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