Mona - Teacher #3955

Instruments:
- Piano
- Voice

Services:
- Alexander Technique
- Ear Training
- Jazz Improvation
- Music History
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)
- RCM
- Solfege

Languages:
- English

Teaching Philosophy

I have a deep passion for music and feel honored to be chosen as your music instructor, regardless of age. Connecting through the piano is my favorite way to 'talk' and share stories, spreading joy and healing through this universal gift. Music lessons, to me, should be enjoyable and exciting, incorporating elements like drama, dance, and creative games. Think Musical Hopscotch or PlayDough—anything that makes learning the basics of music fun! I see myself as a Musical Cheerleader, celebrating every small milestone with my students. Each lesson is tailored to an individual's learning style and personality, a practice that has significantly impacted the many students I've had the privilege of teaching over my 20-year career. I'm constantly learning and growing, and I am genuinely excited to meet you and embark on this musical journey together. Every person, whether a beginner or advanced, receives the same level of respect and encouragement. I look forward to meeting you and celebrating the gift of music in your life!

Musical Education

I have a BMusic from Briercrest Schools with a Major in Piano Performance and a Minor in Vocal Performance. I also have the ARCT (Piano Teacher's Certification) from the Royal Conservatory of Music. I have studied many other music courses including Kindermusik, Roland and Technics. My piano studies began at the tender age of 8 and I am continuously learning. I was privileged to be taught by many amazing piano teachers including Dr. Dale Wheeler. He held me to a very high standard of excellence in practising and I learnt a lot under his tutelege. I have experience playing piano as a solo performer at church, several restaurants/bars as a piano performer/lounge and playing piano on a worship team at several churches. I also had the honor and privilege of auditioning and being chosen to be primary pianist for the Briercrest Orchestra for a short time as well as The Continental Singers which held to a very strict yet fun based repertoire with high standards. I was privileged to study with Miss Eileen Dillon who hailed from the UK. I released my first piano Christmas CD 2 years ago.

Awards and Distinctions

I am truly humbled to have received many word of mouth referrals and compliments in my playing piano and singing. The best compliments I have ever heard are, "Your playing/singing was SO heartfelt and lifted me up as I was having such a hard time. I felt like you gave me a HUG through your music!"
I have received several FIRST place awards, a music bursary, and numerous training over the years. NOTHING inspires me MORE than to hear, "Well done! You touched my heart with your music!" If it hits my heart and does not hang on my wall as a plaque or trophy THAT is MOST IMPORTANT to ME. I know THEN that I have truly done what I was placed on this earth to do! Change Lives Through Music!:)

Special Skills and Training

I started showing interest in the piano at the tender age of 3. My parents sacrificed a lot to buy me my first piano and then to foster and challenge and encourage me by placing me in piano lessons. Music was VERY important to my parents and I grew up on a musical 'diet' of classical, country, rock and gospel:) I had an experience that helped me to grow and still does to this day. Because of my incredible ear for piano, I was jumped from grades 3 to grade 6 and then to grade 9. While it was fun for me, I later had to go back to those previous grades to play 'catch up' technically and I decided then and there that I would NOT let anyone else I taught piano to encounter that difficulty. I decided ALL my students would get the technic from DAY ONE so that they would not be hindered! It has shaped who I am as a teacher. I am also trained in some medical courses and I believe it is essential that proper hand technic as well as the enjoyment of music are essential to prevent injury (repetition, etc.) I am truly humbled to be chosen to teach as it is a passion of mine and I absolutely love seeing others succeed!

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).