Jason - Teacher #4428

Instruments:
- Piano

Services:
- Ear Training
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)
- RCM
- RCM - Advanced Harmony
- Solfege

Languages:
- English

Teaching Philosophy

Music has been a central part of my life since I was five, shaping not only who I am as a musician but also as a person. I believe that music education should be a deeply personal and enriching journey, one that connects with each student's unique background and aspirations. To me, teaching music is not just about imparting technical skills but also about fostering a lifelong appreciation and love for the art.

In my teaching, I emphasize the importance of both technical proficiency and emotional expression. I start each lesson with a focus on physical warm-ups to ensure that students develop the necessary technique and avoid injury. This approach is akin to preparing an athlete; every aspect of technique and posture is crucial for effective performance.

I strive to create a learning environment where joy and creativity are at the forefront. Whether you are a young beginner or an adult looking to rekindle your passion for music, I believe that learning should be a positive and fulfilling experience. I work to balance challenge with encouragement, helping students overcome obstacles while celebrating their progress.

My goal is to help students find their own voice through music, to experience the love and happiness that comes from creating and performing, and to carry that sense of achievement and joy into other aspects of their lives. Music is a shared language that transcends age and background, and I am dedicated to guiding each student on their unique musical journey.

Musical Education

I am currently finishing a Bachelor of Music at the Schulich School of Music, McGill University, under the guidance of Prof. Julia Gavrilova. I began my musical journey at age 5 with piano and age 10 with violin. Over the years, I've studied piano with notable instructors such as Dr. Sofia Moshevich, Gabriel Quenneville-Bélair, Michelle Kim, Sunny Choi, Anthony Rappaport, and Stephan Tan. I also graduated from the Etobicoke School of the Arts (ESA), where I majored in violin, and previously from the Claude Watson School for the Arts (CWSA), which provided a solid foundation in fine and performing arts.

My performance experience spans various music festivals and competitions, including winning first place at the Crescendo International Music Competition held at Carnegie Hall and the OYMI Music Festival National Round. I've participated in the GOCAA International Piano Competition and the Steinway Junior Piano Competition, among others. Additionally, I have performed in multiple ensembles and orchestras, including the Mooredale Youth Orchestra and ESA's symphony orchestra.

Throughout my musical career, I've also been actively involved in my local parish's music ministry, performing as a soloist and collaborative musician. My dedication to music is further reflected in numerous awards and distinctions, including an Entrance Scholarship to the Schulich School of Music and several top placements in international competitions.

Awards and Distinctions

I’m excited to share some of the awards I’ve earned throughout my musical journey! In 2021, I was honored to be the first recipient of the Garth Magloire Music Bursary, which recognized my dedication and talent. In 2019, I achieved third place at the GOCAA International Piano Competition held at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. That same year, I received an honorable mention at the Steinway Junior Piano Competition.

2018 was a particularly rewarding year for me. I won first place at the Crescendo International Music Competition at Carnegie Hall in New York and secured first place in the OYMI Music Festival National Round Concert Group. I also earned second place in the OYMI Music Festival National Round for Schubert, Chopin, and Liszt. Additionally, I placed second in the Great Composers Competition in the United Kingdom and achieved first class honors in Piano Performance at the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), Level 10.

Earlier in my career, in 2016, I was delighted to win first place at the Crescendo, Musicians Dream Aid Piano Competition. I also received second prize for Best Debussy Performance in 2017. These experiences and recognitions have fueled my passion for music and shaped my approach to teaching.

Special Skills and Training

My musical background is shaped by a combination of formal training and hands-on experiences. From an early age, I've been involved in various music festivals and competitions, such as winning at the Crescendo International Music Competition and earning top honors at the GOCAA International Piano Competition. These opportunities have broadened my perspective and honed my performance skills. In addition to my degree studies, I've engaged in specialized training through masterclasses with distinguished professors at the Boston Conservatory of Music. My approach is also influenced by my time volunteering with the music ministry at my local parish, where I've taken on roles as both a soloist and a collaborative musician. These experiences have not only deepened my technical expertise but also enriched my ability to connect with students and tailor my teaching to their unique needs.

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).