Private Lessons in Ottawa
I offer private piano lessons in Ottawa to students aged 7 through 70, from beginners to advanced players. Lessons are personalized to each student's learning style, goals, and interests. Students can take lessons for pleasure or aim for examinations, performances and/or competitions.
Lesson format
Lessons are taught at my home studio in the Lowertown area of Ottawa, conveniently close to Rockcliffe, Vanier, Sandy Hill, and New Edinburgh. Students learn on a Yamaha C3 grand piano with a hydraulic adjustable Hidrau bench. For shorter students, I provide pedal extenders and custom-made stackable blocks to ensure proper posture and comfort. Parents of young students are welcome to watch lessons or drop off and pick up their child.
In-person lessons (preferred)
Online and Asynchronous Lessons (alternate on occasion)
While in-person lessons are my priority, I understand that on occasion illness, weather, or schedule conflicts can arise. In these cases, I offer:
​
-
Live online lessons at the regular lesson time.
-
Asynchronous lessons, where students can send videos or materials in advance, and I provide feedback during the scheduled lesson slot.
All online lessons are structured to be engaging and effective, ensuring students continue to progress even if they cannot attend in person.
Teaching Hours
Sundays 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Mondays 3:00 – 9:00 pm
Tuesdays 3:00 – 8:00 pm
Wednesdays 3:00 – 9:00 pm
Thursdays 3:00 – 9:00 pm
Email and phone correspondence are monitored one hour outside of teaching hours
What to expect in your lesson
Curriculum
Most students follow a core piano curriculum using books from the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) or Conservatory Canada series. In addition to these core books, students may choose supplementary piano books in a genre of their choice, including classical, improvisation, jazz, pop, blues, ragtime, Disney, or holiday music. These options allow each student to explore their personal musical interests while developing technique and musicianship.
​Theory
I offer piano theory lessons in Ottawa tailored to each age group and skill level. Younger students learn theory through over 200 interactive games, apps, worksheets, percussion instruments, and a whiteboard, creating fun and engaging ways to understand musical concepts. Teen and adult students focus primarily on book-based learning, while still incorporating interactive resources when helpful. Advanced students may require longer lessons to accommodate additional theory work. Separate theory lessons are also available for non-pianists.
​​Improvisation and Composition:
​All piano students have the option to include improvisation and composition lessons as part of their regular sessions. These lessons encourage creativity, exploration of different sounds, and personal expression at the piano.
Additional Aspects for Lessons
Lesson Notes
​To help students make the most of their private piano lessons in Ottawa, I provide clear lesson notes outlining what to practice at home. Some students prefer typed notes emailed for easy access on electronic devices, while others enjoy handwritten notes in a notebook. These notes ensure consistent progress between lessons.
Feedback
Teen and adult students are often independent in their practice, so we frequently discuss goals and progress together. For young children, I invite parents to attend lessons to help them develop musical knowledge alongside their child. Several times per school year, I also send detailed email updates to parents highlighting their child’s progress, achievements, and areas for growth.
Online Software
​​Students and parents have access to My Music Staff, an online platform where they can:
​
-
View lesson schedules and upcoming events
-
Access lesson notes and practice assignments
-
Log practice time and track progress
This tool complements private piano lessons in Ottawa, making it easier for students to stay organized and motivated.
Beyond the lesson
Performing opportunities for children
Students have multiple opportunities to perform throughout the year in piano recitals and performance events in Ottawa:
​
-
Studio Recitals: Twice per school year, students perform for parents, guardians, friends, and relatives at a local church. Each recital lasts approximately 45–60 minutes, followed by a reception.
-
Monthly Performance Clubs: Additional performing opportunities are available at the Steinway Gallery Young Artists Performance Club, the Ottawa East Junior Music Club, or the Ottawa West Junior Music Club.
These experiences help children build confidence, stage presence, and a love for performing.
​
​
Performing opportunities for adults
Adult students also have multiple avenues to perform:
​
-
Recitals: Twice per school year, students perform one to three pieces depending on their level.
-
Masterclasses: Twice per school year, each student performs one piece and receives 8–10 minutes of constructive feedback.
-
Monthly Music Sharing: Additional performing opportunities are available at the Steinway Gallery Ottawa Music Sharing, 10,000 Hours Music Sharing, and the Ottawa Adult Music Group.
All performances take place at 10,000 Hours Piano Rehearsal Studios and typically last 75–90 minutes, providing a professional and supportive environment.​
​​
Exams and Competitions
Many students participate in Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) or Conservatory Canada (CC) exams in Ottawato set musical goals and track progress.
​
Additional opportunities include:
-
Kiwanis Music Festival – Open to all ages
-
Quebec International Music Competition – Open to all ages
-
Ottawa Piano Festival – Students under 18
-
Canadian Music Competition – Students under 18
Participation in exams and competitions helps students develop performance skills, discipline, and a deeper appreciation for music.
​
Mock Exams
In addition to regular weekly lessons, I also offer mock exams for students preparing for RCM or Conservatory Canada practical exams. These sessions simulate real exam conditions and provide detailed feedback to help students feel confident and well prepared.
Lesson Subjects
Choose which subject you are interested in learning and click on the icon to learn more..
I teach all levels of the Conservatory Canada classical curriculum from Level 1 through ACCM. Students also get to explore repertoire from the Contemporary Idioms syllabus.
I teaches all levels of theory from both RCM and Conservatory Canada curriculums. I am familiar with university and college level material as well.
Recent Student Achievements
2026
-
Two students performed in the ORMTA First Class Honours Recital
​
2025
-
Seven students performed in the ORMTA Canadian Music Showcase
-
Adult student received an Honourable Mention at the OMFA Provincial Finals
-
Adult student achieved 90%, 90%, and 91% in three categories at the Ottawa Kiwanis Music Festival
-
Adult student achieved 83% and 86% in two categories at the Ottawa Kiwanis Music Festival
-
Student achieved 85% and 82% in two categories at the Ottawa Kiwanis Music Festival
-
Adult student achieved 85% and 87% in two categories at the Ottawa Kiwanis Music Festival
2024
-
Student received Silver at the Canadian International Music Competition
-
Four students performed in the ORMTA Canadian Music Showcase
-
Student received Gold at the Quebec International Music Competition
-
Adult student achieved 84%, 85%, and 88% in three categories at the Ottawa Kiwanis Music Festival
-
Adult student achieved 88%, 90%, and 91% in three categories at the Ottawa Kiwanis Music Festival
-
Student achieved 87% in two categories at the Ottawa Kiwanis Music Festival
​​
These results reflect the dedication and growth of students in my studio, from beginner to advanced levels, across local, provincial, and international events.
Testimonials
"Sarah challenges me in every lesson and pushes me to improve, but at my own pace. Our lessons are very collaborative. We work on techniques to achieve a high degree of dynamic expression, musicality, speed and accuracy of complex piano works. Sarah is continuously striving to become a better pianist herself and always passes on any knowledge and techniques that might help. Sarah works with the time you can put in and creates a program that suits your goals and your learning style." - Curt
“You’re a great teacher and have always been so patient and understanding with me. I always feel inspired to pursue music after lessons and appreciate the great attitude you always carry. Thanks so much. I hope we continue to build this great relationship of student and teacher” - Daniel
“Over the past years I appreciated and enjoyed so much the time we spent working together. I will really miss you!! I would like to thank you very much for all the time and effort you have spent to get me to this level.” - Dalia
"I wanted to say that I really enjoyed our lessons, and you are a fantastic teacher. Your mindset, openness, and methods will always stick with me. I hope to carry that forward with my playing” - Mark