WHY WE'RE BETTER

We provide music lessons teaching overall MUSICIANSHIP. In other words, we teach the three elements necessary to become a well-rounded musician, practical instruction on your chosen instrument, some music theory necessary to understand what you are learning, and last but usually forgotten by other teachers, the ability to develop an ear and learn to improvise.

Music itself is all about sound. The ability to MAKE this sound requires practical instruction, and a theoretical knowledge of basic fundamentals. But the missing link here is the ability to HEAR and understand what it is you (or others) are playing, and how it all fits together with other musicians or tracks you may be playing along with. This prepares the student for working within a band, or jamming with friends, or even just backing up a vocalist or other instrument. Our lessons serve to develop these qualities in every student, helping them to become well-rounded musicians who are comfortable with their instrument in a variety of situations.

PRICING

Pricing is $18.00 per half hour, or $32.00 per hour. We require that one lesson is always prepaid, in other words, your last lesson will have been paid in advance. We find that this policy ensures that people cancel by phone when necessary, and improves attendance, as missed lessons will still cost the same as a lesson attended. Any cancellation may be made 24 hours in advance, by leaving a phone message and you will not be charged for the missed lesson.

Upon prepayment of your first and next lesson, your first lesson will also include a fifteen minute consultation at no cost. This is time spent to learn about your goals and intentions, and to assess the level you are presently at as a musician. We feel you shouldn't have to pay for this interview as it is not a 'lesson', but a way to learn where you may be at in the musical skills department. We can teach beginners up to intermediate players and beyond.

INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION

Rather than using the same material and format for everyone, our lessons are geared to each individual's own musical aptitude. You can learn at your own pace, without wasting time on things that are easy for you, nor will you feel rushed while learning something you may find more difficult. Our goal is to help you to master the instrument of your choice, with a useful knowledge of music that will make you a great addition to any band, or ensemble of other musicians. Even if you only play for your own enjoyment, you will gain a greater understanding of the music you choose to play.

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

Your successful completion of our sessions will result in a balance of theory, practical playing skills, and an 'ear' that will provide you with a level of discernment when playing with others, or writing your own songs. This last element is sadly lacking from the curriculum of most music lesson providers, and is a very important and basic part of being a musician.

SONGWRITING

Many people already play an instrument adequately to have begun writing some of their own songs. We can help you to understand how songs affect the emotions of the listener, and how to write songs or change ones you've already written, so that they will sound more pleasing. We cover song structure, creating a feel through lyrics and sound, the importance of melody, and generally how to work better towards creating original songs that will be more memorable. As always, we work with your level of expertise and style, we do not push some pre-written formula at you, but take you where you are and develop the best of your songwriting talent and skills.

PREREQUESITES

Before starting lessons, we ask that you make sure you will be motivated enough to practice between lessons, it is YOU who are learning to play, all we do is show you the path, YOU must be willing to do the walking. You must also have a suitable instrument, if electric guitar or bass, we ask that you bring your instrument and a cord. Unlike many music teaching establishments, we are NOT in the business of selling instruments, and the instrument you already own may be quite suitable. If you are committed to learning the material we teach, and practice it during the week, your progress will happen at your own pace. There are no 'courses' of pre-determined material to slow you down. We work at YOUR pace, not ours, with the intention of assisting you to be the very best you can become in the shortest amount of time that you are comfortable with.

AGE AND SIZE

When employed at the Ontario Conservatory, I once taught a six year old girl to play drums. She loved Led Zeppelin and had "When the Levee Breaks" down to a T. The problem with this is that drum sets and most fingerboards are geared for full-grown people. For that reason, we do not teach very young children, unless they have their own junior-sized instrument and are self-disciplined enough to practice regularly. We don't impose a minimum age limit, as two kids of the same age may be quite different in their physical and mental development. For that reason, we prefer to interview a parent and child to determine whether we can be of assistance. There is no charge for this interview. Generally though, we suggest that students be at least eight years old, and mature enough to sit through the lessons and learn the material, and be willing to practice it during the week. Self-motivation is always better than being 'made' to practice. Parents are advised not to 'push' a child into taking lessons if they are not interested. The majority of our students are teens and adults, it seems that this level of maturity and point in life is often the best for learning a new skill.