Patrice | Teacher #5991

Teaching Philosophy

Quick Professional Highlights Ensemble Leadership: Director and founder of the STRUM plucked string ensemble since 2010. Festival Coordination: Former coordinator for L’Off Jazz and the Festival Jazz et Musique du Monde Desjardins à l’Imagier. Jury Experience: Served on excellence juries for the Canada Council for the Arts (classical, non-classical, francophone song, touring, and professional development). I am a dedicated classical guitarist and pedagogue with over three decades of international performance and teaching experience. My background includes graduating with Great Distinction from the Conservatoire network (D.E.S.M. 2) and studying under great masters in Spain. My multidisciplinary pedagogical approach merges the purest classical traditions with cutting-edge musical research. I guide my students to become complete, self-reliant "musician-researchers" by focusing on high-level instrumental technique, structural analysis, auditory discrimination, and essential health practices like relaxation and stress management.Whether you are a young prodigy, a student dealing with learning challenges, or an established professional, my lessons are tailored to help you build career-ready skills through the rigorous study of great repertoire. What instruments and styles do you teach? My artistic approach features a unique stylistic duality: a high-level classical rigor combined with a deep, practical understanding of flamenco, jazz, and other popular world music styles. What ages and skill levels do you accept?I welcome all ages and profiles, ranging from beginners to advanced academic levels. My studio includes young prodigies, students navigating learning difficulties, and working professionals. I adapt my methods to match each student's unique goals and learning style. What makes your teaching methodology unique? My curriculum integrates diverse scientific and artistic frameworks to give students a 360-degree education: High Instrumental Technique: Inspired by masters such as Käppel and Romero. Neuroscience of Learning: Drawing from the research of Altenmüller and Coyle to optimize practice. Musician's Health & Wellness: Integrating Horvath’s principles to ensure healthy, injury-free playing. Acoustics & History: Exploring vibration via Chladni and the historical evolution of the guitar via Tyler/Sparks. Improvisation & World Styles: Incorporating concepts from Metheny, Bogdanovic, Garcia-Zarate, and Sanlúcar to encourage creative expression. I have also authored two custom instructional methods to support my students: Traité Technique (for advanced studies) and Guide Skill Shaping Mastery for Strummers (for beginners). Can you tell us about your track record with student success? As an instructor at the École de Musique de l’Outaouais, I have successfully guided numerous talents to the highest academic spheres. Conservatory Admissions: 3 of my recent students were admitted to the Conservatoire, with a 4th currently awaiting results.Competitions: 3 of my students have distinguished themselves in music competitions across 2025 and 2026. Professional Coaching: I provided professional coaching to professionals. Industry Impact: My former students have become key players in the music industry as professional performers, composers, music teachers, and sound engineers. What is your professional background as a performer and arts professional? I maintain an active international career that spans Canada, the Americas, and Europe, giving me firsthand knowledge of the modern arts market. Ensembles & Orchestras: I have performed as a guest soloist with the National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO) and other symphonies. I have collaborated with the Canadian Guitar Quartet (as a substitute) and shared the stage with exceptional artists like Craig McKiver (Count Basie Orchestra) and mezzo-soprano Renée Lapointe. Media & Productions: My work ranges from international Broadway-style productions to appearances on Bravo TV, Radio-Canada, and the BBC's Frozen Planet. I am a key member of the Alla Grande Guitar Orchestra (directed by P. Roux), where I accompanied the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet in 2025. Awards: I won the First National Prize at the Canada Music Competition (1994) and the Work of the Year award from the CALQ (2012). Recordings: My recordings include the complete Carcassi Études on a period instrument, the Concierto de Aranjuez, a globally acclaimed arrangement of Liszt-Paganini's La Campanella, the album Bluesy AndaLucy, and the upcoming 2026 release Invocation y Danza. How do you prepare students for the music industry outside of playing? In addition to my artistic career, my past experience as a Program Officer at the Canada Council for the Arts (CAC) allows me to teach the pragmatic realities of the profession. I can guide advanced students through career management, funding strategies, grant applications, and job market integration. Furthermore, my background as a technical director for festivals ensures that I can seamlessly train students using advanced digital/analog audio tools and high-quality online learning setups.