About Colin
Colin is an experienced music instructor specializing in banjo, classical guitar, and composition, among other instruments. Teaching from his studio in Stratford and online, Colin caters to learners of all ages, ensuring accessibility for everyone. His educational journey is highlighted by a Bachelor’s degree in Classical Guitar Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Toronto, underlining his deep commitment to music education. Colin’s teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of being a musician over merely an academic, aiming to foster a fun and creatively stimulating environment for his students. This approach is complemented by his accolades, including an RCM Grade 6 Best in Province award, which underscore his qualifications and dedication. Book an interview with Colin now for a rich learning experience in music.
BOOK AN INTERVIEW WITH COLIN NOW
In my teaching career, I quickly realized that being a "musician" matters more than being an "academic." I focus on the music that resonates positively with my students, using it as the bedrock for training them in the art of music. Most people are drawn to music for the emotions and energy it brings, lifting them to a higher place. It's about fulfilling our emotional and spiritual potential, not just dissecting musical theory. My goal is to create a fun and enjoyable learning environment, where creativity and imagination take center stage. Think of it like baking a cake—your involvement ensures mastering the musical recipe for a rewarding journey.
Name: Colin (Full name will be provided upon registration)
Age: 40's
Gender: male
My musical journey started unconventionally—through the School of Hard Knocks. It began with seeing ZZ Top live, Reverend Gibbons' guitar skills blowing my 11-year-old mind. I became fixated on the guitar, determined to unravel its secrets. Exploring RCM Classical Guitar books and teaching myself notation with help from a local cellist and my voice instructor. I pursued a Diploma in Music at Capilano University, learning under Stephen Boswell. This set the stage for a Bachelor's in Classical Guitar Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Toronto, mentored by Jeffrey McFadden.
RCM Grade 6 = Best in Province. Peel Festival = Bronze, Silver, Gold Medals. Kiwanis Festival = Top Honours. U of T = Guitar Scholarship Award. I have a "Best Dad Ever" Lightning McQueen coffee mug too!
- Performed in numerous recitals and concerts, accumulating invaluable stage experience. - Ongoing commitment to teaching and anticipation of the revival of live performances. - Over 30 years of musical journey, dedicated to sharing knowledge and expertise through virtual platforms like BAH. - Determined pursuit despite not having immediate access to a guitar, propelled by older brother's acquisition of a Gibson SG copy. - Transitioned to an iconic 80s Super-Strat, mastering classic rock riffs and radio hits suitable for high school cover bands. - Shifted direction after discovering Julian Bream's classical guitar mastery, prompting a switch to a Spanish nylon-string guitar.
English
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).
Online lessons
Colin 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.
Colin's Studio Location
Colin 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.