Matthew K. — Piano Teacher — Scarborough, Toronto

**A Bit About Me** *I have been teaching and performing music in Toronto for 20+ years. I started my musical life playing the trumpet. When I was in high school I became interested in jazz by participating in our school's jazz ensemble. At Queen's University I learned how to improvise, and my interests shifted toward composition and playing the piano. After I graduated I became more focused on the piano, and it is now my primary instrument. The nice thing about music is that no matter how you begin your studies, what you learn along the way becomes transferable knowledge to another area of musical studies. If you or your child are serious about studying music, or maybe just curious about it, or, perhaps if you would like to learn several of your favorite songs over a lesson cycle or two (because you always wanted to give it a try), then I would like to speak with you! I am an experienced educator, and have taught all ages and all levels. * **Professional Designation** OCT (Ontario Certified Teacher) **Educational Background** Bachelor of Education (Queen's University, 2004) Baccalaureate in Arts (University of Ottawa, 2002) Bachelor of Music (Queen's University, 2000) **Further Educational Development** Presently Enrolled: Master of Arts (Acadia University)

# Areas of Teaching & Available Lesson Types **Traditional Piano Lessons** *This course of student prepares students to take the Royal Conservatory of Music Exams (RCM Exams 1-10). This lesson type requires serious study and focused commitment from students. Support and encouragement from parents helps keep students on the track to success. This course of study is also supported with consideration given to building in healthy practice habits and strategies to help optimize success.* **General Interest Piano Lessons** *If you are an adult or student-age person who would like to take lessons for personal interest, this option is for you. You might be a beginner but are open to new experiences. Perhaps you always wanted to learn your favorite song, or maybe you have taken piano lessons in the past and would now enjoy brushing up a bit. * **Jazz Improvisation Piano Lessons ** *This introductory course of study teaches you how to read a jazz lead sheets and how to improvise using standard chord progressions in various jazz styles. Emphasis is placed on learning how to be spontaneous at the piano, listening to interact with and respond to backtracks, becoming a jazz architect. More specifically, learning goals include how to read chord symbols and becoming familiar with various musical forms found in jazz standards. This course presupposes some competency at the piano. * **Church Musician Preparation** *Playing the piano in church requires a lot of forethought and preparation, especially when you are first starting out. For example, sometimes a particular hymn in one hymnbook is not identical to the same hymn found in another. Also, every church does things a little bit differently from any other, even within the same denomination. Things do not always go as planned, which requires thinking on your feet, and in the moment. Many musicians do not realize these situations will arise, and many do not realize that preparing and presenting music for a church service is not the same thing as giving a musical performance. Despite these considerations, church congregations are almost always happy to have you play for them, and most congregations can be very patient, especially when you are just starting out. This program of study will address the aspects and role of the church musician as an often overlooked area of vocational calling and interest. Focus will be directed toward pianists, but will also address some of the interactive aspects such as accompanying a choir or working with volunteers and guest musicians. This course assumes competency at the piano. * **Theory (RCM Exams)** *This course of study will prepare students to take the Royal Conservatory Theory Exams corresponding to piano study. It will use the Royal Conservatory of Music workbooks. Assignments will be given each week, completed by the student, and then brought to the next lesson for feedback.* **Songwriting & Composition** *Do you have an earworm? Do you find yourself humming a tune you never heard before? Do you tap your foot or dance a bit while singing to yourself? If so, this course is for you! * *For adults or student-aged people, this course will help you to hash out and then write down your own songs. You will learn how to write down your own melody, create an accompanying chord progression, or perhaps even broaden out to writing a composition for a small ensemble. If you live in Toronto or Canada (online lessons) and you sign up for a block of five or more lessons, you will receive a copy of this fun composition sketchbook https://www.amazon.ca/Uncharted-Territory-Composers-Matthew-Kryzanowski/dp/1068862939 as part of the program to help you jot down your musical ideas and to get the creativity flowing. *