About Damon
Damon is a dedicated oboe teacher catering to students aged 10 and up in Toronto, both online and in students' homes. Emphasizing a relaxed approach to playing, his teaching philosophy aims to make music enjoyable and enriching. Currently pursuing a Master of Music at McGill University, Damon holds a Bachelor's degree from the same institution. His extensive experience, including a principal role in the Edmonton Youth Orchestra and the Della Rolland Memorial Scholarship, underscores his commitment to excellence. Fluent in English and French, Damon leverages his yoga instructor background to enhance students' playing posture and technique. Book an interview with Damon now.
BOOK AN INTERVIEW WITH DAMON NOW
My main objective is to provide an enjoyable experience to the student through music. Based on each student's level and musical goals, I will create a learning plan that both challenges and rewards. Playing the oboe can sometimes seem daunting and difficult, but through my years of study, I have learned to develop a relaxed approach to playing that allows the student to excel.
Name: Damon (Full name will be provided upon registration)
Age: 30's
Gender: Male
McGill University - Master of Music (in progress) McGill University - Bachelor of Music
I played Principal Oboe for two years in the Edmonton Youth Orchestra. 2003-2005. I was awarded the Della Rolland Memorial Scholarship for musicians studying abroad. (I attended McGill University after I left Edmonton)
I am a yoga instructor - I use this knowledge to help students achieve pain-free playing and find correct alignment.
English
French
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).
Lessons in your home
Damon is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas
Online lessons
Damon 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.