniors, beginner to advanced
• a lifetime love and enjoyment of music
• various performance opportunities supporting local fundraising benefit shows
• ability to record and learn modern recording techniques
• preparation for college or university music programs

Find Out More About Mahar Music Studio

Mahar Music Studio is located in a 100 plus year old house close to downtown Stratford. Contact for lesson enquiry and fees.

• phone: (519) 274-5664
• e-mail: ericmahar@hotmail.com
• YouTube: Mahar Music Studio Channel
• Facebook: maharmusicstudio
• Skype Name: maharmusicstudio

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

After graduating with a music degree from Queen’s University I fell in love with theatre and for many years I composed shows and toured schools with a theatre company called Theatre On the Move. From there I began music directing and accompanying shows for other theatres throughout Ontario.

Fast forward to Stratford when I moved here in 1990 with my wife Barbara Fulton who became a regular and recognizable performer with Stratford Festival company.

I briefly taught in the public school system here and then spent many years as the music teacher at Stratford Montessori School followed by four years at the Stratford Middle Years school.

During my time in Stratford I have composed the music for 5 productions at the Stratford Festival. I continue my close association with the Festival and will be composing the music for All’s Well That Ends Well in 2022 in the new Tom Patterson Theatre.

Teaching Style

My approach to teaching recognizes that most students are not interested in a career as a professional musician but simply want to learn the language of music to create, compose and have fun. However, it can only become fun with practice. I encourage parents to be involved even if music is a foreign language. Setting aside at least 15 or 20 minutes a day can make a tremendous difference in the student’s progress as well as their eagerness to continue. I am, of course, willing to work with students who are interested in developing a more advanced proficiency.

I write my own music and love working with any student who wishes to compose music or write their own songs.

I am familiar with many styles of music and continue to play in Jazz and Pop groups. I will teach classical piano up to grade 6.

Contact:

• email: parkvilla36@gmail.com
• phone: (519) 949-8077
• Facebook: @parkvillamusicstudio
• website: www.paulshilton.com (in progress…to be up by Sept. 1st)

Whenever I mention I’m a piano teacher, the conversation veers in fairly predictable directions. Some folks wanted to play, but couldn’t get their (usually left) hands to cooperate. Some lean in conspiratorially; “My parents thought it would be a good idea. I bet you hear that A LOT”. Some look off in the mid-distance….”I wish I had stuck with it”. An amazing number of people….I kid you not…actually had their knuckles rapped for mistakes. Ah, dear.

My job is to enable my students to have different conversations in their future. Piano whispering is not for the faint of heart. It’s one on one, long term. You have to hold a realistic, but somewhat lofty vision, in the beginning. It’s part plan, part problem solving, part people skills, lots of work, but hopefully deeply satisfying at the end of the day. Happily, we have so much better and more varied materials and support systems than when I first started teaching. After 40 years, I can truthfully say that I enjoy the process as much or more than ever.

And, though I’ve had some very successful students in my time, external success is only helpful insofar as it means something for the student. Sometimes, it’s an exam which was a test of courage and resolve and turned out even better than the student expected. Sometimes, music proves to be the anchor that gets a student through a divorce. Sometimes, you get picked to be part of a show, accompany your high school choir or band, or you get a huge head-start on a second instrument and your life changes. Here’s the thing I’ve learned: YOU NEVER KNOW.

When I started to teach, I taught from the Royal Conservatory of Music books, as I was taught. I still do. The RCM, though, has pivoted considerably since the 70’s. Though it still has a firm catalogue of carefully vetted pieces in the Baroque/Classical/Romantic repertoire, roughly half the pieces in the new books are relatively modern and we have many more talented Canadian composers in the listings. I still aim for the very best standard of performance of that repertoire that the child or adult student can achieve.

That said, realization of that material is not the entirety of the experience here. We also do a great deal of improvisation, based on programmes by Forrest Kinney and Christopher Norton. As Forrest wisely notes: “We don’t say that a person needs to be able to read before they can talk; that would be ludicrous. Why do we essentially say that when you’re learning an instrument?” This process starts with duets with the teacher, but the student can move this into composing if they choose.

We do a lot of prep at the beginning to build up the reading and musicianship skill so that confusion doesn’t stop the process. It is a point of pride with me that I lose very, very few students before they are functionally literate at the piano. Keyboard reading will be challenging; we have to learn how to simultaneously scan vertically and horizontally and that means a lot of grist must go into the processing mill. We use many different methods, depending on the student, to make sure they have enough to keep going comfortably.

We throw some jazz/pop around the edges and encourage people to try their own choice of pieces as they are able. Sometimes you want to wow them with Chopin, and sometimes you need something from Dear Evan Hansen.

We do a lot of in house recitals here to normalize the business of performing. For children, they can play on a piano they know and it’s not a big production. There is also cake:). For my adults, performance anxiety is often a much bigger issue and we just get together to play and nosh and chat on a regular basis. It is rewarding and inspiring to perform, much as you fear it might not go perfectly. Performing also builds courage and confidence and is a highly transferrable skill. I am very happy to prepare people for RCM exams or festival work, but it has to be your choice.

Again and again I hear, from my many adult students: “I NEVER remember this (concept or connection or teaching point) coming up when I studied piano as a child”. Yeah! So many things have improved in teaching and you are now able to be excited about concepts which might have induced a veiled yawn the first time ’round.

So, a bit about me. I have my Grade 10 RCM certificate and am qualified to teach at all levels, according to the RCM. I prefer to teach to Grade 8, 9 if the student insists that they want to remain in the studio. I also have the highest level of Orff certification and several years of work in private schools teaching their music programme grades K-6, and my own studio teaching Kindermusik and Musikgarten programmes. I have been teaching in Stratford for 15 years, in various other centres in Canada for a total of over 40. I teach theory, both as part of my practical teaching and in separate lessons for exams up to Level 8 (the old Advanced Rudiments). My students regularly get First Class Honours and First Class Honours With Distinction in practical and theory examinations with the Royal Conservatory of Music and do extremely well at Kiwanis Festivals.

I currently teach from ages 6-70 something, which is lovely for me as there is a lot of variety. Of course, a lesson for a child is very different to that of an adult and one of the most frequent comments I get is that children must learn so much faster. Hmm. Perhaps just very differently. More intuitively, perhaps. Less self-consciously, almost always. But not necessarily faster. And many adults tell me that their music study has been one of the most rewarding things they have taken on in their retirement.

I could include testimonials here, but I would, quite frankly, have to find out where I’ve stashed the many cards I’ve received over the years. Some are in a file, I think. Some are in a box downstairs. I wish I had my scrapbooking friend’s discipline when it comes to fully honouring such things. My students live in my heart, and in the many lessons they have taught me over the years to bring me to where we are now.

I wish you all good things as you pursue your dreams of learning an instrument. Interview with a few people; you want to get this relationship right. Should you wish to contact me, I am at:

Peg Hobbs

Stratford, ON

N5A 0B2

peg.harmonics@gmail.com

519-273-3781