Kingston - Piano Lessons

ari bautista oldale (Piano, Voice)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Thursday, Friday

Ari is a classically-trained pianist, self-taught singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter with over 15 years of experience in many competitive, creative, & educational contexts. Between Ari’s involvement in the youth jazz scene and her classical piano training through RCM (Grade 9), she developed a strong passion for the world of music. While at Queen’s, she decided to pursue her interests in anatomy & the life sciences but continued to do casual freelance piano lessons and explored the collegiate a cappella scene. Between 2014 and 2018, she fulfilled positions of music director and business director for the pop/folk/R&B-inspired ensemble Trillers A Cappella and remained a member until graduating in 2020. During the past few years, her focus was to tap into a unique sound and buckle down to work on writing and producing her debut album, released in April 2023. Now looking to return to the teaching side of music, Ari hopes to use her versatile background in anatomy, music theory, education, and performance to help young pianists and singers meet their goals and have fun getting there. Her intent for future piano students is to help them develop fundamental tools every pianist needs: rhythm, reading music, understanding music theory, and developing a strong technical basis. Her intent with future voice students is similar, with the addition of helping them find their unique sound and exploring their creativity while maintaining a healthy, sustainable, and anatomically-informed singing technique.
Ari charges $26 per half hour lesson.

carl merenick (piano, online lessons)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Style: classical, jazz, rock

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Carl studied classical piano as well as jazz theory and composition with Ted Moses, Gordon Delamont and Darwin Aitkin. He has composed and produced for CTV, TSN, Discovery Channel and ET. Carl is the Co-founder and CEO of HGNO, a non-profit, music-based community outreach. He has taught music both at the college level and junior high level - grade 6, 7 and 8 band. Carl is an enthusiastic and dedicated music teacher with years of professional experience and has a knack for inspiring students in the gift of music.
Carl charges $27 per half hour lesson.

darcie watson-laird (Piano, Voice, Trumpet)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Style: classical, musical

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Darcie (BAH, BMT) is a highly accomplished musician and performer who began teaching in 2015. Since then, she has developed a robust teaching method that caters to the unique needs and aspirations of each student. Darcie's approach to teaching emphasizes providing a well-rounded musical education encompassing multiple genres. Furthermore, she places great importance on music theory, sight reading, and ear training, understanding that these elements form the foundation for musical growth and proficiency. Her philosophy for vocal training is centered on the belief that anyone, of any age, can sing, provided they are given the correct tools to maintain a healthy sound. Darcie is also interested in
examining traditional methods of teaching to determine how they can be accurately adapted to reflect new research and findings in the industry.
Darcie firmly believes in the transformative power of music, recognizing its ability to enhance mental development, foster creativity, and instill a sense of discipline and dedication. With this understanding, she strives to make a positive and enduring impact on each of her students, nurturing their musical abilities and helping them discover their own unique artistic voice.
Darcie charges $26 per half hour.

doug cutler (piano, online lessons)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Style: classical, jazz

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday

Doug was a road band keyboardist in the days of his youth and later a restaurant pianist for the sake of his ears. He has been teaching piano in Kingston since 1998 and along the way picked up a Bachelor of Music from Queen's University. He enjoys playing and teaching in a broad range of styles including classical, jazz, pop, ragtime and anything in between, and has a knack for making lessons fun and easy for new students of all ages. He also composes in light classical and movie theme veins as well as the odd song. While studying for his music degree he was awarded the Maurice Dublin Memorial Prize in Composition. Doug's performance credits include a stint with five-time Juno Award winner Skip Prokop.
Doug charges $26 per half hour private lesson.

karine coderre (Piano, Flute)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Style: classical

Teaching Day(s): Thursday, Friday

Karine is a classical musician, who started studying music from a very young age. She started learning the piano at five years old and is still taking advanced lessons to date. As a flutist, she has been learning flute since she was twelve years old and currently majoring in flute in the Queen’s University’s Bachelor of Music program. She has attended various competitions since she started learning music as both a pianist and a flutist. Most recently, she competed in the 2024 Ontario Music Festivals Association (OMFA) and won second place in the final round of the Woodwind Open Category.
Karine charges $26 per half hour.

narakorn ruttanatisoi (Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Style: classical

Teaching Day(s): Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Narakorn is a classical pianist who has been studying music from a very young age. She has been playing piano for 17 years, passed the grade 8 ABRSM practical piano exam with distinction in 2017, and is currently completing the Bmus program at Queen’s University.
Narakorn specializes in teaching classical piano to all ages of students, preparing students for RCM in both practical and theory exams and can also teach anime music.
Narakorn charges $26 per half hour lesson.

sarah zanibbi (Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Wednesday

Sarah Zanibbi is an experienced musician and has been playing and performing music for over 10 years. She has covered a broad range of musical styles while studying classically with the Royal Conservatory of Music, performing as a part of several rock, pop, indie, folk and singer-songwriter bands and duos around Kingston, writing music for herself and others, working in high school music ensembles (jazz, percussion, concert), and classrooms, and by accompanying singers, instruments, actors and more. Sarah hopes to share her love of music with her students and help them achieve their unique musical goals through creative and enjoyable learning.
Sarah charges $26 per half hour lesson.

serhiy smetanyuk (piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Style: classical

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday

Serhiy is from Chernivtsi in Ukraine. He studied at the Chernivtsi College of Arts and received a “diploma with distinction” as a Teacher of Piano, Music Theory (Solfeggio) and Music History. He was a trombone player in a military band for two years and played keyboards in various rock and pop bands. Serhiy started teaching music in 1985. After coming to Canada, he taught at the Saskatoon Academy of Music before relocating to Kingston and joining Renaissance Music (now Long & McQuade Kingston) in 2013. Serhiy shows a deep dedication to his students and wishes to help them achieve their musical goals, whether that's taking an RCM exam, preparing a piece for recitals, or simply learning a song they'd like to play.
Serhiy charges $26 per half hour private lesson.

steven quong (Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Style: classical

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Wednesday

Starting from a young age, Steven has obtained a comprehensive musical education, completing RCM level 10 in both piano and violin. Though he specializes in classical music, Steven is capable and willing to teach students in a wide variety of musical styles. His approach focuses on developing a strong technical foundation while also encouraging creativity and musical expression. With a patient and personalized teaching style, Steven aims to inspire a lifelong love for music in each of his students.
Steven charges $26 per half hour.

violetta kurkurina (Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Meet Violetta, a dedicated piano teacher with a deep passion for classical music and a knack for teaching popular tunes. With over 15 years of experience mastering the piano, Violetta began her musical journey at Mariupol College of Arts in Ukraine. Currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance at Queen’s University, she plans to graduate in 2025.

While Violetta's heart lies in classical music, she understands the importance of catering to her students' interests.

Violetta’s achievements extend beyond her studies. She has earned recognition in numerous music competitions and gained valuable experience accompanying singers and various instrumentalists. Additionally, she has participated in renowned summer music programs such as Scotia Fest, Tuckamore, and Orford Musique, where she received invaluable guidance from esteemed professors and musicians in masterclasses.

Violette charges $26 per half hour lesson.