About Crystal
Crystal offers piano lessons for students of all ages, specializing in piano performance, ear training, music theory, and RCM preparation. She holds a Master's in Music Education from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor’s in Piano Performance from UCSI University. Additionally, she is certified in the ATCL diploma and ABRSM Grade 8 Music Theory. Fluent in Cantonese, English, and Mandarin, Crystal teaches both online and from her studio in Calgary.
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After nearly ten years of teaching piano, I’ve come to realize that there’s no one-size-fits-all method for teaching. Each student has their own unique learning style, and what works for one might not work for another. Over time, I’ve discovered that the key to effective teaching lies in communication, empathy, and flexibility. By fostering open communication with my students, I create a space where they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns. One particular experience that stands out is when I had a seven-year-old student who wasn’t practicing at home because the material felt too difficult for her. After talking to her, I realized that she was overwhelmed, so I decided to simplify the lessons and make them more engaging. Instead of sticking to the rigid curriculum, I incorporated fun activities that allowed her to reinforce the basics while keeping her interest alive. This approach sparked her curiosity and led to steady improvement in both her practice habits and her overall enjoyment of music. Though I still sometimes question my approach and feel uncertain about whether I’m applying the right methods for each student, I’ve learned that teaching is a constant process of growth. I’ve come to embrace the idea that being flexible and willing to adapt is the most important part of guiding students on their musical journey.
Name: Crystal (Full name will be provided upon registration)
Age: 26
Gender: female
I have attended the following schools earning the following degrees: - University of Calgary - Master in Music Education - UCSI University - Bachelor of Music, Piano Performance - Trinity College of London ATCL Diploma in Classical Piano - Associate Board Royal School of Music - Grade 8 Music Theory
- KSC Kodály Canadian Summer Study Scholarships 2023 - University of Calgary: Recipient of Faculty of Graduate Studies Scholarship (FGSS) (2021 - 2023) - University of Calgary: Recipient of Donald R. Hayes Memorial Scholarship (2021) - UCSI University: Recipient of the UCSI University Trust Scholarships (2017 – 2020) International Choir Competition Grand Prix Thailand, UCSI Singers - Gold Award and Grand Prix Finalist Taipei International Choral Competition, UCSI Chamber Choir - Silver Award
- University of Alberta - Kodály Level 1 Teaching Certificate I am also active in choral singing and am part of the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus. Some of the works we have performed include Handel's Messiah, Orff's Carmina Burana, and Brahm's Requiem.
Cantonese
English
Mandarin
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
Crystal 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.
Crystal's Studio Location
Crystal offers lessons from her studio. Please note that map locations are based on the postal code of the teachers studio. address will be released to you if needed.