Thomas | Teacher #4135
About Thomas
Thomas is a dedicated piano and voice teacher offering lessons to students from age 6 to adults. Specializing in piano and voice, he is available for online and in-home lessons. Thomas holds a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Western University and a Bachelor of Music from McMaster University. He has garnered several awards and distinctions, including the Canada Graduate Scholarship and the Ken Fleet Choral Conducting Scholarship. Beyond his extensive educational background, Thomas has a unique teaching philosophy that emphasizes the athletic aspect of playing an instrument or singing, focusing on engaging the body through physical and breathing warm-ups. He believes in creating a comfortable learning environment where students can explore and take risks. Thomas is fluent in English and offers lessons in music theory, ear training, music history, and more. Whether you're looking for in-home lessons in London or St. Thomas, ON, or prefer the convenience of online instruction, Thomas is ready to help you achieve your musical goals.
Piano Voice Ear Training Music History Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Solfege Music Appreciation Dictation Music Theory (Advanced)
Online Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Classical Jazz Pop Blues Broadway Musicals Gospel Baroque
English
Teaching Philosophy
If you can move, you can play an instrument. If you can speak, you can sing - this is something I have been promoting for years and believe in it wholeheartedly. The act of singing or playing an instrument is athletic and it takes training and commitment to succeed and it is my job as a teacher to help students understand that and bring out the best in them. I always begin with physical and breathing warm ups to engage the body before instrument/voice work. It is important to get in the proper headspace and engage the body as singing and playing an instrument is a full body exercise. It is important that students learn in a comfortable space where they can feel brave enough to be themselves and take risks and experiment.
Musical Education
I have a MMus in Choral Conducting from Western University and a BMus from McMaster University where I studied piano and choral conducting. I have studied piano and voice for many years and have studied vocal pedagogy in my Master's degree. I studied piano at the University of Toronto with Mia Bach and at McMaster with Leon Karan. I have been conducting children's and adults choirs since 2018 where I use my piano skills and vocal pedagogy skills daily. I have experience working at music festivals both Canadian and internationally, having recently participated in Europa Cantat Junior in Belgium in July 2023. This summer I will be doing workshops with the Nairobi Chamber Chorus and the University of Pretoria Camerata. I am currently the Artistic Director of the Woodstock Choralaires, Associate Conductor of the Grand Philharmonic Choir and Conductor of the Grand Philharmonic Youth and Children's Choirs.
Awards and Distinctions
- Canada Graduate Scholarship - Ontario Graduate Scholarship - Ken Fleet Choral Conducting Scholarship - Deral Johnson Choral Conducting Award
Special Skills and Trainings
- Kodaly Level 1 Certification - Europa Cantat Junior 2023 - Workshops with Nairobi Chamber Chorus and "TUKS" Camerata - TEFL Certification
Lessons in your home
Thomas is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- London, ON
- St. Thomas, ON
Lessons on an online platform
Thomas 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:
Thomas 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!
-
Reviews about our Teachers
with ReviewsIO
-
Secure Payments
with Chase Paymentech
-
Verfified Teachers
with Certn