Home - Catherine's Piano Studio

Welcome

For over 20 years I have taught private piano lessons in the GTA. I have always believed that anyone who wants to learn piano, regardless of age, or ability, should have that opportunity. I have a flexible teaching approach which allows me to teach children and adults from beginner level to advanced. I also have experience teaching children with learning difficulties, ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome. Students are encouraged to explore areas of music which interest them, whether it’s the latest pop song, or working on RCM examinations. Lessons go at the pace of the student where we work on skills such as note reading, rhythm, ear training, technique and musical expression. Students are encouraged to explore their musical creativity through composition, improvisation and games.

Studio

Private lessons are offered in piano, theory, and music composition by Catherine Emmons (nee Pickup), a professional, experienced, and qualified music teacher. Lessons are available Monday to Friday all year round by the ½ hour, ¾ hour or full hour.

Located in Toronto on a quiet street, the piano studio is easily accessible by bus, bike, car or foot. Parking is available on nearby side-streets.

Performance opportunities

Performing plays an important part in music development. The enjoyment of playing for an audience, no matter how small, is a huge encouragement and brings a fantastic sense of achievement. At the Studio, there are several performance opportunities for the student to be involved in: Christmas and year-end recitals; retirement homes and Kiwanis Music festival.

RCM examinations

Some children enjoy the challenge of working through the Royal Conservatory exams, which is rooted in the Classical genre (meaning music written from the Baroque period to the 21st century). Piano exams go from Preparatory to Grade 10 and afterwards they can continue with their ARCT (Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto) in performance or Pedagogy. Examinations are available for those students interested.

Composition

Music composition can be incorporated into the piano lesson, or, after the student gains a greater musical understanding, can have composition lessons. For the beginner, sound exploration through improvisation at the piano will be used and students will make ‘drawings’ of their compositions in their piano lessons. As the student becomes more advanced, other approaches such as musical notation, theory and composition devices will be applied.