Michael | Teacher #4388
About Michael
Michael is an experienced piano teacher offering lessons online, in his studio, and at your home in the Mississauga, Brampton, and Oakville areas. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music and French at the University of Waterloo, he has achieved Level 10 RCM in piano and theory. With a strong focus on creating a supportive and enjoyable learning environment, Michael is dedicated to helping students celebrate their musical milestones and develop their skills.
Piano RCM RCM - Advanced Rudiments RCM - Intermediate Rudiments
Online Lessons In Studio Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Classical Jazz Country Pop Rock Rock and Roll Folk Christian Baroque
English
Teaching Philosophy
As someone who didn’t learn music formally until my early teens, I had the pleasure of going through the experience from starting off as someone who enjoys listening to music, to someone who both studies and analyzes the various components that make music entertaining. My journey was very unique and memorable, and I look forward to sharing my passions with fellow students. Regarding philosophy, the most important thing for my students is to enjoy the process they take in learning to become a proficient musician, to celebrate little milestones and to give to ourselves credit for putting in the effort to work around the details that we find challenging. The beauty of studying music is that we never stop learning, including for us teachers; certain days we may feel like we improved more than other days, and certain details may take more time for ourselves to see substantial progress as well. My philosophy is to ensure all of my students feel supported and encouraged during every lesson, that they will be responded to in a validating manner when they have questions about their learning, and that they will be motivated to learn in a way that suits their unique musical characteristics and interests.
Musical Education
I am currently enrolled in a Bachelors of Arts degree with the University of Waterloo, specializing in Music and French. So far, I have completed three years of full-time studies and have obtained the equivalent of practical level 10 for piano, as well as Harmony & Counterpoint Level 10. Before university, I studied piano with a private teacher, Anca Uleia, who obtained her masters and pedagogical degree for piano performance in Romania, for 7 years. In University, I trained with Anna Ronai, a graduate of the Vienna Conservatory, for 3 years, completing the university’s requirement for level 10 of practical piano. I also trained with Dr. Karen Sunabacka, doctorate from University of Manitoba, for theory and counterpoint up til level 10. My experience with each instructor was extremely positive and fulfilling, they provided not only insight but also support so that I could prepare for my exams in an enjoyable and motivating space, and that is something I would like to bring to my students as well.
Awards and Distinctions
So far, I have achieved a few titles for both piano and theory. For piano, I achieved my RCM level 8 certificate in which I received Honors. I also took the RCM exam for theory level 8, in which I also received a certificate with honors. So far in University, I have completed the school’s requirement of level 10 for piano and theory, having scored an average of 82% for piano and 85% for theory. My additional achievements at the university level include winning the Evanov Radio Music Group Award in the Winter of 2024, for my involvement in the University Music Department, as well as my proficient performances in the music required courses. I have also received the Chalmers Family Arts & Culture Award for my strong academic performance in the Arts Faculty at University of Waterloo, as well as for my involvement and leadership initiatives.
Special Skills and Trainings
From middle school until university, I have had the pleasure of taking part in different experiences to enhance my growth as a musician. My first exposure to formal music training actually happened in grade 6, where I played as an electric bassist in the concert band for my grade, I realized that learning music was fun, manageable and a good escape from all the other studies, so I took up piano the following year. In high school, I continued to enroll in these extra-curricular music groups, and it was in university where I took my experiences to another level. In first year, I took part in the Instrumental Chamber Ensemble as a piano accompanist, alongside 2 violinists. We played a piece by Thomas Augustine Arne, it was very unique experience since I got my first taste of playing an advanced classical piano piece in a group setting. In second year, I took part in the Balinese Gamelan Ensemble in which I had the opportunity to play both the Polos and Sangseh, two interlocking harmonies that depend on each other as the main source of accompaniment for various pieces. It was another valuable experience because Balinese music is created using a different harmonic structure than what we are familiar with in Western music, and they also learn mainly by ear. In third year, I took part in the Chapel Choir in which we performed services at the Wednesday Night Chapel Service, as well as occasional weekend church services in the local community. I served both as a piano accompanist, a performer in the pre and post service, as well as a tenor. This was once again a highly useful experience because I was able to learn about some of the unique characteristics and tricks to help me succeed in a choral music setting.
Lessons in your home
Michael is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- Brampton, ON
- Mississauga, ON
- Oakville, ON
Lessons in a music studio
Michael offers lessons from his 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
Michael 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:
Michael 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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