Toronto (Danforth) - Theory Lessons

Lucas Zielke

[email protected]
(416)309-8723

Dan Pitt (Guitar, Theory, Composition, Ear Training)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday

B. Mus in Jazz Performance (University of Toronto)

Dan Pitt is a graduate of the University of Toronto's Jazz Performance program and is an active musician in Toronto's creative music scene. He has toured in Canada and the U.S. working with musicians such as Dave Young, Terry Promane, Andrew Downing, Tim Berne, Michael Formanek and Tony Malaby. Dan has studied with Bob Shields, Geoff Young, Ben Monder, Brad Shepik and David Torn. Dan currently has released five albums under his name and has appeared on several others as a collaborator.

Dan is a patient instructor and enjoys working with musicians and students of all levels and playing and teaching multiple genres. With over a decade of teaching experience, he believes in personalized lessons for each individual and aims to ensure students learn how to make music on the guitar and enjoy the process as much as possible.

Dan's rate is $32.00 per half hour.

Eric Gilson (Piano, Theory)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Friday, Sunday

ACE/DEP Skilled Trade Certificate Jazz Piano

Eric Gilson started his musical education at age three in the Suzuki Program. At age five he began classical piano lessons with the Royal Conservatory of Toronto. There Eric studied with Tadeusz Biernacki, the Conductor of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet. At age 13 Eric started studying jazz with Earl MacDonald, the head of the music department at the University of Connecticut.
After graduating from Humber College’s performing arts program in 2003 having studied with Brian Dickinson, Eric began performing on cruise ships eventually becoming a musical Director aboard the Queen Elizabeth II performing on world cruises. During that time Eric had the opportunity to play for Prince Charles.
In 2010 Eric moved to Switzerland and performed for 10 years with such jazz greats as Richie Cole, Andy Scherrer and Banz Öester as well as the Basel Symphony Orchestra.
In 2015 Eric was invited by the Belgium Royal family to perform for the birthday of princess Delphine and 51 of the royal family including the king of Belgium.Eric was the Music Director for the musical Rent at La Scala in 2011 and again in 2015.From 2010-2020 Eric taught piano for the International School in Basel Switzerland, teaching classical and Jazz music.
As a teacher his main focus is to deliver personalized lessons to each student in a way that they enjoy and in an environment set up for them to thrive.

Eric's rate is $33.00 per half hour.

Jade Wan (Piano, Theory)

Online Lessons:

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

B. Mus Ed. (University of Toronto)

Ms. Wan is an accomplished pianist who began her music studies from Douglas College (BC), then completed her B.Mus in Music Education with a minor in Linguistics from University of Toronto. She studied piano under the tutelage of Dr. Barry Barrington, Dr. Leslie Kinton, and Mr. Boris Zarankin. After attaining intermediate performance knowledge of multiple orchestral instruments, she pursued short-term studies in the George Hurst Conducting Course at the Canford School of Music (now Sherborne School of Music) in Dorset UK. Additionally, she participated in the Saarburg International Music Festival in Saarburg, Germany studying chamber music with musicians from around the globe. Ms. Wan also volunteered as the assistant conductor with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets of the 800 Black Forest Squadron. With many years of Teaching experience behind her and various awards and certifications such as RCM Advanced Specialist in both Piano and Theory , she continues, as she has done for over 26 years, to regularly prepare her students for recitals, competitions, and the Royal Conservatory of Music examinations. She’s also a singer/songwriter for the past few years and came out with her first EP Takes a Little Thought. She loves teaching the ukulele and wants to inspire others to enjoy the instrument too.

Jade's rate is $34.00 per half hour.

Laura Verma (Piano, Theory)

Online Lessons:

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

B. Arts, Minor in Music (McMaster University)

Laura has her grade 8 RCM Piano, and her BA from McMaster University with a Minor in Music. She is certified with the Ontario College of Teachers and has Special Education and Instrumental Music training through OISE. She has taught music from grades K to 6 with both the Hamilton and Halton School Boards and ran choirs and bands. Aside from teaching Laura also composes music, some of which has been featured in films. Laura has been teaching group and private lessons for nearly 20 years with Long & McQuade.

Laura's rate is $32.00 per half hour.

Luke Roberts (Guitar, Bass Guitar, Theory)

Online Lessons:

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

Luke has 23 years of experience playing guitar. In addition to having undergone extensive study in Jazz and Classical traditions, he has played in Pop, Blues, Folk, Classic Rock and Metal bands. Keeping in mind that theory, technique and ear training is important, he is always trying to stay in touch with modern music idioms and teach students of all ages and skill levels songs that they know and like. He has studied under and worked with such names as Ted Quinlan, Toni Zorzi, Al Kay, Hilario Duran, Brigham Phillips, John Macleod, Kirk MacDonald & Dave Restivo.

Luke's rate is $32.00 per half hour.

Michael Tai (Piano, Theory)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Wednesday

MA in Music Theory (University of Toronto), B. Mus in Piano Performance (Queen's University), LRCM & ARCT (The Royal Conservatory of Music)

Michael Tai holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance with Distinction from Queen's University, a Master of Arts in Music Theory from the University of Toronto, and both ARCT and Licentiate (LRCM) Piano Performance Diplomas from the Royal Conservatory of Music. He is privileged to have studied with George McElroy at Euromusic as well as Dr. Ireneus Zuk at Queen's University. Michael has taught in various music institutes since 2012, prepared students for RCM examinations with First Class Honours results, and also adjudicated student recitals.
Besides being classically trained, Michael shares his music as a Cover Artist/Arranger/Composer/Improviser on YouTube and other online platforms. He specializes in arranging piano (occasionally guitar/drum) covers for Pop-Culture genres including Video Game Music, Film Score, Anime Soundtracks, and Pop. Since 2011, he has posted 500+ music videos, reached 80k+ subscribers on YouTube, has an average of 150k monthly listeners on Spotify, distributed 25+ music albums, recorded 60+ piano solo improvisations, and has written piano sheet music for 200+ of his own arrangements on Musicnotes.
Michael is an advocate on spreading the love and passion for music in his role as a music teacher. His compassionate/sensitive demeanour and his deep interests in both Classical & Pop Culture genres help to bring a special sense of connection into his lessons, which he believes can greatly contribute to the growth of the student as both a developing musician and as an individual.

Michael's rate is $34.00 per half hour.

Tori Ratheeshan (Piano, Voice, Theory)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

B. Mus Vocal Performance (Queen's University)

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 $32.00 per half hour.