Piano Lessons for Teens
Dear Parents,
Whether you’re looking for a new teacher (your child has had lessons already)
or your teen has decided to step into the world of piano and would like to begin ,
I am accustomed to planning lessons to meet a range of needs.
I see myself as part of the team supporting your teen to create the identity and goals they have for their life.
I know how much energy and love you’ve poured into your child throughout their life and if you are coming to me for the first time and your child is in their teen years, I know that means you’re looking for a good fit, someone who will journey with them for the next few years.
Some teens have busy extra-curricular schedules with sports/dance/schoolwork/friends/family and music is just one of the many things they do.
Every teen has different goals and desires for their music lessons.
I work with teens who love classical music and that’s all they wish to play, so that’s what we do.
Some students are more inspired to play popular music or learning specific skills (eg. reading notes, music history, improvisation) so I plan for those interests.
I’ve been teaching for many decades and always reserve space in my schedule for new teenage students.
I would love to hear more about your son or daughter, what they’ve been doing and what you’d like to bring into their lives at this time.
What teens say…
“Thank you so much for being an awesome piano teacher and helping me to pass my piano exam. Thank you for also making my lessons fun and for bringing me licorice and other treats. Finally, thank you for moving my lessons around if there are times that don’t work for me with all my sports travel.”
“It’s been so lovely learning piano from you all these years! I’ve learned so much from you. Thanks for being such a big part in all our lives.”
“Thank you so much Susan for teaching me piano for the last however many years! You were the only piano teacher who made piano fun! I also really enjoyed playing guitar. I found an instrument that I really enjoy and I will definitely continue guitar! I’m so grateful for what you taught me, so thank you so much for everything!
“Thank you for being such an amazing music teacher this year (and all the other years too, of course). Thank you for all the treats, music and positive energy you bring and of course for making me do theory even when I don’t want to. Thank you so so much!”
What parents say…
“Our daughter has so enjoyed having you as her teacher and is thrilled to be continuing. This is exactly what we were hoping for so thank you again for making this possible.”
“Thanks so much for the amazing work that you do! You bring so much joy and love, not to mention a depth of knowledge and experience to your work – we love it!”
“We just want you to know that we appreciate you. You are such a blessing to our son.”
“I have been meaning to write you for years to say how much I feel you impacted my kids’ approach to music. Our daughter is now 16 and sings in a choir and wants to sing more. Our son has become a ballet enthusiast – he’s been at it four years now and this year he’ll be dancing four times a week with a school downtown. They both love to sing and have a great ear for picking out arrangements, instruments and harmonies when we listen to music together. Thank you!!”
Common questions
Do you teach popular music? YES
Do you prepare students for exams? YES
Do you use the Royal Conservatory repertoire? It depends on your child’s goals. Only with some kids
Does my child have to do exams? NO
Do you teach students to improvise? YES
Do you teach theory? YES. I begin teaching theory through super fun games as soon as your child starts lessons.
Do you work with teens? YES
How many lessons per week? It depends. Typically once a week but sometimes more often.
Do you teach other instruments? Yes, I’m a multi-instrumentalist so can explore other instruments with your child including guitar, recorder and other wind instruments, voice, theory, percussion, rhythm.
My child has special needs and learning challenges. Can you adapt your teaching to suit? Most of the time, yes. I have a background in music therapy, developmental movement therapy, learning assistance and special needs work so I’m accustomed to adapting lessons to suit each child.
Some students love a more serious approach, preparing for exams and learning Royal Conservatory repertoire with ear training and technique, including formal music theory. These families tend to have more of a commitment to practice and encouraging conversation in the home supporting that journey.
Some students want it all! Exams and a range of repertoire from conservatory to pop songs.
Regardless of commitment to practice and styles of music enjoyed, I engage all students in some form of improvisation during their lessons.
Read more about my extensive training and experience here.
To connect and explore learning possibilities contact Susan.
