Pickering (Store) - Piano Lessons

diane harada (Voice, Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Wednesday, Thursday

Diane is a passionate and heart-centered teacher who creates an encouraging environment for students to explore music! She graduated from the School for Music Vocations in Iowa, studying directly under jazz legend Phil Mattson and has since worked as a touring performer, vocal jazz adjudicator, studio musician, composer/arranger, teacher and life-long student. She has been teaching piano and voice professionally since 2003 and loves teaching students of all ages, styles & goals! Diane helps her students learn the language and fundamentals of music, develop confidence & their own flair through technique & the habit of practice, and emphasizes the connection between emotion and music so that her students have a meaningful outlet of self-expression for life! Growing up with her dad’s records always filling the house, she loves artists from all genres including Debussy, Ella Fitzgerald, Take 6, The Carpenters, Tribe Called Quest, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, Bruno Mars, Jack Johnson, Alicia Keys, Ari Lennox, Beyoncé & Victoria Monet - to name just a few!

Diane’s lesson rate is $27/30min Lesson

dona wickramasinghe (Piano)

Online Lessons:

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

Starting piano at a very early age Dona Wickramasinghe completed her Associates Diploma from Trinity College of Music London and was the Prize Winner for the Year 2003. She received the Honorary Mention on completing her Licentiate also from Trinity College of Music London in 2008. Dona emerged All Island Prize winner in Sri Lanka for 3 consecutive years for open age group Piano Recitals. Dona has been teaching since 2008, and her recent experience includes both Long and McQuade Pickering as well as at two leading International Schools. She has worked with students from all age groups to fulfill their unique goals and interests as well as present students for Classical Piano (RCM) and Theory examinations through various Examination Boards. Dona enjoys teaching piano and implementing proper technique and practice methods to produce excellent pianists while maintaining an enjoyable atmosphere.

Dona's rate is $27/30min lesson

genian higgins (Piano, Voice)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday

Geny has an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in music from York University. Her training is in piano and voice. She has her Grade 9 RCM in Piano and is currently working towards obtaining Grade 10. She was a member of the York University Gospel Choir, and has many Pop and Jazz voice influences ranging from Christina Aguilera, Adele, and Sia to Nat King Cole, Etta James, and Ella Fitzgerald. Geny has been teaching music since 2013 and has worked with students of all age groups to build self-confidence while providing a unique and encouraging environment. She is very passionate about helping students to develop their own musical identity and reaching their desired goals. In November 2021, Geny released her debut single, “Avalanche”, and she is now working on her second single. As a teacher, Geny’s goal is to share her love of music with her students by instilling confidence, technique, musicality, and of course, fun!

Geny's rate is $27/30min lesson

jerome anderson (Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Wednesday

Jerome has over 13 years of teaching experience. He studied at the Royal Conservatory Of Music for Classical Piano and at Humber College in the Jazz Instrumental program. Additionally, he has worked as a Professor, specializing in Studio Recording at Canada Christian College. Jerome possesses strong knowledge in Theory, Composition, and Music Engineering. He also has extensive experience as a Musical Director for various organizations. Jerome is a Co-founder of Leronymos Music Production, where he has been privileged to work with many recording artists and Churches throughout the GTA. Lessons with Jerome will include how to read music, play by ear, and develop a strong theoretical background, while also building the confidence to become a Leader in your musical community.

Jerome's rate is $28/30min lesson

liam lachmansingh (Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Saturday

Liam is a dedicated educator of piano, theory, and composition. He is an honours graduate of York University's Music Program, where he specialized in Jazz and Gospel Music. Additionally, he has strong experience in Classical piano, and preparing and guiding students through RCM levels and exams. Liam enjoys teaching his students how to read, play by ear, and compose their own music in a variety of genres, including pop, RnB, and rock. With a background in studio work, he encourages and supports students to explore the possibilities of recording their music, whether it be improvisation or writing their own arrangements. Outside of his role as a piano instructor, Liam also teaches bass guitar and plays for All People's Church located in Brampton. Above all, Liam believes music should be fun and seeks to inspire his students, both young kids and adults, by helping them pursue their own musical journey!

Liam's rate is $27/30min lesson

nelly chan (Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday

Nelly is a passionate instructor with over 25 years of experience. She is Certified as an Advanced RCM Piano Teacher, and has completed RCM Rudiments and Harmony, The Associated Board of the Royal school of Music (ABRSM) Grade 8 Piano and Theory, and The Advanced Diploma in the Art of Piano Teaching & Performance (including Theory and History) at the Chinese University in Hong Kong (equivalent to ARCT). Nelly encourages her students to attend competitions and exams to develop their musical potential and confidence! Her students have received first prize awards in the Hong Kong Schools Music Festival in 2021, and 120+ marks in ABRSM exams (merit and distinction). Nelly has taught students ranging in age from 3 to 70+. She hopes her students will make music an enjoyable part of their lives! Lessons can be given in English and Cantonese.

Nelly's rate is $28/30min lesson

pam wharram (Piano, Theory)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Pam started studying piano at age 4 and a half and was on the specialized courses at the RCM starting at age 6. At age 6 she started participating in festivals and concerts across Ontario. She is a highly experienced teacher and holds an ARCT degree in Piano Pedagogy from the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), teaching beginner up to level 10 piano, and all levels of Theory. Pam’s father, Frank Wharram, was a national examiner and adjudicator for the RCM, and her mother, Barbara Wharram, is the author of 2 best-selling rudiments theory books, and also worked for the RCM. Pam has performed with the RCM Orchestra and York Symphony Orchestra, and she won the provincial silver medal for 3 consecutive years for highest marks in Ontario and Quebec. Pam loves working with both children and adults! She worked as the Senior Section Director for the East York YMCA Day Camps, as well as North York YMCA. She has additional experience working for the DDSB with special needs children. Her goal as an educator is to help students develop a sense of pride and dedication towards learning. She believes studying music is an excellent way to develop self-esteem through positivity, fun, hard work, and lots of practice! All ages, levels, and styles welcome. Pam teaches online and in-person children with autism, and online and in-person preparation for RCM examinations and competitions.

Pam's rate is $28/30min lesson

regina kim (Violin, Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Sunday

Violinist Regina Kim is a devoted teacher, and Honours graduate of the Wilfrid Laurier Music Education program, providing mentorship to students of all levels. Her commitment to education is further underscored by her coaching at the Kincardine Summer Music Festival and her pursuit of professional development, which includes participation in the Jacobs School of Music Retreat for Violin and Viola Teachers at Indiana University and an Advanced Violin Pedagogy Course at the Pro Violin Institute in Germany. Her credentials also include intermediate level RCM piano training and a piano teaching certification. Additionally, Regina has an extensive performance history in both Canada and Korea. Beyond her solo and orchestral work, Ms. Kim is a dedicated chamber musician. Actively involved in the local music community, she has contributed to ensembles such as Music4Life as an assistant concertmaster, Ontario Philharmonic Orchestra, Spirit Orchestra and the North York Concert Orchestra.

Regina's rate is $28/30min Lesson

samantha forstner (Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Thursday, Sunday

Samantha absolutely adores music. Classically trained with an RCM background, she graduated with a music major from University of Toronto with high distinction in 2018, and has been teaching since 2012. Additionally, Samantha has completed a Masters of Teaching at OISE with a specialization in Instrumental Music. She has participated in multiple festivals throughout the years, including Pickering Rotary Festival, the Kiwanis Festival, and has competed provincially. She also accompanied the Maxwell Heights High School choir from 2017-18 and the Ajax High School choir from 2010-14. While being classically influenced, she enjoys both playing and teaching a wide array of genres: pop, indie, rock, jazz, show tunes, etc. You name it, and she can teach it! Samantha always aims to provide an example of empathy and excitement in her lessons, and will do so by inducing positive reinforcement through games, fun note-learning exercises, sight reading exercises, piece repetition and always maintaining a can-do attitude. She believes music to be one of the most connecting, joy-inspiring, beautiful things in the world! It is not only a key element for communication and expression, it is also a means to nurture an individual's voice of creativity. Open to all ages and any level of experience.

Samantha's rate is $28/30min Lesson

shanna pavlek (Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Wednesday, Friday

Shanna obtained a degree in Jazz Performance from Humber College on the saxophone. She also enjoys teaching flute and clarinet, and has RCM training on the piano. She is a multi-instrumentalist who enjoys a wide variety of musical genres including jazz, pop, funk, classical, disco, metal and rock. After graduating, she performed on Carnival Cruise Lines for several years playing with a 10-piece showband, jazz sextet, and a classical trio. Shanna’s goal is for her students to love playing music by instilling confidence, technique, and musicality, as well as having fun!

Shanna's rate is $28/30min Lesson

sümeyra tanil (Violin, Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Friday

Sümeyra's musical journey began at age 7 with piano, followed by violin at age 9. Currently pursuing a degree in Violin Performance & Composition at York University, she anticipates graduating in 2025. Meanwhile, she has had the privilege of working closely with Mark Skazinetsky (associate concertmaster at TSO) for 4 years and continues to refine her craft under his mentorship. Currently, she is the principal second violinist in the York Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the UofT Philharmonic Orchestra, Philadelphia International Music Festival Orchestra, and several orchestras in Turkey and Bosnia. Since 2019, Sümeyra has passionately taught violin, aiming to instill her love for music in her students. Her musical interests span Western classical, pop, Turkish classical, and Balkan.

Sümeyra's rate is $27/30min lesson

tori ratheeshan (Voice, Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Friday, Saturday

Tori grew up playing viola, veena, and ukulele, but ultimately fell in love with piano and singing, continuing to pursue RCM certification in piano and completing a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance at Queen’s University. Tori has performed in various choirs in Toronto, including the Bach Chamber Youth Choir and VIVA Youth Singers of Toronto, and Queen's University's Choral and Women's Polyhymnia ensembles. She has experience preparing students for RCM examinations and performance opportunities for school musicals and talent shows. With an understanding of the importance of connection and curiosity toward music, Tori prioritizes structured lessons with an encouraging space for experimenting with different styles or genres, from pop to classical and everything in between. Tori promotes artistic growth for musicians of all ages!

Tori's rate is $27/30min Lesson