
Avi offers lessons in electric guitar, composition, dictation, ear training, harmony, jazz improvisation, music appreciation, music history, and advanced to beginner-intermediate music theory. With a Bachelor's degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from McGill University and professional certification from CEGEP Vanier, Avi brings extensive expertise to his teaching. He received the prestigious Helmut Blume Memorial Scholarship for his outstanding achievements. Fluent in English and French, Avi provides in-home, online, and studio lessons, ensuring accessibility for all. Book an interview now for transformative music lessons with Avi!
I believe that music is a basic human activity which should be accessible to all people. For this reason, my teaching balances technical development (theory, ear-training, sight-reading, scales, arpeggios, etc…) with an exploration of a diversity of musical genres. I assign listening to my students to develop their taste, and cater the songs we learn to the preferences of the student, something which I have found to be extremely beneficial for both their musical and personal growth. I teach improvisation and composition very early in my curriculum in order to allow the student to explore their musical voice, and I believe that these skills benefit students regardless of whether they continue with music into adulthood. I assign work based on the amount of time that the student can devote to practicing so as to “push” students without overwhelming them. I work with students to develop healthy practicing routines, healthy technique, a personal sound, an understanding of music history, and a great wealth of musical repertoire across genres and eras.
I am a recent graduate from Mcgill University in Jazz Guitar Performance- B.Mus. Prior to Mcgill, I completed a DEC in Jazz Guitar Performance at CEGEP Vanier, including the professional certification they offer as a third year. I took guitar lessons privately from the ages of 6-23. My primary teachers were Jim Bland and Carlos Jimenez.
I was a recipient of the Helmut Blume Memorial Scholarship for the 2021-2022 academic year
Outside of my academic pursuits, I play guitar for several local bands, such as Jonas Langer, Ali Levy, and the PMR Ska Collective. I also produce for rappers both locally and abroad, such as Kin, DO, the Outcast, Shem G, Syf of Talking Knots (UK), and ProtekPhillipe (Germany). My beats have accrued over 15 million plays on streaming services, landing on spotify editorial playlists as well as lo-fi Youtube playlists such as ChilledCow, Lofi Girl, and The Bootleg Boy. During my undergrad, I also completed a minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies, and have published music journalism in the McGill journal for gender studies, Intersections. I have worked scoring several podcasts as well as for theatre. This experience allows me to teach modern composition using DAWs and notation software, as well as Midi programming.
Avi is a Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher
Home visit fee: $15 minimum fee. Teachers may negotiate a higher travel fee if the travel distance is longer than they are comfortable with. Most arrangements use the minimum fee.
One-Time Family Registration: $25. This covers your entire family for life - once you're in, everyone can take lessons!
Getting Started Together
We don't offer free trials, but we do something better - a relaxed 2-lesson getting-to-know-you period. You can pause anytime with just 24 hours notice. After your third lesson, we ask for a friendly 2-lesson heads up if you need to stop.
Life Happens - We Get It
Give us 24 hours notice for any cancellation or reschedule and you'll receive full credit. Planning a family vacation or summer break? Perfect - just let us know a day ahead and we'll pause your lessons.
When You're Under the Weather
If illness strikes with short notice (less than 24 hours), you'll still be charged since your teacher has reserved that time. However, most teachers are happy to offer makeup lessons when possible - they have the final say, especially if last-minute cancellations become a pattern.
Stopping Lessons
Need to take a break? We just ask for a 2-lesson notice:
Weekly lessons = 2 weeks notice
Every other week = 3 weeks notice
Twice weekly = 1 week notice
Summer breaks are different - no notice period needed when you return in the fall!
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