Susannah - Teacher #4546

Instruments:
- Piano

Services:
- Composition
- Ear Training
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)
- RCM
- RCM - Basic Rudiments
- Solfege

Languages:
- English

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that music is a universal language, capable of connecting with individuals of all ages and skill levels. I am dedicated to creating a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages students to explore and realize their full potential. Recognizing that every student is unique, I tailor my approach to align with their individual learning styles, musical interests, and personal goals, all while guiding them toward becoming well-rounded musicians. I believe that music is not just about exams; it is a source of joy, beauty, and self-expression. My aim is to inspire each student to experience the fun and artistry that music offers.

Musical Education

My musical education is as follows:
- Grade 10 Piano and Theory Certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM)
- Elementary Piano Pedagogy Certificate from the RCM
- ARCT in Harmony and Counterpoint from the RCM

My training in piano and theory begun at the age of 7. I studied with the most esteemed educators in the field including Dr. Benjamin Smith of the Glenn Gould School of Music, Dr. Michael Berkovsky of the Glenn Gould School of Music, Karen Rowell of The Royal Conservatory of Music, Tobias Cramm of Switzerland, and Marion Miller. I also underwent collaborative training at Western University’s Young Artists’ Pre College Academy where I was coached by the highly respected Stephen Sylvester. Training included understanding the importance of synchronization and communication in an ensemble setting. Weekly rehearsals and master classes were conducted with year end concerts.

Awards and Distinctions

In 2017, I placed first place in the Canadian Music Writing Competition.
in 2018, I also placed first in Ontario's Provincial Kiwanis Competition.

Special Skills and Training

My special skills that I offer are composing, improvising, ear training, theory, accompaniment, and duets. Growing up, I have spent many summers at summer camps that refined my skills as a musician. I learned to collaborate, perform, and understand how other instruments work. Additionally, I have spent many years composing, notating my songs, and entering them into competitions. Creating music gives me so much joy and I want to bring the love of being imaginative to all my students.

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).