Robert | Teacher #4523
About Robert
Robert offers piano lessons for students aged 5 and up, with additional expertise in composition, ear training, and advanced music theory. He teaches both online and in-home in areas like Brampton, Mississauga, and Toronto. Robert holds a Master of Music Education and an Honours BA in Music, along with Level 10 RCM Honors. His lessons are available online or in-home, with a focus on fostering creativity and emotional depth in music.
Piano Ear Training Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Solfege Composition RCM Music Theory (Advanced) RCM - Advanced Rudiments RCM - Intermediate Rudiments RCM - Basic Rudiments
Online Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Classical Jazz Pop Rock and Roll Blues Christian Gospel Rhythm and Blues Baroque
English
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that music is a phenomenon that extends beyond the mere arrangement of notes on a page. Rather, it is a language of expression, imagination, and storytelling. My pedagogical approach is grounded in the conviction that each musical composition conveys a distinctive narrative, and it is my objective to facilitate students in evoking that narrative through their performance. It is my objective to foster an environment conducive to creativity and to empower students to explore their emotional and artistic identity. While technical proficiency and precision are undoubtedly valuable, I place particular emphasis on fostering an understanding of the emotional depth and nuance inherent in each musical composition. By encouraging students to interpret the music beyond the technical, I facilitate critical thinking, imaginative engagement, and a personal connection with the audience. It is my intention to provide each student, regardless of their level of proficiency, with the necessary support to facilitate their growth and development. This is achieved through the provision of individualised attention, clear guidance and the nurturing of their musical curiosity, all while having fun learning and discovering themselves as musicians. Through disciplined practice and creative exploration, students learn to express themselves with both confidence and artistry, employing the piano as a medium to convey their personal narratives and those embedded in the music they perform. Ultimately, it is my objective that my students perceive music not merely as a skill to be acquired, but as a potent instrument for self-expression and storytelling—a voyage of discovery that reflects their individuality and their aspirations.
Musical Education
I hold a Master of Music Education degree from the University of York, where I was awarded the distinction of upper second-class honours for my dissertation on Group teaching and Leadership in the United Kingdom. The UK education system is notably rigorous, and the expectations were much higher, which made this achievement particularly meaningful. Prior to that, I achieved my Honours BA in Music from Brock University, where I achieved first-class honours with distinction. I commenced piano studies at the relatively late age of 16 and did not have the benefit of a classically trained teacher until my first year of university. My piano instructor, who had studied at Mount Allison and McGill Universities and later earned a PhD in musicology from the University of Toronto, provided a robust foundation and elevated academic standards that significantly influenced my growth as a pianist. Additionally, I was afforded the opportunity to perform in both my Master's and Bachelor's degrees, where I was a member of the university choir and initiated my own performances on the piano, on a voluntary basis in my Bachelor's degree. These experiences included professional performances with RBC Tuesday at noon concerts, as well as at the universities. I am currently preparing to embark on a PhD in Music Education and striving to compete in the International Chopin Competition, which has been a driving force in my continued growth as a musician.
Awards and Distinctions
Masters Music Education: Group Teaching and Leadership Upper Second Class Honours • Scholarship: University of York 60th Year Anniversary International student award Bachelors of Art, Concentration: Music Education First Class Honours • Dean’s Honour List-Year One • Dean’s Honour List- Year Two • Dean’s Honour List- Year Three Scholarships • Bonnie O’Donnell Scholarship Year one • Bonnie O’Donnell Scholarship Year two • Bonnie O’Donnell Scholarship Year three • Bonnie O’Donnell Scholarship Year four Level 10 RCM Honors
Special Skills and Trainings
Throughout my formative years, I developed a keen interest in animated programs such as Tom and Jerry and Looney Tunes, which incorporated music in a manner that enhanced my imaginative capabilities. It was not until I observed my cousin playing the piano that I developed a profound interest in learning to play the piano myself. I commenced my piano studies with the acquisition of a modest keyboard instrument and subsequently obtained instructional literature. Initially, my family lacked the financial resources to engage the services of a qualified instructor. My training was conducted in a domestic setting, and my tenacity enabled me to develop my abilities to the point where I was able to receive instruction from a qualified teacher and further refine my skills to attain my current level of proficiency as a pianist. I am currently engaged in daily training with the objective of one day participating in the International Chopin Competition and subsequently imparting my knowledge to future piano students.
Lessons in your home
Robert is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- Brampton, ON
- Halton Hills, ON
- Mississauga, ON
- Toronto, ON
- Vaughan, ON
Lessons on an online platform
Robert 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:
Robert 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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