Bernard | Teacher #4680
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About Bernard
Bernard is a dedicated piano teacher with a BA in music from Georgia State University, specializing in composition and piano performance. With a strong classical foundation and experience in composition, ear training, harmony, and music theory, he brings a well-rounded approach to teaching. Bernard offers online and in-home lessons in Kitsilano, Richmond, and Vancouver, helping students of all levels develop their musical skills with both discipline and creativity.
Piano Ear Training Music History Counterpoint Harmony Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Solfege Music Appreciation Composition RCM - Analysis RCM - History RCM - Intermediate Harmony RCM - Basic Harmony RCM - Intermediate Rudiments RCM - Basic Rudiments
Online Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Classical Pop Rock Rock and Roll Folk Blues Broadway Musicals Baroque
English
Teaching Philosophy
I have always seen myself as a creative first, musician second. Growing up I was always spinning stories in fanciful detail at all hours of the day, and I grew up with music informing and coloring my imagination. As the son of two Brazilian immigrants, my exposure to music was multifaceted from the outset, leading to an appreciation of music from all cultures and traditions that has only broadened with time. I believe musical practice and flow can be a truly elevating experience, enabling us to connect to some of the most magical parts of ourselves and each other. While I do value and impart excellent technique through discipline and practice, I see them more as the foundation upon which my students can discover and pursue their own creative goals. I also take care to meet my students wherever they are at: everyone learns at their own pace. Music is one of the most ancient and far-reaching elements of the human experience, and I take great joy in helping students young and old find their way in its storied history and artful delights.
Musical Education
I have a BA in music from Georgia State University concentrating in music composition, with a secondary focus in piano performance. My classical musical education began when I was eight years old, studying piano and composition in Seattle and later Atlanta. Throughout the years, I had the opportunity to study under highly accomplished teachers and concert pianists who encouraged and challenged me to rise to the highest technical ceiling. While my musical upbringing is deeply rooted in piano, branching out in other areas has made me a more well-rounded and seasoned musician. I taught myself classical guitar, continue to compose in traditional and electronic mediums, and I performed in all three of GSU's choirs while pursuing my degree there.
Special Skills and Trainings
My mother and grandmother were both prima Ballerinas, and I grew up surrounded by a great breadth of musical styles, often rooted in storytelling. Spending time at the studio as my mother taught ballet, I witnessed music as both discipline and production. And beyond her classroom, I saw music as expression shaped by language, culture, and tradition. My musical experience follows this trend established in childhood: varied, but a constant in my life that pushes me forward. I began composing at the age of 8, taking inspiration from my classes in art and history. I went on to win numerous regional and national composition competitions. I performed regularly in piano recitals and festivals, sometimes as the principal performing artist backed by a full youth orchestra. In later years I familiarized myself with A/V equipment for various music tech jobs and learned audio engineering skills while at university. Performing in a university choir perfected my sight reading, and I performed many of my peers' pieces for their recitals as the most advanced pianist in the composition program.
Lessons in your home
Bernard is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- Kitsilano, BC
- Richmond, BC
- Vancouver, BC
Lessons on an online platform
Bernard 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.Reviews
Teacher Lesson Rates:
Bernard is a Beethoven at Home Teacher
- 30 minutes: $39
- 45 minutes: $49
- 60 minutes: $59
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!
Our Promise to You
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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