Teaching Philosophy

I have a strong passion for teaching, and have been in the field for over 20 years. I have taught beginners through ARCT and above. 

I was lucky to receive pedagogy training from renown Russian pedagogue Sophia Gilmson in Austin, who has impacted my teaching tremendously. 

While I hold all my students to the same high standards, I make sure to match every student's pace so that progress can be achieved on an individual level. Above all, I want my students to find their inner artist and feel the music! I value authenticity very much, so in our lessons we definitely have fun and get to know each other. Who says piano lessons have to be stressful or boring? Those are foreign words in my studio...!

Many students who start lessons often have very unique goals. Some establish a focus on exams and competitions. Some seek achieving better confidence through performing. Some wish to only play for personal enjoyment. I have also had students who simply want to let go of the fear of making mistakes - which applies to everything we do in life. All of these are possible through learning piano.

My students have done well in exams, and have won many awards at various festivals each year. Most recently, one of my students won 1st Prize and Best of Class for all of Level 9 at the Ontario Provincials (OMFA). Last year, another student from my studio obtained 97% on a Level 9 RCM Practical exam - one of the highest in the province/nation. This student went on to study at the prestigious Taylor Academy at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.

As well, our studio is happy that two of our students performed in Koerner Hall in Toronto and won 1st place for Levels 5 and 10 at the RCM's "Music Lights the Way" festival! This special competition had over 500 competitors for each category from the United States and Canada. 

As an active adjudicator for many festivals, I have designed multiple workshops and masterclasses where I have had the pleasure of working with talented pianists.

 If you love music and are ready to take a committed journey with piano, contact me for a free 15-min. meeting to see if we are a good fit.