About Paolo
Paolo, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music from York University and a Post-graduate Certificate in New Media Journalism from Sheridan College, offers comprehensive lessons in guitar, piano, voice, composition, counterpoint, music theory, and more. Paolo's teaching philosophy emphasizes not only technical proficiency but also a deep understanding and appreciation of music. With over 20 years of experience in piano, 10 years in guitar, and formal vocal training, Paolo brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his lessons. Book an interview with Paolo now.
BOOK AN INTERVIEW WITH PAOLO NOW
I believe that my students should not need me forever. I don't expect my students to take lessons with me until they are old and grey. I do expect students to come away with a better understanding of music that far exceeds the technical aspects that they will learn under my tutelage. I do expect students to grow, learn, and strive for goals under my tutelage. I do expect students to understand the value of time as it pertains to music as well as to our lives - students will always gain value from the time they spend with me, so long as they choose it. I believe that there are enough people with a curiosity for music for me to always have people I can teach. This partly extends from my belief that everyone is musical in some way, and it can be harnessed with enough curiosity, commitment, and consistency. I believe that music is far more than just notes and letters. It is far more than phrases, harmonies, and rhythmic patterns. Yet, music is also a simple thing, though that does not make it lack complexity. Music fills life in a way that cannot be so easily described, yet when felt, can be understood as if it was a strong connection in some past life. Music is universal, and though it has its cultural roots, it can be one of the proofs of this world that humankind is not as divided as it can sometimes feel. Music is deep, fulfilling, and unlike any other experience, and yet it is also accessible with open minds, ears, and hearts. Music can be challenging, eye opening, and even radical, and it can also be welcoming. Music can be someone's first memory or their last on this planet. Music is a language, but it is also a form of expression that extends to communicating messages of the soul. I believe there are different ways to learn music, and both teachers and students are contributors to that education. Listening is an integral part of that learning; after all, music is a special kind of sound, and so what is the point if we are not taking time to listen to it? Still, we can learn music through movement, mathematics, colours, and more. I believe music is fun. Even its challenging parts should be fun, no matter how gruelling, because they should touch on the competitive spirit. If you are not finding music fun, there are ways to approach these kinds of obstacles. I also believe music is fulfilling, and learning about music is one of the most enriching journeys a person can take on during their time on Earth. I believe music should put a smile on your face and peace in your heart.
Name: Paolo (Full name will be provided upon registration)
Age: 30's
Gender: male
I have attended the following schools earning the following degrees: - York University - Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Specialization in Music - Sheridan College - Post-graduate Certificate in New Media Journalism At York University, I studied composition in various styles, choral music as well as choral conducting, improvisation, organ music, as well as Western Classical history. I also led and involved myself with the Music Student Association for three years while becoming an understudy with accompanists at the York Dance program. I started piano lessons when I was seven years old and have been playing the instrument for over 20 years. I am self taught in guitar and started in high school, having played for over 10 years now. I trained in vocal singing formally during my undergrad at York University, which I started in 2014.
Improvisation, Songwriting, Harmonization, Recording and Mixing, Composition, Multi-Instrumentalism
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
Paolo is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas
Online lessons
Paolo 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.