Jeffrey - Teacher #1228

Instruments:
- Mandolin
- Oboe
- Piano
- Viola
- Violin

Services:
- Dictation
- Ear Training
- Music History
- Music Theory (Advanced)
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)

Languages:
- English
- French
- Japanese
- Mandarin
- Spanish

Teaching Philosophy

With over 26 years of teaching experience, Jeffrey's philosophy is rooted in the belief that a strong classical foundation—including solid technique, ear training, music literacy, and basic theory—enables students to explore any genre with confidence and creativity. He strives to prevent the development of poor playing habits by guiding students with care, patience, and individualized attention. His goal is to make music both fulfilling and meaningful for each student, encouraging diligence while cultivating curiosity, creativity, and joy.

Jeffrey’s teaching is also influenced by his training in violin, viola, and the Alexander Technique, enriching his approach to posture, sound production, and holistic body awareness. His lessons emphasize not only musical excellence but also personal growth, drawing from his professional experiences and collaborations with world-class artists. He tailors instruction to students of all ages and levels, covering a wide range of topics such as:

Technical proficiency,

Posture and body mechanics,

Expressive and versatile sound production,

Rhythm and ensemble skills,

Essential music theory and ear training,

Effective practice strategies,

Performance techniques and stage presence,

Audition preparation,

Professionalism and career development,

Above all, Jeffrey aims to nurture well-rounded, thoughtful musicians who are equipped to thrive both on and off the stage.

Musical Education

University of British Columbia - Bachelor of Music (Orchestral Instrument)
Southern Illinois University Carbondale - Master of Music (orchestral conducting & viola)
My principal teachers included David Harding, Reginald Quiring, Edward Benyas, and Michael Barta (violin)
University of British Columbia - Bachelor of Education

Awards and Distinctions

Performing Arts BC Provincial Festival (Provincials): Senior Division, 1st Place
Richmond Music Festival: Gold standing
Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival: Gold (Ensemble category)
SIU School of Music Concerto Competition: Viola Concerto
SIU School of Music Full Scholarship

Special Skills and Training

My musical journey has been shaped by a rich blend of international experience, community leadership, and immersive study across disciplines. I’ve taught English and music to children in Tokyo and Beijing, experiences that deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity and strengthened my communication skills as an educator. I also served as Vice-President of the Scandinavian-Nordic Cultural Association for two years, where I helped promote cross-cultural dialogue and community arts programming. As a lifelong learner, I’ve pursued extensive additional training. I studied viola with Amadi Azikiwe and arts administration with Laura Rosenberg, and participated in several international festivals and academies including the Ticino Musica International Classic, Hot Springs Music Festival, SALT New Music Festival, and PRISMA, where I studied conducting with Maestro Arthur Arnold and viola with Andrew Brown and Susan Gulkis Assadi. I also have diplomas in electrical trades and junior data analysis. My conducting studies have taken me across continents under the mentorship of renowned conductors including Arturo Tamayo, Ajtony Csaba (University of Victoria), Colin Metters, Luis Clemente, Jonathan Brett, and Maciej Żółtowski through programs such as the Atlantic Coast International Conducting Academy and Conductors’ Academy International Masterclass. I hold a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate and bring that pedagogical versatility into my music studio. I’ve performed with symphony orchestras both locally and internationally and currently sing and play violin with a local mariachi band—an ensemble that has taught me as much about musical joy and community as any conservatory. These diverse experiences enrich my teaching, allowing me to connect with students from all backgrounds and help them thrive musically, creatively, and personally.

Rates

30 Minutes: $39.00
45 Minutes: $49.00
60 Minutes: $59.00

There is a one-time registration fee of 25 $ charged with the first lessons. All Taxes are included in prices, if applicable

NOTE: Your Credit card will be charged ONLY when the first lesson is set up and confirmed with the teacher

Policies


1. Cancellation Policy

Lessons not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice are billable to the client and payable to the teacher. This does not of course apply to travel fees unless the notice is effectively given at the door and the teacher has travelled to the location.

2. Cessation (quitting) Policy

A client must provide a 2 lesson notice period to stop lessons. So a weekly student needs to give 2 weeks of notice, a biweekly student works out to 3 weeks notice and a twice weekly student works out to a week of notice.

3. Illness Policy

Lessons cancelled due to illness or extraordinary circumstances with less than 24 hours notice remain billable to the client and payable to the teacher.

BAH teachers are encouraged to offer a make-up lesson at a future date in the interest of client relations and general goodwill. This only makes sense as teaching a student with the flu for example, will ruin the rest of your week's employment.

No more than 2 lessons may be made up due to illness within a 60 day period.

4. Rescheduling Policy

Any lesson can be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice.

Summer Vacation and Extended Absence Policy

Clients may schedule longer absences for trips etc. 24 hours notice is required.

It is normal and typical for students and about 20% of our teachers to schedule a break in the summer. We do not enforce a notice period (see cessation of lessons) at the end of a long summer break.

5. Evaluation Period

There are no free trial lessons with Beethoven at Home but we do offer a 2 lesson evaluation period where it is easy to try out a teacher. There are no free lessons during the evaluation period and clients may choose to discontinue the lessons at any time by providing the required 24 hours notice. After the student's 3rd lesson the required 2 lesson notice period will apply (see cessation of lessons above).

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