“Benjamin, an experienced cello teacher, offers lessons both online and in-person, either in your home or at his studio. With a master's degree in performance from the University of Toronto and ongoing doctoral studies under the guidance of Joseph Johnson, the principal cellist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Benjamin brings a high level of expertise to his teaching. His philosophy emphasizes flexibility and the belief that music is an inherent ability that should be encouraged with a personalized approach. Benjamin's teaching style focuses on fostering self-expression and guiding students to unlock their creative potential. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, Benjamin can tailor his instruction to suit your learning style and goals. Book an interview with Benjamin now.”
- Benjamin
BOOK AN INTERVIEW WITH BENJAMIN NOW
I believe that music is an inherent ability that is best encouraged with a flexible approach. The satisfaction of learning an instrument comes from the enjoyment of making personal progress while fostering self-expression. Following one’s natural intuition guided by the proper technique leads to the innate ability to learn and unlock one’s creative potential. Learning music should not be a one-size-fits-all approach, but one that allows room for freedom of learning.
Name: Benjamin (Full name will be provided upon registration)
Age: 30's
Gender: male
- Completed a master's degree in performance at the University of Toronto in 2015. - Currently pursuing a doctorate in performance under the guidance of Joseph Johnson, the principal cellist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. - Served as the principal cellist of the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the University of Toronto Opera Orchestra during university studies. - Currently working as a Teacher's Assistant for Orchestral studies at the University of Toronto under Uri Mayer.
- Winner of the Haydn Quartet Challenge two years in a row. - First-place winner of the Galamir Chamber Competition at the University of Toronto.
Teaching: - Passion for teaching and performing. - Experience in teaching students to learn music with passion and follow their natural curiosity. - Ability to cater teaching methods to various styles of learning. - Extensive experience and training in orchestral performance with recognized orchestras, including the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, the National Academy Orchestra of Canada, and the Royal Conservatory Orchestra. - Performance experience in chamber ensembles for various festivals and tours in Canada and the United States. - Flexibility to teach beginning students and more advanced players of all ages. Performance and Artistry: - Solo cello performance. - Collaboration with pianists and other musicians. - Performance in various music festivals. - Collaboration with renowned contemporary music ensemble Continuum. - Collaboration with recognized composers such as Linda Caitlin Smith, James Rolfe, and Brian Current. - Soloist performance with multiple symphony orchestras. - Fundraising performance for women's shelter and refugees. - Presentation of lecture recital at the 2019 Western University Graduate Symposium on Music. - Chamber music performance. - Participation in masterclasses with recognized ensembles. - Invitation as an artist to the Orford Summer Music Festival. - Participation in the Madeline Island Chamber Music Festival in Wisconsin.
English
French
Rates and Studio Policies
Registration Fee: $25.00 (One-time lifetime registration fee may be used by all family members)
Rates for instruction:
30 minute private lesson: $39.00
45 minute private lesson: $49.00
60 minute private lesson: $59.00
Travel charge: additional $15.00 per visit (for lessons in a client's home as opposed to my studio)
1. Cancellation Policy
Lessons not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice are billable to the client and payable to the teacher. This does not of course apply to travel fees unless the notice is effectively given at the door and the teacher has travelled to the location.
2. Cessation (quitting) Policy
A client must provide a 2 lesson notice period to stop lessons. So a weekly student needs to give 2 weeks of notice, a biweekly student works out to 3 weeks notice and a twice weekly student works out to a week of notice.
3. Illness Policy
Lessons cancelled due to illness or extraordinary circumstances with less than 24 hours notice remain billable to the client and payable to the teacher.
BAH teachers are encouraged to offer a make-up lesson at a future date in the interest of client relations and general goodwill. This only makes sense as teaching a student with the flu for example, will ruin the rest of your week's employment.
No more than 2 lessons may be made up due to illness within a 60 day period.
4. Rescheduling Policy
Any lesson can be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice.
Summer Vacation and Extended Absence Policy
Clients may schedule longer absences for trips etc. 24 hours notice is required.
It is normal and typical for students and about 20% of our teachers to schedule a break in the summer. We do not enforce a notice period (see cessation of lessons) at the end of a long summer break.
5. Evaluation Period
There are no free trial lessons with Beethoven at Home but we do offer a 2 lesson evaluation period where it is easy to try out a teacher. There are no free lessons during the evaluation period and clients may choose to discontinue the lessons at any time by providing the required 24 hours notice. After the student's 3rd lesson the required 2 lesson notice period will apply (see cessation of lessons above).
Lessons in your home
Benjamin is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas
Online lessons
Benjamin can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.
Benjamin's Studio Location
Benjamin offers lessons from his studio. Please note that map locations are based on the postal code of the teachers studio. address will be released to you if needed.