Typically around 3 years of age is an ideal time to start piano. At the intake interview Greg will determine the child’s readiness for piano lessons.

All lessons are either in person at Greg’s studio or online.

I always have a brief introductory meeting with new prospective students to assess their level of ability. I determine the appropriate lesson length for them at this interview. For beginners, lessons are typically 15 or 30 minutes in length. As the student progresses further, I increase the lesson length by 15 minute increments. For diploma students the lessons can last up to 2 hours.

Lessons are typically at least once a week with 36 lessons during the academic year. Greg does not offer lessons once every two weeks.

Lessons can start any time and the monthly fee will be adjusted to reflect the difference.

Greg recommends summer lessons because they assist in not having to spend time relearning music skills after the long summer break and ensure a strong head start on next year's piano curriculum. However the summer lesson commitment can be more flexible than during the regular season to allow the student to fit it around their holidays and other summer activities.

Greg offers online lessons for students who are away, and also if they are sick or during bad weather. Students just need to email him in advance or text him on the day of the lesson.

For the young beginner, Greg often uses the Bastien series method book, and for an older beginner he uses Alfred. After one or two methods books have been completed, Greg has numerous level appropriate pieces for each student that they can choose from.

Greg has a beautiful Yamaha G5 7' 6" concert grand piano which gets tuned three times a year and that students love to play. He has a choice of adjustable piano benches suitable for all ages, including a highest quality Jansen Duet Artist bench.

Greg allows students to choose their own repertoire based on his performance of the pieces. Students stay motivated and practice on their own because of this.

The studio is pet free.

Students should practice daily if they are competing or preparing for an exam. Time expectations for exam candidates are specified in Greg’s studio contract. Students who are not taking exams should practice 5 days a week and the daily length of practice should equal their lesson length.

Exams aren’t for everyone and this is a discussion on a case-by-case basis with each individual student. Those students who choose to take exams find that Greg’s methods of preparation enable them to receive very high marks.

Currently, Greg does not organize his own student recitals. However if a student would like experience in playing in public, he coaches them to succeed in events such as the Kiwanis Music Festival, ORMTA recitals, festivals and music club concerts.

Parental support is an extremely important factor in musical training. Students whose parents take an active role in their progress tend to be more enthusiastic and productive. Active involvement, genuine interest, and positive reinforcement are all constructive motivating acts that the parent should present. Parents should establish a daily practice routine for the student that doesn’t compete with other activities. They should help young children maintain this by initialing the daily practice schedule that Greg provides to track the student’s progress. Consistent, dedicated practicing is absolutely essential to the student’s success.

There are many models on the market but ideally it should be weighted and also touch sensitive. It’s okay to start out this way but eventually students will want to progress to an acoustic piano.

Enrolled students can ask Greg for piano tuner contact info at any time. The tuner will tell you how often to tune the piano based on the condition of the piano and the environment it’s in.

For young beginners,Greg can defer his contract until he determines that they are ready and have had some lessons to see how things develop.

Greg’s waiting list operates on a first come first served basis.