Charles | Teacher #4779
About Charles
Charles offers piano, dictation, ear training, harmony, solfege, and music theory lessons, from beginner to advanced. He holds an ARCT in Piano Performance, a diploma from the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and a Bachelor's degree from the University of British Columbia. Charles tailors his encouraging and creative lessons to each student's needs, building strong technique and a lifelong love of music. He teaches online worldwide and in-home in Vancouver.
Piano Ear Training Harmony Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Solfege Dictation RCM Music Theory (Advanced)
Online Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Classical Pop Baroque
English
Teaching Philosophy
As a teacher, my goal is to help every student find their own joy and confidence at the piano. I believe that music is for everyone, and that lessons should be encouraging, creative, and responsive to each student's needs. I work to build strong technical foundations while also keeping a focus on musicality, self-expression, and developing a lifelong love of music. I tailor my approach to suit each student’s learning style, using a mix of classical repertoire, ear training, improvisation, and theory to create a well-rounded musical education. I know that learning an instrument can be challenging, and I strive to create a positive environment where mistakes are seen as a natural part of growth. Growing up, music was a central part of my life, and my teachers had a huge impact on me. Not only did they help me develop my musical skills, but also showed me how to find meaning and enjoyment in the process. I aim to pass that experience forward. Whether a student dreams of performing on stage, writing their own songs, or simply playing for their own enjoyment, I am committed to helping them achieve their goals.
Musical Education
I am a passionate piano teacher and performer with a diploma in Music Performance from the Victoria Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Piano Performance from the University of British Columbia. I have been teaching privately since 2018, and have performed as a collaborative pianist and through outreach programs with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. My own musical education was rooted in classical training, and I earned my ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music in 2018.
Awards and Distinctions
-Irving K. Barber Scholarship -Mrs. A Massy Goolden Award -Prof. Stephen and Dr. Jacquelyn Peitchinis Theory Scholarship -George Giles Award -Estate of Arthur Ernest Leeder Scholarship for Piano -Vanhall Fund for the Arts Scholarship -Millicent Lavoy Piano Scholarship -Wood’s International Piano Scholarship -Jamie K. Syer Collegium Scholarship Award -Winner, Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival (2022) -Runner-up, Provincial Candidate for Piano Open Category (2021) -Winner, Canada West Performing Arts Festival, Chamber Music Category (2022)
Special Skills and Trainings
From an early age, I immersed myself in music through private study in piano, theory, and history, eventually earning my RCM Level 10 certificates and ARCT in Piano Performance. Along the way, I performed in festivals like the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival and the Canada West Performing Arts Festival, experiences that taught me the value of collaboration, discipline, and creativity. My training continued at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and now at the University of British Columbia, where I have worked closely with experienced mentors in solo and collaborative piano. I also gained hands-on experience creating musical workshops for young students through my work with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, learning how to make classical music accessible and fun. These diverse experiences allow me to bring flexibility, energy, and connection into the lessons I teach.
Lessons in your home
Charles is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- Vancouver, BC
Lessons on an online platform
Charles 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:
Charles 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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