Spencer - Teacher #2610

Instruments:
- Drumset

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

Languages:
- English

Teaching Philosophy

It's all about you! I can get the basics rolling, and get you to understand the instrument and how to play it, however, I structure my lessons based on YOUR PREFERENCES. Want to play punk? I'll get you there. Want to play Latin? Same thing. Rock 'n' Roll? No problem. The blues? Got you covered. The number one thing on my list is to make sure that my students pursue music not only during but AFTER lessons with me as well. The beauty of this approach is that if someone doesn't know where they want to go with the instrument, it means we can just explore, and find something along the road that really grabs them. Music is like breathing for me, and so is making people laugh/smile. I am not just a teacher or mentor, I am also a friend. I firmly believe that music can change the world, and can change the hearts of its inhabitants for the better. All I want to do is share that with the world.

Musical Education

I was educated at the University of Guelph, and earned an honours BA in Music. This program included classes on music history, music theory, music pedagogy (the study of teaching), and yearly performances in front of a jury of professors that would decide whether my performance was good enough to advance to the next year.
I have been in front of a piano since I was 6 years old, and have always gravitated toward percussion instruments. I was trained in drumming by Joe Sorbara (and he was taught by Herbie Hancock, among others). He taught me to hear all sounds in the world as musical ones. I experience being in an active nature as I would a piece of music. He also taught/challenged me to make sounds with my drums that I have never made before. I succeeded.
I have played numerous live shows, including shows in front of nearly a thousand people. I also know the ins and outs of putting on/setting up a show as my brother is a tour manager as well.

Awards and Distinctions

Graduated with honours.

Special Skills and Training

I was a scout leader for over 5 years. I am EXTREMELY well versed in leadership skills (took courses), and indeed talking to children. I even have my St. John's Ambulance certification. I will always encourage a safe space for learning as well as teaching.

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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