The Piano Student’s Compass:

Keys to unlocking your musical potential

JOIN US, OTTAWA!

2023-2024

Imagine if it were possible:

• to learn a new piece of music with a spirit of curiosity and playfulness

• to break down a new piece of music on sight, knowing which tools to use to learn each of the components

• get straight to the joy of music-making

I’m a classical pianist, piano professor and vocal coach, and I have over 20 years of experience teaching piano privately and at institutions such as the Conservatoire de musique de Genève, the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.

I know what it is like to get a stack of music and feel lost on where to begin. Using my signature method, I’ve helped hundreds of students to navigate the notes and patterns on the page so that they can quickly get to the business of expressing themselves through music.

Framework

Over the course of three terms (fall, winter and spring) in this hybrid learning environment, we will explore:

• standard piano repertoire

• improvisation

• harmonization, realization, lead sheets

• playing by ear

• sightreading

• 4-hands repertoire and accompanying/collaborative piano repertoire

Here is what is included each term:

1. A minimum of 10 x 45-minute scheduled lessons (1-to-1)

2. A minimum of 2 group lessons (either in-person or online, according to level and availability) where we will try out different skills together with our peers, integrating listening and team-work with our technical abilities.

3. Unlimited access via WhatsApp, messenger or email. If you have a question regarding how to practice a particular passage or need a bit more clarity on what to work on at home, send me an email, video, audio or picture and I will respond within 24 hours.

Additionally, each term will have its own particular perks included in your tuition from among the following:

1. Additional 1-to-1 lessons, based on mutual availability (for exam preparation for example)

2. Sheet music will be provided for the year – this covers RCM books, PDFs of sheet music, notebooks…

3. There will be 2 public performances scheduled during the year (one in the winter term, and one in the spring). Entrance will be free to anyone who would like to attend

4. Entrance fee for the Ottawa Piano Festival

What will be your takeaway?

Through our weekly sessions, you will

1.     Unlock the keys you need to create music on your own

2.     Find new ways of expressing yourself at the piano

3.     Be able to learn repertoire more quickly

4.     Have a group learning experience: piano study can be lonely: even more so during a pandemic. Having a group outlet can be a great way to connect and socialize, both in person and online.

I believe each person is worthy of sharing their musical voice. In my experience performing all over the world in top venues such as the Musikverein in Vienna and the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, it has been my mission to communicate my passion for Classical music to my audience. As a piano professor, I help students navigate the endless fields of possibilities at the instrument, using a clear understanding of keyboard musicianship, so that students feel empowered to communicate their own voice.

I can’t wait to introduce you to these keys so you can unlock your unique musical potential!