My focus will be to talk about the details of interpretation that I feel would make your performance more engaging, meaningful, and successful. I do not have lesson plans, and I do not have specific rules about technique or sound or anything else. Every aspect and detail is taken in the context of what the composer might have wanted, and what you want to express. I will give my opinion, and I will give my reasons for holding that opinion, and then you are free to follow or ignore my advice. All I ask is that you be cognizant of the choices you are making in your interpretation, and be ready to explain those choices. It doesn’t matter if I would play it a different way. In fact, I would never want a student to play exactly like me because that would be musically bereft of meaning.

I find that the most successful students are those who constantly ask questions. I love answering questions! Asking a question doesn’t show a lack of knowledge, it shows an interest in acquiring more knowledge. And, I would be happy for you to question anything I say. Feel free to ask why I think a certain interpretation works better. I will also ask questions of you, and hopefully get you to think about your music and engage with it, instead of simply learning the notes and playing it “well enough”.

My teaching is best suited for students who are playing the standard performing repertoire and want to take their exploration of music further. It does not necessarily mean I only teach students who desire to become professional musicians, and indeed I find it rewarding to teach someone who pursues music only as a hobby. On the other hand, if you are seeking guidance as an aspiring professional pianist, I would be happy to give my opinions on your playing as you prepare for concerts and competitions. If you are thinking about studying music in university, or you already are studying in a post-secondary institution, or you simply want a second opinion, I am happy to teach you as well. I should note that I do not believe in the necessity of only having one teacher at a time. Once you are past a certain point in your musical education, you should be learning from every person and source that you can.

I am more inclined to designate my lessons as sessions, and call myself a coach and not a teacher. A coach, for me, implies someone who takes what they are given and tries to make it better, whereas the nomenclature of teacher might imply they have a set agenda, or set lessons that they are going to teach, which is decidedly not the case with me. I give detailed assessment and guidance in interpretation to everyone based on what they bring to me, rather than having them follow any preconceived paths of education. This is another reason why my teaching is more suited for students who already have foundations in place.

I started teaching piano twenty-five years ago. My past teaching experience includes: private piano coach for university students and private students, University of British Columbia solo piano teaching assistant, piano teacher and lecturer at Carleton University, guest lecturer at the University of Western Ontario, and leader of solo piano masterclasses in London, Los Angeles, and Vancouver.

I currently give piano lessons in London (Canada) and the surrounding area. I can teach at your house, my home studio, or another suitable location. I prefer not to give online lessons, as the level of interaction and demonstration required is not possible online.

Your first lesson is free, and after that the price per hour is $50 CAD. There is no commitment required — you can have regular weekly lessons, or just have a lesson occasionally.

If you prefer, or if in-person lessons are not possible, I can provide you with a written assessment of your playing. Instead of having a live lesson, you can send me an audio or video file, and I will give you my written comments. It is difficult to put a general price on this service, as someone might want comments on a full recital of music, while someone else might simply want a few suggestions on a short fugue. And even a short étude might require extensive written comments. Contact me and we can discuss your needs. The first written assessment is free so that you can decide if my suggestions are helpful for you.