Music Teachers Canada
Saunders Piano Studio
Instruments and Services
Piano Lessons | Theory Lessons
Location
23 Hatherton Crescent, North York, ON M3A 1P6, Canada
QualificationsSee below
SuitabilitySix year olds to seniors!
PricingPlease enquire
Bio
Sheelah Saunders has been immersed in all forms of music from an early age. She was first taught by her mother (Ora Marwick) who was a piano teacher and examiner, followed by studies with George McElroy and later on with Maria Case.
As a child, Sheelah loved to play and improvise on the piano, and sing in school choirs. She played the violin in the Scarborough youth orchestra in high school, and also picked up the flute. In her twenties, Sheelah studied voice with John Bell.
After university, Sheelah obtained a music certificate at Tyndale University and College (formerly O.B.C.) where she studied piano, voice, organ and conducting.
She received First Class Honours with Distinction (90+) for her RCM Grade 9 piano exam, and First Class Honours (80 +) for her Grade 10 piano exam. Sheelah continually builds upon her skills with workshops and conferences. She earned certification as an RCM Elementary and Intermediate Piano Teaching Specialist. In November, 2024, Sheelah successfully completed the course for the RCM Teaching Advanced Piano course (Level 9 and 10) for the Advanced Piano Teaching specialist designation.
Sheelah has been running an active piano studio for the past 22 years in Don Mills, combining her love of music and teaching children and adults!
Over the years, Sheelah has enjoyed composing music, especially for her students. Some examples of her compositions are Majestic Galaxy, Elina’s Dance, Hopscotch, the Mihailo Blues and I Love Halloween! She encourages her students to explore writing their own music and performing it, if interested.
In addition to teaching piano, vocal coaching for auditions and accompanying,
Sheelah was the Music Director at Calvary Baptist Church for seven years where she played the piano, pipe organ and flute. She also sang solos, led a traditional choir and contemporary ensemble.
In November, 2020 Sheelah was a piano adjudicator for the online CFMTA (Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations) E- festival for Canada Music Week.
Sheelah would be delighted to answer any questions you have about online or in person music lessons, or any of the other musical services she offers.
Teaching Info
A member of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association, Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations, and RCM certified Elementary and Intermediate Piano Teaching Specialist, Sheelah teaches private online and in-person piano lessons to students in Toronto (age of six to seniors.) She also successfully completed the RCM Teaching Advanced Piano course (November 2024) for her Advanced Piano Teaching Specialist designation.
Sheelah’s passion for music and teaching is contagious, and she inspires students to reach new heights musically! She believes it is essential to customize her teaching approach to the specific needs, abilities and interests of her students. Most importantly, a love of music is encouraged as talent and skill are developed. Competence at the keyboard, theory, sight-reading, ear training and music history are all integrated to develop excellent musicianship.
Young students are given various incentives to participate (contests, stickers etc.) and all students are exposed to a wide spectrum of musical genres to pique their interests. Opportunities to participate in music festivals, recitals, ORMTA auditions, music writing competitions and RCM exams are available for students. Piano students also have an opportunity once per term to perform for their peers to develop more confidence and skills.
Adult piano students are encouraged to develop at their own pace, either as beginners, or for those who are returning to study to rebuild their skills. Recitals, competitive opportunities, and exams are also available for those interested in that direction.
Many of Sheelah’s students have won awards at music festivals, have been selected to play in scholarship recitals, and have obtained First Class Honours and First Class Honours with Distinction in both piano and theory exams.
Please feel free to contact Sheelah to begin or restart your musical journey! She offers a free online consultation to discuss your musical needs.
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