Benjamin - Teacher #1997

Instruments:
- Cello

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

Languages:
- English
- French

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that music is an inherent ability that is best encouraged with a flexible approach. The satisfaction of learning an instrument comes from the enjoyment of making personal progress while fostering self-expression. Following one’s natural intuition guided by the proper technique leads to the innate ability to learn and unlock one’s creative potential. Learning music should not be a one-size-fits-all approach, but one that allows room for freedom of learning.

Musical Education

- Completed a master's degree in performance at the University of Toronto in 2015.
- Currently pursuing a doctorate in performance under the guidance of Joseph Johnson, the principal cellist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
- Served as the principal cellist of the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the University of Toronto Opera Orchestra during university studies.
- Currently working as a Teacher's Assistant for Orchestral studies at the University of Toronto under Uri Mayer.

Awards and Distinctions

- Winner of the Haydn Quartet Challenge two years in a row.
- First-place winner of the Galamir Chamber Competition at the University of Toronto.

Special Skills and Training

Teaching: - Passion for teaching and performing. - Experience in teaching students to learn music with passion and follow their natural curiosity. - Ability to cater teaching methods to various styles of learning. - Extensive experience and training in orchestral performance with recognized orchestras, including the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, the National Academy Orchestra of Canada, and the Royal Conservatory Orchestra. - Performance experience in chamber ensembles for various festivals and tours in Canada and the United States. - Flexibility to teach beginning students and more advanced players of all ages. Performance and Artistry: - Solo cello performance. - Collaboration with pianists and other musicians. - Performance in various music festivals. - Collaboration with renowned contemporary music ensemble Continuum. - Collaboration with recognized composers such as Linda Caitlin Smith, James Rolfe, and Brian Current. - Soloist performance with multiple symphony orchestras. - Fundraising performance for women's shelter and refugees. - Presentation of lecture recital at the 2019 Western University Graduate Symposium on Music. - Chamber music performance. - Participation in masterclasses with recognized ensembles. - Invitation as an artist to the Orford Summer Music Festival. - Participation in the Madeline Island Chamber Music Festival in Wisconsin.

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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