Monique's Music


photo shoot 1.jpgAbout me:

I love teaching music and am passionate about finding ways to make music relevant, accessible, and fun!  I have been teaching piano for 20+ years and hold my Bachelor of Education degree, as well as RCM certification for teaching elementary-level piano. My students learn a wide variety of music while mastering key musical skills such as rhythm, melody, and harmony, as well as developing a good technical and ergonomic approach to playing.  As a composer and accompanist, I teach students to improvise, create, and perform. 

My musical background also includes violin study, choral experience, and 10+ years of elementary school music teaching, including Orff and Kodaly training, all of which I draw on to add to lessons.


Ways to work with me: 

  • Regular, weekly piano lessons: available for beginner and intermediate students- both online and in-person options are available photo shoot 2.jpg
  • Small group or semi-private lessons: provide camaraderie and a "team" aspect often missing from solo piano lessons, along with extra performance opportunities and increased practice motivation!
  • Beginning and pre-piano classes for ages 4-6: These lessons can be private lessons or in a small group format, and build foundational music skills, such as rhythmic ability, note recognition, and ear training, in a fun, movement-oriented fashion, tailored to the young child.  Ask me about options for 3 year old students as well!
  • Other lessons offered by request include theory, music history, and composition.  
  • Lessons are tailored to fit each student’s unique needs
  • Children and adults with developmental disabilities welcome!

Areas of interest:

I am passionate about establishing healthy technique with every student to promote ease of playing, confidence, and good tone production. Along with this, a solid technique is the first defense in preventing repetitive strain injuries. Technique stems from posture and hand position, as well as a thorough understanding of the movements required to produce good tone.   

I enjoy teaching young children, as a solid start to music lessons can be the difference between a child who loves music and a child who quits early on in their piano career.  I understand and adapt my lessons to the unique characteristics of the young musician, including small hand size, limited attention span, and a need for movement and variety.

In striving to provide practical applications for music-making in my studio, students are involved in a variety of opportunities in addition to traditional recitals.  Some of the fun events we have had so far include Christmas sing-alongs, jams, and mini-musical productions.  On the other hand, some of my shy students prefer to learn for their own enjoyment and not take part in performances.  Either pathway is accepted and celebrated in my studio.  

I also provide lessons and practise time on a specialized grand piano with narrowed keys for students whose musical abilities outstrip their hand size.  As a small-handed pianist myself, I understand the difficulties inherent in approaching a one-size-fits-all instrument when humans come in so many different sizes.  Regular lessons are held on a standard-keyed piano.  For more information on small keys, please visit: smallpianokeyboards.org. Here's a CBC article about the small-keys: Adapted keyboard. 

Lesson sign-up is available on an ongoing basis: contact me today for a free meet and greet first lesson!