Alexandra - Teacher #4537

Instruments:
- Piano

Services:
- Music Appreciation
- Music History
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)
- RCM
- RCM - Analysis
- RCM - Basic Harmony
- RCM - Basic Rudiments

Languages:
- English

Teaching Philosophy

Music has been a constant thread in my life—a way of connecting, expressing, and understanding the world. I believe music lives within all of us, in the rhythm of our heartbeat, the cadence of our speech, and the emotions we feel. Teaching music is, to me, about bringing these natural elements to the surface, helping students discover what’s already within and giving them tools to express themselves through sound.

As a teacher, I bring my background in classical training, jazz performance, and years of personal study at The Royal Conservatory of Music to each lesson. I understand the discipline required to grow as a musician and strive to blend this with joy, curiosity, and creativity in my teaching approach. For me, learning music is not about perfection; it’s about exploration and progress. Whether a student is young or an adult, beginner or advanced, I aim to provide a space where they feel safe to try, to make mistakes, and to grow.

My lessons incorporate mindful practice techniques, warm-ups, and a deep focus on both technical skills and expressive performance. I encourage students to see practice not as a task but as a journey—a chance to connect with themselves and their instrument. I am deeply committed to each student’s success, guiding them at a pace that feels both challenging and achievable.

Music is transformative, and as a teacher, musician, and person, I am dedicated to helping each student experience the joy and freedom that come with expressing themselves through music. It’s my honour to guide others on this path and share in the endless possibilities music has to offer.

Musical Education

My musical education journey has been a blend of formal study, private training, and hands-on teaching experience, each shaping me into a well-rounded musician and educator. I hold an Honours BA in English and Cultural Studies with a Certificate in Essential French from McMaster University, a background that complements my music studies by enhancing my communication and cultural understanding. I also have extensive training from The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), where I studied both theory and performance and later had the privilege of teaching, helping students develop their foundational skills and appreciation for music.

From a young age, I trained in piano and clarinet, dedicating countless hours to perfecting my craft in both Jazz and Concert band settings. This rigorous training cultivated my appreciation for musical detail and a disciplined approach to practice. My teachers, each classically trained, instilled in me high standards and an appreciation for the technical and expressive demands of music. These formative experiences inspired me to further develop my voice and skills in musical interpretation, performance, and music theory.

My musical background, combined with my experience teaching and tutoring piano, fuels my dedication to creating engaging, personalized lessons for my students. I believe music education is more than skill-building; it’s about inspiring confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of music in each student I teach.

Awards and Distinctions

I hold a school Music Award, recognizing my accomplishments and dedication in music. This award highlights my commitment to excellence in my musical studies and performance, celebrating the hard work and passion I bring to this craft. This recognition reflects not only my skills but also my dedication to inspiring others through music.

Special Skills and Training

My journey in music education has been enriched by a range of experiences that make my approach unique and personal. Growing up, music was a constant presence, and my training became a natural extension of that early immersion. I learned and later taught at The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), which shaped my understanding of music as a blend of discipline, creativity, and joy. I’ve also pursued additional private study, deepening my skills in piano and clarinet performance, as well as voice. This hands-on experience in Jazz and Concert bands helped me appreciate the importance of musical versatility and ensemble collaboration. In addition to formal study, my involvement in various workshops and training certifications has broadened my approach as an educator. My background includes non-degree certifications in teaching and language instruction, which help me tailor lessons to the diverse needs of my students. I draw on methods from programs like Orff and Suzuki, blending these frameworks with my own experience to create a teaching style that’s both structured and deeply responsive to each student’s unique learning process. As an educator, these experiences allow me to bring both technical rigor and a spirit of exploration into the classroom. I know how transformative music can be, and I am committed to passing that gift on, guiding each student through their own journey of self-expression and skill development.

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).