
Charlene brings a passion for music and education, offering piano and violin lessons to students from age 6 to adults, exclusively online. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music, she holds distinctions in Level 8 Theory and Violin from the RCM, highlighting her dedication and skill. Charlene's teaching philosophy emphasizes music's role in personal growth and development, aiming to instill confidence, patience, and a love for music in her students. Whether you're beginning your musical journey or advancing your skills, Charlene's expertise and supportive approach make her an ideal guide.
Music is my passion, and I believe it is also a way for someone to identify themselves and feel a sense of belonging to a community. Music is also known to be beneficial for those who can play a musical instrument. Studies have shown that it helps people to reduce their stress, express themselves, retain information better, and increase concentration. I belief that music can not only be fun, but is a must for children and adults to keep their brain alive and healthy. It aids in a child's development as it helps them gain confidence, which can transfer to other aspects of their life, such as their academics, extracurriculars, and their relationships with other people. I know for me personally, it has helped me work to where I am today. I take pride in making sure I put my best foot forward, whether that be in my jobs or current education. Continuous music practice has helped me to develop patience, consistency, and accept that life is not perfect and mistakes are bound to happen. I want to help students, children and adults alike, to not only develop themselves as musicians, but to also translate what they have learned into everyday life to improve themselves as people.
I am currently attending University of Guelph to obtain a Bachelor of Arts Music degree, which included performance classes for the violin, and lessons on advanced music theory, harmony, counterpoint, and history. I studied the violin from the age of 14 through private lessons, and have meticulously followed the RCM curriculum up until Grade 10 (still working towards my ARCT). In addition, I have experience performing for weddings and celebrations in Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga and have collaborated with various musicians.
Level 8 Theory and Violin First Class Honors with Distinction Certificate (2019) Gloria Guthrie Memorial Award (2023) ~ An award offered by the University of Guelph for a fourth-year student who has achieved the highest average among the students in the School of Fine Arts and Music program.
As a child, violins have always fascinated me. I did not know how such a small instrument can be able to create expressive sounds that sounded almost like an emotional human voice. At first, I was intimidated by whether I was competent enough to learn the instrument, alongside my mother's concerns about the pricing and scheduling of reliable lessons. Eventually, I grew the courage at age 14 to finally pursue my dreams of finally learning the violin. I attended this private music school called Tan Music Academy, and was able to excel with lessons and RCM material in such a short time. One thing I want to point out is that, compared to other music academies I have attended in the past for the piano, this school's staff were very friendly and encouraging; which is what I can attribute to my accelerated learning. An environment where students feel safe, respected, and encouraged--I believe--is very important for growth. I want to carry the positive attitudes I have learned from my own private school experience to leave a positive impression of the violin for students who want to learn it. Patience and kindness is important. Alongside my own personal experiences, I currently have the First Class Honors with Distinction Certificate for both Level 8 Violin and Theory. Any one with special interest with taking the RCM curriculum for violin is highly encouraged, but other curriculum will work just as well.
Charlene 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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