Ira | Teacher #3687

Associate
$39/ 30 min | $49/ 45 min | $59/ 60 min

About Ira

Ira, with a background steeped in European musical education and performance, holds a Bachelor's degree in classical piano and jazz, incorporating German and Russian teaching methods. Fluent in English, Ira offers instruction in piano, voice, composition, and advanced music theory, both online and in-home. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the emotional, physical, and intellectual aspects of music, fostering confidence and self-expression in students of all ages. Book an interview with Ira for transformative music lessons that go beyond technical proficiency.

Services Offered
Piano Voice Ear Training Harmony Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Solfege Music Appreciation Dictation Composition Music Theory (Advanced) Jazz Improvation RCM - Intermediate Harmony RCM - Basic Harmony RCM - Intermediate Rudiments RCM - Basic Rudiments
Teaching Locations
Online Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Musical Styles
Classical Jazz Country Pop Rock Rock and Roll Folk Blues Rhythm and Blues Baroque
Languages
English

Teaching Philosophy

Learning to play the piano is fundamental to every human being. It not only exposes the beauty of the sounds of music but also develops the musicality of the individuals and their abilities to think on their feet, to train their memory, to be flexible and reflective to the always changeable musical flow and structure, and often to be able to handle sudden shifts from fast speed to sudden stops and vice Versa. One can also learn to feel the power of the silences in a musical piece which are called pauses. Here's what V.A.Mozart says in this regard, " Music is not in the notes, but in the silence between." Engaging equally physically, emotionally and intellectually at the same time is a unique characteristic of only two human activities - playing the piano and conducting an orchestra. This and the combination of being an abstract subject and still quite mathematical is also very beneficial to every individual. I am convinced that playing the piano is one of the best way to find the freedom of self-expression and create confidence in one own ability to achieve their goals in every endeavour they undertake! Although It is challenging, the challenge is entirely positively charged! The satisfaction of it brings joy and lifts our spirits no matter our age of 3 or 83! I feel confident to say that everyone who succeeds in learning the piano will succeed in any other area of their lives. Playing music has been proven to be incredibly therapeutic. This is the most possibly healthiest way to treat Anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder, Depression, Split Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder. For those who would hesitate to start learning to play the piano because they are afraid that they will often make mistakes by hitting the wrong key I will write down a quote by my favourite composer, L.V. Beethoven. Here is what he says: "To play a wrong note is insignificant. To play without passion is inexcusable." Last but not least, MUSIC is a high level of vibrational frequencies. To play music, not to just play notes I call SCULPTING THE SOUNDS! Whoever achieves that even with a simple tune, is a MASTER!

Musical Education

European Musical Education. I want to share what lead to my studies in music. The credit for my pursuit of a music career belongs to my mother. She has notice the extraordinary musicality I had exhibited in the very first months of my existence. Only as a two-month-old baby, I was bouncing in her hands in the rhythm of whatever music she was listening to. At the age of three, I was singing from morning till night! I have learned more than 100 songs, all of different genres! Practically, I have shown the ability to memorise every musical piece I hear streaming on the radio. On my 5th birthday, my mom bought me a piano as a birthday present. It was glossy ebony and I cried out of joy when I saw it waiting for me in our living room! Since then, the piano has become my best friend! This is how my piano journey began. I started taking private lessons and I kept on doing so until I reached the age at which I could apply for acceptance at Music High School "Lubomir Pipkov", in Sofia City. I graduated from it in 1974 with three specialities: piano, voice and bassoon. I continued my musical education at the State Conservatory of Music and obtained a Bachelor's degree in classical piano and minor in jazz, in June 1979. All of my teachers were using a combination of German (attention to details and technical punctuality) and Russian (attention to tone extraction, phrasing, sound nuances and emotional expressions) methods of teaching. Meanwhile, I showed a keen interest exploring in rock, blues and jazz genres. Along with my classical studies, at the age of the "sweet sixteen", I started to play keyboards and sing in various rock and jazz groups. A curious fact is that I happened to be the first female pianist and keyboardist to play in such bands in Bulgaria back then.

Special Skills and Trainings

All my life I have been juggling music and theatre and I couldn't be happier than that! During my long career as a musician, actor, theatre director, playwright and producer I have had many chances to write music for theatre plays and to perform some of it live. I have worked as a sound designer and sound technician for certain theatrical performances as well. I have composed 10 songs for my originally written script The Little Red Riding Hood, based on Brothers Grimm's fairy tale. The play produced & directed by me has taken place in Centaur Theatre Children's Theatre Series and at Hudson Children's theatre festival as well. I am also skilled in sound editing.

Lessons in your home

Ira is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:
  • Kirkland, QC
  • Montreal, QC
  • Westmount, QC

Lessons on an online platform

Ira 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:

Ira 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!

BOOK WITH IRA - Beethoven at Home Teacher #3687

Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher


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