Bio

Hi! My name is Lara.

I started piano lessons at the age of 3, and began teaching in my mom’s home studio when I was 16. I have completed my Level 10 in Piano (Royal Conservatory of Music or RCM), as well as my Elementary and Intermediate Piano Pedagogy Certificates (also RCM) and the Suzuki Early Childhood Education Stages 1 and 2. In early 2024, I trained to become a Music Together teacher and I am having a blast teaching families with Jill and Erin of Music Together Giggle and Groove in Hamilton!

I grew up in a family of music teachers and because of that I never planned to teach music myself. I earned a masters in French literature and trained as a birth doula before I realized that teaching piano was actually my dream job. I consider myself lucky to be able to choose a career where I can continue to develop and practice new skills, as well as build long-lasting relationships with students and share what I love with them!

I spent the pandemic years learning to teach online and figuring out the benefits of remote learning, and as things have opened back up, I have been exploring folk singing and dancing around the Toronto area, and with friends in the fall and winter! In 2024/25, I plan to sing, play, and work on my RCM music theory courses!

Teaching philosophy

Learning a new style of teaching (online) in the difficult context of the pandemic has at once expanded how I think of teaching and what kinds of teaching tools I can use, and refined my teaching goals and ideals.

My number one goal is to create connection. To connect with the student, first, so I know how best to teach them; to connect with the family, so that we can work together as a team; to connect the student to the music, so that they can discover more music that they love and find success and fulfillment in what they do. I am here to help my students love and understand music.

My training is “classical” through the RCM but my interests in teaching and playing are continually branching out and include reading lead sheets, learning by ear, learning the makings of jazz piano, composition, movie soundtracks and pop music, and more. I find it is important to follow a student’s interests as well as to steer them toward new styles and techniques that might interest them and expand their horizons.

Teaching Info

Private lessons

I offer private lessons beginning at age 6 (depending on the readiness of the child), and I am happy to take beginners of any age or transfer students. I often use the Piano Adventures method, but I like to draw on a variety of materials and methods to suit individual students. I also prepare students for RCM examinations.

Private lessons are available in 30-, 45-, and 60-minute sessions, usually once per week.

Want to make music as a family?

I now teach Music Together classes with the team at Music Together Giggle and Groove in Hamilton, and I am loving it. This fall (2024) I am teaching mixed ages (0-5) classes for families as well as Rhythm Kids classes for kids 4-8 (and sometimes their grownups). I teach these classes because I feel strongly that they engage whole families and create a strong musical community, and if you are considering music lessons, this is a perfect first step along the way. Check out our schedule and come try a class!