Vanessa - Teacher #4747

Instruments:
- Composition
- Piano
- Singer-Songwriter

Services:
- Composition
- Counterpoint
- Dictation
- Ear Training
- Harmony
- Music Appreciation
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)
- RCM
- RCM - Advanced Harmony
- RCM - Advanced Rudiments
- RCM - Analysis
- RCM - Basic Harmony
- RCM - Basic Rudiments
- RCM - Counterpoint
- RCM - Intermediate Harmony
- RCM - Intermediate Rudiments
- Solfege

Languages:
- English
- Italian

Teaching Philosophy

As a voice and piano teacher with 17 years of experience, my approach is rooted in the belief that music has the power to enrich every individual’s life, regardless of age or skill level. Teaching is not just about imparting technical knowledge but also about fostering a deep, personal connection to the art of music. Whether I’m working with a young beginner, an adult learner, or a more advanced student, my goal is to create a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where each student can develop their unique voice and musical expression.

I believe that every student is capable of progress when given the right tools, encouragement, and individualized guidance. My teaching philosophy is centered around three core principles: personalized instruction, holistic development, and the joy of learning. I strive to tailor lessons to each student's personal goals, learning style, and pace, recognizing that the path to mastery is not the same for everyone.

In my lessons, I focus on building a strong technical foundation in both voice and piano. For vocalists, I emphasize healthy vocal technique, breath support, and expression, encouraging students to explore a wide range of styles while maintaining vocal health. For pianists, I prioritize proper finger technique, hand position, and musicality, helping students develop the skills to interpret and perform a wide variety of music.

However, technical proficiency is only one part of my teaching philosophy. I also aim to nurture creativity, emotional expression, and a sense of confidence in my students. I encourage students to experiment, make mistakes, and find their own voice in the music they play or sing. I believe that learning music should be fun, empowering, and deeply fulfilling. This mindset allows students to develop not only as musicians but as individuals who understand the value of discipline, self-expression, and perseverance.

My motivation as a teacher comes from seeing the transformative power of music in my students' lives. I am deeply committed to guiding each student to reach their fullest potential, whether that means preparing for an audition, gaining the confidence to perform in front of others, or simply enjoying the process of learning for the sake of learning. I am passionate about fostering a lifelong love of music in each student, helping them connect to the joy and freedom that music brings to the soul.

Musical Education

My training for piano - private lessons for 9 years was based on RCM Classical music (Grade 8 Diploma). I also taught myself how to sing and play pop songs and R&B at age 15. I studied both vocal and piano in High School - the RAP Arts Program (4 years). I also had a private voice teacher from age 13 - 17, who trained me pop, musical theatre and advanced opera (Gisele Fredette - Celine Dione's voice coach). She taught me healthy vocal techniques which I carry till this day so I can sing any genre. After I completed the Arts Program with excellence, I was prepared to go to York University, where I completed my Degree (BFA) in Jazz vocal & theory, which lead me to also study Gospel, Classical, R&B (GPA at 97%).

Awards and Distinctions

1st place - Poetry Contest (age 11)
1st place - Singing Contest (age 10)
Top Performer of the Biggest Entertainment Agency in Toronto for past 10 years

Special Skills and Training

-I completed my RCM certification in Classical Piano - Grade 8 RCM - I've performed at the festival VELD a few years ago (40,000 people) -I composed and produced my R&B album (2024) - I have helped a few students audition for the Disney Channel and got chosen through my training - I am a featured vocalist in several accomplished famous artists albums such as MC Flipside -I perform regularly as an impersonator/my own music as an artist (Cher, Christina Aguilera, Ariana Grande, Amy Winehouse, etc. & Italian Repertoire) at various corporate events and special occasions for the past 12 years I spent my childhood watching my father perform Blues vocals and guitar and my brother perform as a DJ and producer all my life. They are both passionate and impeccable musicians. My training for piano was both private lessons (9 years) and at my high school - RAP Arts Program (4 years). I studied both voice and piano in the Arts Program where I also had a private voice teacher (Gisele Fredette - Celine Dione's voice coach). I completed the Arts Program with excellence which prepared me for my University Degree (BFA) in Jazz vocal where I also studied Gospel, Classical, R&B (GPA at 97%). These experiences have enriched me as a composer/songwriter, teacher, and performer.

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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