Brendan | Teacher #1734
About Brendan
Brendan holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Contemporary Pop from MacEwan University and is pursuing a Masters in Classical Piano Performance at the University of Alberta. With over a decade of professional experience, he offers online lessons in composition, piano, xylophone, music theory, harmony, jazz improvisation, and more. Performed with acclaimed artists and was honored at the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival. His dedication to technical excellence is evidenced by ongoing study with renowned Taubman teacher Deborah Cleaver. Book an interview now!
Piano Xylophone Composition Ear Training Music History Harmony Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Solfege Music Appreciation Dictation Composition RCM Music Theory (Advanced) Jazz Improvation RCM - Analysis RCM - History RCM - Intermediate Harmony RCM - Basic Harmony RCM - Intermediate Rudiments RCM - Basic Rudiments
Online Lessons
Classical Jazz Country Pop Rock Latin Rock and Roll Folk Blues Broadway Musicals Christian Rhythm and Blues Punk Baroque
English
Teaching Philosophy
I strongly believe that every musician should embrace a sense of playfulness at the instrument. "Play" can take various forms, from improvising over a blues to performing Beethoven sonatas at a high level, or exploring free jazz and composing minuets. Music should be about following your passions and desires. As a teacher, my goal is to guide my students towards that place, helping them discover the fastest and most effective path to achieve their musical aspirations.
Musical Education
I have a Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Contemporary Pop from MacEwan University, and I am currently pursuing my Masters degree in Classical Piano Performance at the University of Alberta. Throughout my academic journey, I have had the privilege of learning from exceptional instructors such as Tom Van Seters, Chris Andrew, Jim Lewis, Mark Segger, Patricia Tao, Viktoria Reiswich-Dapp, and Deborah Cleaver. Beyond my academic pursuits, I am actively involved in the music scene, performing professionally in various pop and jazz gigs. I have served as a solo piano performer and collaborated with talented artists like Calvin Love, Justine Vandergrift, Jon Guenter, Eamon McGrath, Aladean Kheroufi, Zia Mizera, and many others. Music is my passion, both as a performer and as an educator, and I am dedicated to sharing the joy and beauty of music with others.
Awards and Distinctions
- TD Ottawa Jazz Fest Award 2017
Special Skills and Trainings
I had the honor of participating in the 2017 TD Ottawa Jazz Festival, where I was recognized with the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival award. As a teacher, I have found great value in the Taubman approach, and for the past year, I have been taking lessons with the esteemed Taubman teacher Deborah Cleaver to further enhance my technical expertise in piano instruction.
Lessons on an online platform
Brendan 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
Associate Teacher Lesson Rates:
Brendan is a Beethoven at Home Associate 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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