Ryan - Teacher #2276

Instruments:
- French Horn
- Piano

Services:
- Dictation
- Ear Training
- Jazz Improvation
- Music Appreciation
- Music Theory (Advanced)
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)
- Solfege

Languages:
- English
- French

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy ultimately stems from spreading the joy of music making. My primary goal is to foster a passion and appreciation for this beautiful art in each and every one of my students. I find so much joy in so many diverse genres of music, and I am confident in my ability to help my students find that joy for themselves.

My lessons will be centred around cultivating efficient practice techniques in three ways:

PHYSICALLY:

– Maintaining correct posture, breathing, and relaxation while playing to maximize sound production and resonance, while minimizing effort.

MENTALLY:

– 30 minutes of focused practice can accomplish more than 3 hours of unfocused practice. More hours does not equal more progress! It is the QUALITY of the work we do that will bring the best results and allow us to achieve our goals. Together we will strive to eliminate those extra mindless hours of practice so you can get back to all those other things you love.

EMOTIONALLY:

– When we approach the instrument, we want to make sure that we are in a good headspace and have goals we are excited to achieve. Practicing is important, but forcing ourselves creates an unhealthy relationship with the instrument and restricts our learning. In our lessons we will work together to find creative and fun ways to get around those pesky motivational road blocks. Let’s find the music you love most and work towards playing the way you want!

First and foremost, my lessons are designed so that YOU get the results and experience that you’re looking for. I will tailor each lesson plan specifically to each student to suit their needs. Whether you’re training to be one of the world’s greatest performers, and need a solid basis of fundamentals to build on as you improve, or you’re just looking to play your favourite tunes simply for the joy of it, together we will make your goals a reality and help you be the best musician you can be. I look forward to working with you!

Musical Education

I studied piano privately between the ages of 6 and 16 and I have been playing the horn for 17 years. I attended high school at the Etobicoke School of the Arts where I was introduced to a wide variety of genres and styles, and then went on to complete my Bachelor's Degree in French Horn Performance at McGill University and an Artist Diploma from the Glenn Gould School. I am a 3 year alumnus and Award of Excellence recipient of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada and a 5 year alumnus of the Toronto Symphony youth Orchestra. I have performed with some of Canada's premier professional ensembles including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Canadian Opera Company, L'Orchestre Classique de Montréal, the Kingston Symphony Orchestra, and the Amici Chamber Ensemble. I have sung with several choirs in Toronto, most notably the Exultate Chamber singers, RESound Choir, and the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto. I currently hold the position of Assistant Principal/3rd Horn in the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.

Awards and Distinctions

Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Assistant Principal/3rd Horn, March '23 - present
National Arts Centre Orchestra International 3rd horn Semi-finalist, Feb ’20
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra National 3rd horn Semi-finalist, Nov ’18
National Youth Orchestra of Canada Award of Excellence in the Amount of $5,000
Michael and Sonja Koerner Scholarship to the Glenn Gould School in the amount of $57,000
McGill University Schulich Scholarship in the amount of $10,000
Oscar Morawetz Entrance Scholarship to the University of Toronto in the amount of $6,000

Special Skills and Training

I often describe myself as a classical musician, but this is only a small picture of my musical life. I have been studying and exploring music of all genres since my high school days, and as such I have spent many years playing and writing music in styles including pop, folk, rock, jazz, funk, alternative, metal, progressive rock, and noise/experimental. I have been a part of many bands and ensembles over the years and can provide guidance on how to build and manage your own group. In recent years, I've been part of a 10 piece funk band that has played all over Toronto in some of the city's most reputable venues, and I have become obsessed with the world of improvisation - not only in execution, but also with its importance for the musical mind. Improvisation has given me such invaluable musical freedom, and I am very passionate about bringing all of my expertise in these diverse styles together to create a musical language that is unique to me - and I can help you do this as well!

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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