Piano

Piano Lessons

Welcome to our piano lessons page. We hold individual lessons, semi-private and group piano lessons at our school. 

Learning to play the piano has never diminished in its popularity over period of time. Taught by our world class piano teachers, our students are provided with a solid foundation both in theory and in general music understanding. Read more about our approach to teaching, focusing on all aspects of instrument playing.

Piano is a great first or second instrument for introducing young children or teens to musical lessons. It is relatively easy to grasp the fundamentals of it, although it is challenging to become proficient. Piano playing improves coordination and soon you may notice improvements in other learning skills, such as focus and increased attention span.

One special note belongs to adult beginners who are reading this, or adults who are coming back after many years of not playing the piano, while playing quite well as children back in times: You have a potential. And you will never know what this potential means unless you try it. You adults have often great results because of your motivation and dedication. You, dear adults, do not need to compete, compare, fear failure, perform. If music brings you joy and you feel like this is what is missing in your life now, that is all you need at this point. And even if the results take long time, even if the learning is tough, you should consider your passion for music and choose piano as your next goal. Bring your favorite song, CD or songbook and we will tailor a program specifically to your goals. Come and learn from the teacher with training, we are here to show you the way.

While it is easy at the beginning to learn the piano, as the student progresses, it is essential for the piano teacher to motivate, encourage and provide new challenges. The exploration of tone quality, rhythm and expressions are all part of this very complex task, following the syllabus of the Royal Conservatory of Music. Many students choose to take annual exams, go to festivals and competitions. They like to be on the stage, show and compare their skills. Many other students choose to only participate in our internal bi-annual student recitals. This is a personal choice that we teachers always respect.

People can enjoy playing piano at any age for its relaxing attributes. We typically start teaching piano lessons at the age of 5 or 6, but it doesn’t mean you are limited to these ages and therefore give up before you even start. Your child can start at any age, very young or teen. At any point, learning curve varies from student to student and if the student joins at later age, he or she could progress faster and still become a professional musician!

 

Meet our Students

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Our Piano Teachers

Click on a teacher to learn more about them!

Piano Teacher

Sue Barbour
Piano Teacher

Natalia Lepeshkina
Piano Teacher

Heather Olaveson
Piano + Theory Teacher

Deborah Henry

Piano Teacher

Sue Barbour

Sue has an extensive background in teaching piano since 1995. She has completed her Royal Conservatory of Music Piano Level 9 and has taught private and group lessons for many years. She has detailed knowledge of Royal Conservatory piano program in all piano levels.

She has also trained many new teachers and has experience teaching children with special needs. Her approach is both genuine and results oriented while making learning fun for the children. She teaches group piano classes and one-on-one private piano classes. Susan has seen many children through their exams, competitions and concerts and earned great respect from her colleagues, parents and students. She looks forward teaching piano to children of all ages.

Piano Teacher

Natalia Lepeshkina

Lepeshkina Natalia was born in Moscow, Russia. She graduated from the Moscow State Conservatory named Peter Tchaikovsky. Her teaches were famous musicians as Jacob Milshtein, Boris Berman, Alexey Skavronskiy, Nina Emelianova, Boris Zemlianskiy.  

Her experience as a performer and teacher is more 40 years. Natalia worked as professor in Moscow State Pedagogic Institute by Ippolitov-Ivanov and occasionally in Moscow State Conservatory. 

She had concerts as a soloist and accompanist in different countries: Russia, Poland, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Iceland, USA, Canada.

10 years ago, Natalia arrived in Toronto. She continues to teach at the Klaudia”s Music Studio. Her students are winners of many Music Festivals in Great Toronto, such as North York, Davenport, Hamilton, Ukraine and e.g.

Natalia plays recitals at the different stages of the Greater Toronto Area.

She is also an organist in Bonar – Parkdale Presbyterian Church.

Piano Teacher

Heather Olaveson

Heather is a Hamilton-born musician who recently returned to the area after studying at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo and the University of Victoria, where she obtained master’s degrees in English and music composition, respectively. She has been playing piano for over twenty years – as the story goes, when she was six she started talking about taking piano lessons and, when her parents finally got tired of hearing about it, they gave in and signed her up at a music studio. Of course, she’s never looked back!

At UVic, Heather completed her master’s degree in music composition under the supervision of Christopher Butterfield and John Celona, and took every opportunity to take part in collaborative performances, including working extensively with two graduate-level vocal performance majors as an accompanist. During her undergrad at WLU, she studied composition with Dr. Peter Hatch and Linda Catlin Smith, studied piano with Leslie De’Ath, and took courses in piano pedagogy and vocal and instrumental accompanying. In fact, Heather has extensive experience as an accompanist, and while primarily a pianist, she also has experience performing on fortepiano, celeste, and organ.

Heather is currently the Director of Music at Carlisle United Church where she plans and leads choir rehearsals and provides music for Sunday and special services. She has previously taught piano in both studio and private settings, and has fulfilled the role of Teaching Assistant for university courses in musical skills, theory, and history as well as poetry in English. She also enjoys and has experience in working with children and youth, whether in a musical setting, in a community group, or in a local library as a literacy worker. Heather is happy to be able to share her passion for music and her love of teaching with students at Klaudia’s Music Studio, and she believes that making learning fun is a major part of what will foster a love of music in children, encourage the progression of their musical studies, and instil good learning habits that are transferrable into other areas of education.

Piano + Theory Teacher

Deborah Henry

Deborah received her B.Sc. from McMaster University. After further study, she received both her B. Mus. and M.A. in music criticism from McMaster University, and an M.A. in music theory from Western University. She received her Doctorate from York University in music perception.

Deborah has enjoyed an active career as both Organist and Choral Director. She is the Music Director at Maple Grove United Church in Oakville. Currently she is a piano and theory teacher, as well as our string orchestra accompanist at Klaudia’s Music Studio. Deborah is a theory and history examiner for the Royal Conservatory of Music. She is passionate about music and music education. Learning music theory and history add depth to the enjoyment of practicing, performing, teaching, and listening to music.

In her spare time, Deborah enjoys cycling, swimming, and running cross country with her dogs.

Dr. Deborah teaches all levels of Royal Conservatory of Music theory examinations. Including advanced history, harmony and couterpoint. She teaches piano to beginner students, with a goal to participate in concerts and exams, or enjoy the music of playing and improvisation on piano for pure enjoyment and fun.

Piano Lessons

Pricing and Policies

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Piano Lesson Pricing

Initial trial lessons is $20/30 min. 

Beginner Level – Level 4

$33 /30 min
$50 /45 min
$66 /1 hour

Level 5 – Level 10 + senior  piano instructors

$40 /30 min
$60 /45 min
$80 /1 hour

Semi-Private Lessons of Two (pending availability)

$25-30 /30 minutes (ask us)

ONE-TIME REGISTRATION FEE

$50 /first family member
$25 /each additional family member

LATE FEE

$5 /per student per month

Studio Policies

SCHOOL YEAR SCHEDULING AND MISSED LESSONS POLICY FROM SEPTEMBER TO JUNE:

After initial trial lesson you will be given exact time spot. From then on, lessons are scheduled on weekly basis. Lessons are billed and due monthly, on the first day of each month. One-time fees are billed at the time of booking. Registration fee is charged only after the initial trial lesson, once you confirm your interest. There are NO lessons (no charge for lessons) during Statutory Holidays. No make-up lessons policy: If you are unable to attend the scheduled lesson invite a friend or a family member to take a lesson in your place or take online option at the exact time of your lesson. No credits can be issued for any missed lessons. Also, there will be no alternate time allocated, only regular scheduled time.

SUMMER LESSONS SCHEDULING AND MISSED LESSONS POLICY FOR THE MONTHS OF JULY AND AUGUST:

In the summer months of July and August we have flexibility to accommodate as many or as few lessons as you choose. Lessons are scheduled ahead of time, on specific weeks and days. After detailed consultation with the teacher’s availability you can choose your weeks and length of your lessons. You may consider more frequent or longer lessons on the weeks you can make it, to gain time for missing some weeks you cannot come in. Billing will follow accordingly, based on pre-booked lessons. Lessons are paid for in advance. During summer months we ask for minimum 2-weeks cancellation notice, or the lesson is considered missed and paid for. No make up lesson will be allowed for the missed lesson without 2-week notice. We limit the make up lessons to 2 in the summer.

HOLIDAY CLOSURES

Labour Day: Sunday & Monday closed

Thanksgiving: Sunday & Monday closed

Winter Break: Two full weeks closed

Family Day: Sunday & Monday closed

March Break: Lessons on the 1st weekend then closed Monday to Sunday

Easter: Friday to Monday closed

Victoria Day: Sunday & Monday closed

 

Keyboard + Electric Piano Rentals

Pricing 

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Keyboard + Electric Piano Rental Program

INSTRUMENT RENTAL FEES

$20 /month for small keyboard
$45 /month for full size electric piano

 

FAQ's +
Home Practice Tips

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FAQ's

How do I begin? 

Fill our registration form online, so we have all your contact information. In there, write us a note describing what you are looking for. Pick an instrument based on your personal preference and we will match you with the teacher on a certain day and time of the week. Then we set up an initial lesson time for you. After you pay for the lesson, all is set. Registration fee is only charged after the initial lesson and when you decide to sign up for weekly lessons.

What if I don’t have the instrument and need to rent one?

We have selected instruments for rent, starting at $20/month.

What if I have a child who is not decided?

If you have a small child who is undecided, attend a Junior Class for very young children. Children 6 and up can also observe the Junior Class, or observe some other instrumental class by appointment.

How can I help my child to decide which instrument to pick?

Bring your child to a live music concert. We recommend classical music concert, or some of our internal music recitals we put on every December and June. Show your child variety of musical performances and styles. What resonates with them is the right choice. For us at Klaudia’s Music Studio is important to know what style you like. Classical music, light classics, popular contemporary music, heavy metal music, movie music, or anything else.

Do you only teach classical music?

We based our violin, piano, guitar, cello and double bass teaching on classical music, but not exclusively. For example, student can play a new music piece once the technique allows it. And we also have rock guitar and drums lessons that are not based on classical music at all. It all depends on instrument, teacher and student which way you want to lean towards.

How do I make sure the interest lasts?

Sign up for a trial 10-week period. After this time you will have a better understanding of what is involved.

Do all students have to take the Royal Conservatory Exam?

No. Teacher determined the readiness and it is only recommended for students who take music lessons and music education very seriously. Preparations are extensive and involve much more than just playing a musical instrument.

Do you offer a trial lesson and do I need to have an instrument?

Yes, for 1/2 price of the regular lesson. One-time initial trial class. You may take another trial lesson on different instrument. We provide instrument for trial class for free.

Do you rent instruments?

Yes. Violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, keyboard, electric piano.

Do you come to students home to teach? 

No, we only offer lessons at one of the Studio locations.

How young can children begin playing an instrument?

General music introduction starts at the age 3.5 in our Junior Music Class. Summer Camp is for children 5.5 years and up. Instrumental playing is recommended by Klaudia’s Music Studio at the age 5 or up, with exception of guitar where we recommend starting at minimum 8 years old.

Can I start learning instrument at any age?

Yes, absolutely.

How do I enroll?

Click the Register link at the top of the website, call us or send us an email.

Home Practice Tips

Our approach is to integrate all aspects of music into one beautiful, ear pleasing experience. Importance of home practicing is the key. The studio encourages daily home practicing from its students.

A word for parents of children: we encourage you to set and devote a prime part of their day to practice a musical instrument. First thing in the morning, if they are early birds; or 1-2 hours after they come home from school if that’s their prime attention time; or 1-2 hours after dinner if they stay up late. Feed your child nutritious food 1-2 hours prior to practicing and try not to offer sweets of any kind. This spike in sugar levels will make them tired for practicing. Keep giving them healthy snacks only and water to drink. Once it is time to practice turn off all electronic devices in the house. And we mean it. Even your buzzing phone on silent mode is a huge distraction to their sensitive and all aware senses. Give your child undivided attention for the time of practicing, especially at the beginnings when the instrument feels new. Help them to your best knowledge. A receptive audience is often all that is required to encourage a child to practice. Sit and listen, try not to interfere too much with teacher’s instructions. Reward them with a hug, sticker, small toy, but avoid sugar treats. Then eventually the child will want to practice alone, in private. This is a great step toward independence. Let it happen, but don’t forget to keep setting time for home practicing, set reminders and continue the rewards so they feel appreciated. Each child needs to hold accountable for his or her homework. Both teachers and parents as role models have an important part in a child’s advancement and only when sufficient effort is put in, will we see great results. If there is too much resistance from child it is time to talk and reconsider a different instrument, or a completely different path. On the contrary, if there is a great enthusiasm and practice reminders are not needed it is time to discuss the future exams with the teacher and get properly informed. Besides of instrument, theory lessons will be needed to develop all skills necessary to succeed in music. It is an investment into one’s future. 

Adult students should also devote time to home practicing to progress in their musical development. Home practice gives teachers important weekly feedback and guides both student and teacher to produce a more customized learning routine.

True Story

True story. (October 2019)

Story about a girl who started to read books at the age of 4 thanks to piano lessons.

A young student who first started learning about music in our “Junior Music” pre-school program at the age 3, decided to take up piano lessons when she turned 4. She picked piano as an instrument of her own choice. She didn’t know how read when she first started her formal one-on-one piano lessons in September. Now, in October, in her JK (Junior Kindergarten) year, she is fluent in reading written text. It was triggered by her extreme interest in knowing what exactly what was written in her piano book. The girl made her mom read out all the text from her piano book and eventually wanted to read it herself, so she learned reading! It happened so fast, that her mom is amazed. This girl knows how to read in full sentences and that is just for the purpose of reading her piano book! Needless to say, she reads music notes, happily sails through her piano book pages, one page at a time. We got you, little one! Continue the good work!

This is a story of an inspiring incredible connection between school academics and music lessons. Nothing motivates children more than giving them the opportunity to choose for themselves.

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