About Jocelyn
Jocelyn is a piano teacher with a BA in Music from the University of Guelph and an RCM Level 10 certificate. She offers in-home piano lessons in Aurora and Stouffville, and specializes in teaching music history, theory (beginner-intermediate), and RCM History. Jocelyn is passionate about shaping well-rounded artists, with a focus on rhythm, manual dexterity, and musical expression. She also prepares students for the Royal Conservatory exams and the Kiwanis Music Festival. Lessons are available in English.
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"Where words fail, music speaks." --Hans Christian Anderson This quote illustrates the importance of music in our lives: it transcends the boundaries of language and unites us in a way that doesn't need words. The study of music is a multidisciplinary one that uses logic, reasoning, and symbolism alongside creativity, emotion, and imagination. My name is Jocelyn and I am a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of music, holding a level (grade) ten piano certificate. I have studied practical piano, theory, music history (my favourite) and rudimentary composition. I also play the flute and have beginner level violin and guitar. My goal in teaching piano is to shape students into well rounded artists who can bring joy to themselves and their listeners as well confidence in their abilities. Students leave their lessons with a sense of pride in their accomplishments and a firm grasp of new knowledge. Some of the specific skill sets that I want to build in my students include: a sense of rhythm, identification of patterns, manual dexterity, and ability to express oneself as well as good reading and listening skills. I also want to leave my students with an appreciation for music and an ability to bring written music to life. The methodology I follow is the curriculum of the Royal Conservatory of Music in which the students learn both technique and repertoire to prepare them for RCM certificates as well giving them a solid foundation to play different styles. I also use the Four-Star Sight Reading books. For those who are interested in competitions and performances, the students will have the opportunity to enter into the prestigious Kiwanis Music Festival, an annual music competition. They will also be prepared for examinations from the Royal Conservatory at any level and any subject. Students will be encouraged to explore as many avenues of musical appreciation as possible, including listening to classical and contemporary music, or branching out to other musical instruments. Students receive a well-rounded musical education. They will learn technique, sight reading, and ear training, as well as different repertoire styles. I also incorporate music history and theory for older students. My students become competent and confident piano players who can aptly perform in any setting as well as for their own enjoyment. The skills learned here will stand them in good stead whatever their future holds for them. Learning music will help with cognitive skills, such as math, and creative skills, such as expressing emotion. While the main focus is on teaching the standard classical repertoire, there will be opportunity to learn other styles, based on student interest. My special interest in piano is in playing ragtime music. I offer the opportunity to learn pieces in this special genre of music. A favourite is the works of Scott Joplin, who composed the popular Maple Leaf Rag. I also have experience in teaching young children and have taught this age range for some years now. I have strategies and lesson plans in place to cater to this young age group, who may have a shorter attention span and less interest than their older siblings. I always enjoy teaching the pre-teen age group. They are the most dedicated in their willingness to practice and learn new pieces, styles, and techniques. I look forward to interacting with new and existing students and welcome everyone!
Name: Jocelyn (Full name will be provided upon registration)
Age: 40's
Gender: female
After obtaining a Level 10 in piano, I earned a B.A. in Music from the University of Guelph.
RCM level 10.
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).
Lessons in your home
Jocelyn is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas