Valerie H. — Piano Teacher — Westbrook, Richmond Hill

Valerie is a dedicated and passinate piano teacher, committed to passing on her musical knowledge and inspiring the next generation of students. Her musical journey took place over 20 years ago with her first piano lesson, sparking a deep interest and talent in music that has only grown since. In 2018, she pursued her passion further by enrolling in Queen's University, where she earned her Bachelor of Music in 2022. She continued her studies at Sheridan college that same year, graduating with a certificate in music scoring. During her time at Sheridan College, she began her piano teaching career, developing a strong foundation in piano pedagogy and refining her skills as an educator. Following in the foodsteps of her own piano teacher, she now dedicates herself to teaching and mentoring students, sharing the joy and discipline of music with each one.

I work with a wide range of clients from starting from age 5 to 75. When it comes to beginner students, so lets say ages 5+, I start them off with Piano Adventure Primer books (lesson and theory book), which will take 3 months. I don't plan on going My hope or main focus is that by the end of 3 months, students will be able to know some rhythmic notes, dynamics (loud and soft), names of the keys, names of certain notes as well as technique and touch of the piano. After the first 3 months or after they finish Piano Adventure Primer books, I move my students to Piano Adventure Level 1 books (lesson and theory), which will take 6 months. As students are going through Piano Adventure Level 1 book, I plan on slowly introducing them to RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music) materials that way when I transition them to RCM curriculum fully right after the Piano Adventure Level 1 book, they would have more idea of what is going on. From then on, students will be fully in RCM curriculum which includes 4 books: Technique (Scales), Repertoire and Etudes (Pieces) and Ear training. Depending on the parents, if they wish for student to go for exam, then exam preparation will also be done. As students are going through each level of the RCM curriculum, theory can also be taught. Knowing that going through RCM curriculum can be boring, to entertain and keep students interesting, I will teach them songs they wish to play.