ABOUT NORA
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Nora has been playing the piano since age 5. She started teaching lessons to beginners when she was 12 years old! She can remember much of her youth being centered around music – piano, choir, hand bells, band rehearsals, festivals, examinations and competitions. Music has always brought her so much joy, and many friendships and learning experiences! While music is universal, the study of music is different for everyone. Each students' musical interests and learning styles vary, which is why she tailors her teaching to meet each student’s needs. She collaborates with other music teachers to ensure lessons are relevant, fresh, and fun! Her studio is a positive and inviting environment, where the love of music is fostered to grow into a life-long passion.
PIANO LESSONS
1-ON-1 LESSONS FOR CHILDREN
For children we focus on the fun factor. When we're having fun, we learn faster no matter what age we are! In addition to teaching at the piano, we do theory, artistic activities, and games, while using props and a little technology. They have many opportunities to earn stickers and prizes!
1-ON-1 LESSONS FOR ADULTS
For adults we focus on making the music learning process an enjoyable and rewarding experience in a welcoming and low-pressure environment. Adults have enough stress in life, so we'll progress at the pace that works for you. No experience necessary, and all ages are welcome. You are never 'too old' to learn how to play the piano!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT LESSON LENGTH DO I NEED?
30 minute lessons are good for young beginning students
45 minute lessons are ideal for advancing students and adult students
30 minute lessons 2 times a week are fantastic for 4-6 year olds and/or those wishing to progress faster
WHERE ARE THE PIANO LESSONS HELD?
Lessons are held in my Coventry Hills home studio in Calgary. We can move to online lessons in cases of illness, bad weather, transportation issues etc.
DO I NEED A PIANO AT HOME?
You definitely need a piano or keyboard at home to practice on in between lessons. If you are looking to purchase a piano or keyboard for our lessons, send me a message and we can talk about what you'll need to look for in your new instrument.
HOW MUCH PRACTICE IS NECESSARY?
This depends on the level and age of the student, and how fast they want to progress. The most important thing is that practice happens frequently. 15-minute sessions 4 times a week where practice is uninterrupted and focused is far more valuable than 1 session of 60 minutes where the student is unfocused and gets tired. I recommend practicing 3-5 days a week (or more if possible!)
A good guideline to follow is students should practice for 2 to 3 times their age. So a 5 year old would practice for 10-15 minutes and a 10 year old would practice for 20-30 minutes a day. This rule doesn't apply to adults! A 30-year-old doesn't need to practice 90 minutes a day, unless perhaps he/she is a full-time concert pianist! Adult students will need to take into consideration their busy schedules, other commitments, and how quickly they want to progress at the piano. A minimum of 15 minutes a day will be needed initially. Again, the more you practice, the better!
WHAT BOOKS DO I NEED AND WHERE DO I GET THEM?
You never have to worry about sourcing your lesson books. I will order them for you.
DO YOU TEACH ADULTS?
Absolutely! I love teaching adults! It's an honor to work with adults who are perhaps stepping our of their comfort zone and trying something new, making an investment in themselves, or have always wanted to take lessons and have it as a bucket list item. All ages are welcome, and you are never 'too old' to learn!
WHAT IS THE YOUNGEST AGE YOU TEACH?
We start lessons as young as 4 years old. Younger students have shorter attention spans, so we will spend our time doing numerous activities to keep lessons dynamic and fun.
HOW DO I PAY MY LESSON FEES?
Lesson Fees are due on the first day of each calendar month. A bank e-transfer is most convenient for the majority of students, but cash is accepted as well.