What instruments do you play and how long have you been playing?
I had a keen desire to learn to play the piano as a child, so at the age of 5, I was thrilled when my grandparents offered their old upright piano to our family. My school teacher at the time was a pianist, so I asked her to teach me to play and that’s when my love of making music began. I continued to study the piano until the age of 16 when I completed my RCM Level 10 exam. However, I still play almost every day (57 years!)and can’t imagine what my life would be like without that skill. I also began to study the guitar a few years ago which I quite enjoy and can play very basic violin. Another instrument I would like to tackle one day is the drums.
Why did I decide to start The Piano Studio?
I have worked in the music industry most of my adult life either teaching piano lessons or working in retail instrument sales. Music has always been a passion of mine, and after experiencing much of the industry across western Canada, I began dreaming/planning what a music business would look like if I ever had the opportunity to own one. I believed there was an excitement/joy of learning to play an instrument missing in traditional lessons offered in teachers’ homes and other lesson establishments at the time (and still is to a certain degree today). My hope was to change that and be “that place” where lessons were fun and taught with excellence using instruments and tools which were inspiring to students of all ages! My husband’s career took our family to Newmarket and it seemed like an ideal place to begin making the dream come true. The business side of building a company had always intrigued me as well…I was excited to add that dimension to my life experience. I had not pursued post secondary education, so at the age of 43, I decided The Piano Studio was going to be my ”University Degree” and that’s when The Piano Studio began, initially operating from the basement of my home. It grew very quickly and after 9 months, we were an up and coming music school/retail piano store at our first location on Main St. in Newmarket. I was, still am, and always will be, passionate about making music; about providing the best instruments and music education with excellence in a fun, engaging way.
What is the greatest reward I get from working at a music store/music school?
One of the greatest rewards I experience is when a student begins a 6 lesson trial program with us to determine whether music will b a part of his/her learning, then goes on to continue lessons, the parents purchase a quality instrument from us, and before you know it, the whole family is involved with music in one way or another as part of The Piano Studio community. I also love to see smiles on faces of students as they come out of their lessons. Students’ performances at their recital are so much fun to watch! A great reward is to observe the growing confidence in their skill and performance level. It gives me great joy to know that I have been able to be a small part of their life experience.
What makes The Piano Studio the best place to come for lessons?
- The care and attention to making our facility welcoming for all who come in
- A warm, friendly attitude from all staff
- We place a high value on having excellent quality instruments and best equipped classrooms
- We teach specific, proven programs and strive to operate as an excellent music education facility
- Teachers are the best qualified/professional educators and we provide ongoing professional development
- We offer recitals twice a year which are enjoyed by all who attend
