Katharine | Teacher #3307
About Katharine
Katharine is a highly accomplished music teacher offering personalized lessons in flute, piano, recorder, and ukulele from her studio in Dundas, as well as online. With a rich background that includes an Honours Bachelor of Music (Education) from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, Katharine brings a profound depth of musical and pedagogical knowledge to her students. Her teaching career has spanned over three decades, taking her across Canada and as far north as Baffin Island, enriching her experience and approach. Katharine specializes in creating an engaging and supportive learning environment, focusing on individual student needs and celebrating every achievement. Her lessons are available both at her studio and online, providing flexible learning options for her students. Book an interview with Katharine now for a comprehensive and enriching musical education.
Piano Flute Ukulele Recorder
Online Lessons In Studio Lessons
Classical Country Pop Rock Broadway Musicals
English
Teaching Philosophy
I really love teaching music students of all ages and abilities as they discover the joy of expression through music. All of the sensory experiences with music engage learners in multiple areas of the brain. Music is an integral part of our social, emotional, and intellectual development. My private music lessons are student centred, individualized sessions that teach strong fundamental playing skills with positivity, encouragement and fun! I feel that it's also important to take the time to acknowledge and celebrate every breakthrough, big and small. Combined, these musical experiences provide the opportunity for deeper understanding. My music teaching career has taken me across Canada and up to the far North. After over 30 years of teaching, I still love to help students discover their artistic potential and experience the joy of music. I continue to learn so much from, and be inspired by my music students!
Musical Education
I have an honours Bachelor of Music (Education) degree from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Education degree (Junior/Intermediate Vocal and Instrumental Band, Special Education) from the University of Toronto. I took private piano lessons from age 8 to 12 and flute from the age of 14 to age 23. I studied classical flute with Helen Onishi (The Niagara Symphony) and Paula Elliot (former principal flautist for the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra). I have performance experience in small ensembles, orchestras, bands (concert, military, rock and pit band for musical theatre productions), and in choirs (McMaster University Choir and church).
Awards and Distinctions
During high school, I was awarded a bursary from the Hamilton Musicians Guild for post secondary training as a flautist. I was asked to compose and perform a piece at my Grade 12 graduation ceremony. It inspired me to pursue a university degree in music. During my 2nd year at McMaster, I was seconded and mentored to teach music at Hillfield Strathallan College. I was also selected to be the alto sectional rehearsal leader for the McMaster University choir and the premiere performance of “Genisus” by composer, Dr. Sasha Weinstangel. Many of my vocal and instrumental music students have achieved individual and ensemble gold and silver medal standings in Kiwanis Music Festivals, Musicfest Canada Regionals and performed their winning composition for the CTV Canada 125 national broadcast , sang our national anthem at a Blue Jays game, and recorded background vocals in a music studio. My Mittimataluk Children’s Chorus performed in both English and Inuktitut for the Peter Zowski Celebrity Golf Tournament on Baffin Island.
Special Skills and Trainings
At the age of 3, I began ‘tinkling the ivories’ while my mother played piano and sang. I remember playing while mother sewed and fitted costumes for the so many theatre productions, dance studios and parades. I grew up watching my father conduct and play his trumpet, baritone, and saxophone....thus began my life long love of music! A lot of my early informal training in music was at home and as a member of a church choir and regular soloist. During high school, I took private classical flute lessons at the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts and achieved RCM, Grade 10 flute. In university, I received training in the Kodaly method, choral conducting and performance, with private lessons on the flute and teacher training and 1st year lessons on the strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion and vocal music. I composed the songs and performed as a singer/dancer for the annual University of Toronto teacher’s musical that was performed over 2 days for students from across the city. Towards the end of my career, I taught an arts style program at the Grade 6/7/8 level. My class was filled with students immersed in art projects, set building, rehearsals on their instruments and trying out their compositions, practicing vocal parts for upcoming performances, and figuring out a dance routine...it was an amazing, inspiring experience!
Lessons in a music studio
Katharine offers lessons from her studio. Map locations are approximate and based on the postal code of the teacher’s studio. The full address will be provided upon registration.Lessons on an online platform
Katharine 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:
Katharine 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!
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