Welcome to the Raposa Millar Piano & Theory Studio

Discover the joy of music through expert piano and theory instruction in Swansea / Bloor West Village, Toronto. We provide personalized lessons for students of all levels.

About Us

Established in 2017, Raposa Millar Piano & Theory Studio offers exceptional music education in the heart of Swansea / Bloor West Village, Toronto. Our home studio provides a nurturing environment where students of all ages can develop their musical talents through personalized instruction.

Lisa Raposa Millar, DMA - Piano Instructor

Lisa Raposa Millar, DMA

Piano Instructor

20+ Years Teaching Experience

Expert in Collaborative Piano

Education: Eastman School of Music, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, University of New Hampshire

Lisa brings over two decades of teaching experience and expertise in collaborative piano. Her approach focuses on developing both technical proficiency and musical expression, helping students discover their unique musical voice while building strong foundational skills.

Gregory Millar, DMA - Music Theory Instructor

Gregory Millar, DMA

Music Theory Instructor

Member of the College of Examiners, Royal Conservatory of Music

Chamber Musician, Soloist, and Arranger

Education: Eastman School of Music, University of Toronto, The Glenn Gould School, McGill University

Gregory is certified by the Royal Conservatory of Music and serves as a Member of the College of Examiners. His comprehensive approach to music theory instruction helps students understand the grammar and vocabulary of music while preparing them for Royal Conservatory examinations.

"My hope for every child, teenager, or adult is that they will experience that spark of joy when they master a difficult passage or create a sound they find especially beautiful. Irrespective of one's goals, the process of discovering musical patterns and their nuances can provide lifelong fulfillment. It's why I've been helping people learn to improve their piano playing through better listening for over two decades."
— Lisa Raposa Millar, DMA
"Music Theory is often thought of as dry, "brainy", or a subject that one either "gets" or does not. In my teaching I aim to break down these misconceptions. Music theory is music literacy. Any student is capable of acquiring pitch and rhythmic understanding, along with written and analytical skills, that will open them up to engage with music on a deeper level."
— Gregory Millar, DMA

What Our Students Say

"Lisa and Greg's compassionate and professional approach to teaching piano, theory, and history was crucial in helping me pursue an ARCT Diploma in Piano Performance. Throughout every lesson I had with them, Lisa and Greg continuously and consistently put in the effort of scrutinizing and improving my musical skills to help me find success within the Royal Conservatory of Music's piano program. This effort comes from Lisa and Greg's shared and genuine passion for music and music teaching, which is what allows their students to succeed at the highest standards."
— Andrew Ganea, former student
"A very sensible teacher who is close to her students. She has a wide repertoire from contemporary to... classical, you name it. She is really open to suggestions and interprets songs brilliantly. Last but not least, her passion and love for both teaching and playing give us the pleasure of learning the art of playing piano."
— The Baghdisar Family
"Lisa taught my two children piano for about two years and the kids thoroughly enjoyed her positive attitude, her advanced knowledge, her patience and understanding and her pleasant demeanor. I was so impressed, I started lessons myself at 44 years old and she made me so comfortable it was fantastic!"
— Teresa, parent

Professional Certification

Gregory Millar is certified by the Royal Conservatory of Music and serves as a Member of the College of Examiners, ensuring the highest standards of musical education and pedagogy in our theory instruction.

Piano & Theory Lessons

Piano keyboard

Piano Lessons

Music theory example

Music Theory

Our Teaching Philosophy

Piano

Playing the piano is one of life's great pleasures. We believe that anyone can be taught to play expressively. There are musical wonders to be enjoyed at every stage, from the simplest of tunes to the most intricate counterpoint.

Many paths are available for students studying piano. Some elect to prepare for festivals, exams, and university auditions, while others prefer to practice solely for personal growth and enjoyment. All students are encouraged to perform in our end-of-year Spring Recital.

Theory

The study of music theory is an important complement to lessons, whether you sing, play the piano, violin, cello, or any other instrument.

What is music theory? Simply put it is the grammar and vocabulary of music. Knowledge of theory results in a deeper understanding and enjoyment of music. It is also a path to learning repertoire more quickly and securely.

Theory lessons closely follow the Royal Conservatory curriculum and examination requirements.

Skills for Life

In both piano and theory, helping students develop technical and personal skills they can take beyond their years of lessons is our #1 priority.

Piano Lessons

Lisa Raposa Millar, DMA

In-person lessons covering a variety of levels and styles

🕒 Typically 45 or 60 minutes weekly
Longer time blocks available for advanced students
👤 Individual
Levels: Late-beginner through advanced diploma Level
Ages: Children 10+, Teenagers, Adults

Key Focus Areas:

  • ✓ Classical positioning and technique
  • ✓ Technical and personal skill development
  • ✓ Expressive playing focus
  • ✓ Hand coordination and movement

Music Theory

Gregory Millar, DMA

Online or in-person lessons following Royal Conservatory curriculum

🕒 45 or 60 minutes weekly
👤 👤 Individual or Semi-private
Levels: Beginner through ARCT
Ages: Children 10+, Teenagers, Adults

Key Focus Areas:

  • ✓ Royal Conservatory curriculum alignment
  • ✓ Grammar and vocabulary of music
  • ✓ Faster, more secure repertoire learning
  • ✓ Deeper understanding and enjoyment

Piano Lessons

Ages 10 and Up

Children (Ages 10-12)

Late-Beginning to Early-Intermediate

Children aged 10–12 are often in the late-beginning to early-intermediate stage with some still using method books and others tackling sonatinas. At this phase, we emphasize classical hand positioning with coordinated wrist and arm motions to bring music, such as that of J.S. Bach, to life. Special focus is given to triads, since playing multiple notes at once lets the piano truly feel like an orchestra at one's fingertips.

Teenagers (Ages 13-18)

Intermediate, Advanced, Diploma Level

Teenagers continue to develop their musical tastes and, as their hands grow, they are able to access pieces requiring a span of an octave or more. In this intermediate stage, we focus on building solid habits while exploring the "foreign languages" of different composers. Early teens (13–15) learn to play four-note chords with a full sound, laying a foundation for studying Romantic repertoire by composers such as Frederic Chopin. Students in their mid- to late- teens (16–18), continue to refine their expressive range while studying music from the 17th to 21st centuries.

Adults (Ages 19-99)

All Levels Welcome

Adults who wish to take up piano as a meaningful life project are welcome to contact us. Our approach adapts to adult learning styles and goals, whether you're beginning your musical journey or returning to the piano after years away.

Theory Lessons by Level

Early & Intermediate Levels

Theory I

Theory I is the foundational level covering the basics of reading (the staff, clefs, note values) as well as scales, intervals, and rhythm (up through RCM Level 2).

Theory II

Theory II builds upon the material of Theory I and adds octave transposition, simple meters, more major and minor scales, and the primary triads and seventh chords. Students who complete this class will be ready to take the RCM Level 5 Theory examination.

Theory III

Theory III covers more advanced topics that are requirements for the Level 6, 7, and 8 examinations.

Advanced Levels

RCM Level 9 Harmony

Introduction to tonal harmonic concepts and analysis required for RCM Level 9 certification.

RCM Level 10 Harmony & Counterpoint

Comprehensive study of harmony and counterpoint techniques for RCM Level 10 certification.

ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint

Diploma-level study of advanced harmony and counterpoint for ARCT certification.

ARCT Analysis

Comprehensive musical analysis techniques and methodologies for ARCT certification.

Academic Calendar

Our academic calendar includes important dates such as school year start/end, holidays when lessons are cancelled, and special events like recitals.

Lessons Begin

Academic
🟢 September 6, 2025

Thanksgiving Weekend

Holiday
🦃 October 11-13, 2025

Winter Break

Break
❄️ December 21, 2025 - January 5, 2026

Family Day Weekend

Holiday
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 February 14-16, 2026

March Break

Break
🏝️ March 16-22, 2026

Easter Weekend

Holiday
🐣 April 3-6, 2026

Victoria Day

Holiday
👑 May 18, 2026

Pizza Party
Dress Rehearsal

Event
🍕 May or June TBD

Spring Recital

Event
🎹 🎻 May or June TBD

Lessons End

Academic
🔴 June 6, 2026

Makeups

Academic
🎶 June 7-July 15, 2026

Summer Lessons

Academic
🎼 Flexibile through August 31, 2026

Student Recitals

Our student recitals provide valuable performance experience in a supportive environment. These events celebrate student achievements and help build confidence on stage while sharing the joy of music with family and friends.

🎵

Performance Experience

Recitals give students opportunities to perform and build confidence in a welcoming, supportive atmosphere.

🏆

Celebrate Progress

Each recital is a celebration of student achievements and musical growth, showcasing the hard work and dedication of our learners.

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Family & Friends

Share the joy of music with loved ones as students perform pieces they've been working on throughout the year.

Community

In addition to studio recitals, we encourage students to perform in festivals, master classes, exams, and other events hosted by organizations in the GTA.

Professional Music Organizations

The Etobicoke-Mississauga Branch of ORMTA

Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association

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The Central Toronto Branch of ORMTA

Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association

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Performance & Examination Opportunities

The Royal Conservatory – Exam Dates

Formal evaluation and certification opportunities

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Alliance for Canadian New Music Projects (ACNMP)

Contemporary Showcase

Platform for contemporary Canadian music performance

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Music Festivals

Hamilton Music Festival

Annual music competition and performance festival

Peel Music Festival

Regional music festival with various categories

Ontario Music Festivals Association (OMFA)

Provincial organization for member music festivals at the local level

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about our piano and theory lessons. If you don't see your question answered here, feel free to contact us directly.

What ages do you accept for piano lessons?

We accept piano students starting at age 10 and up. This includes children (10-12), teenagers (13-18), and adults of all ages.

Do you offer online lessons?

Piano lessons are primarily offered in-person, with online makeups available as needed. Theory lessons are available both online and in-person, giving students flexibility in how they learn music theory concepts.

How long are the lessons and how often do they occur?

Piano lessons are typically 45 or 60 minutes weekly, with longer time blocks available for advanced students. Theory lessons are 45 or 60 minutes weekly. Regular weekly lessons provide the consistency needed for steady musical progress.

Do you prepare students for Royal Conservatory examinations?

Yes! Gregory Millar is an RCM certified teacher and Member of the College of Examiners. We offer comprehensive preparation for RCM piano and theory examinations, from the beginning through advanced diploma levels (ARCT).

Is that a real Chia Pet in the studio photo? (laptop view)

Yes, it's a "Ch-ch-ch-chia!" Greg won this Chia Pet Turtle as a prize for the "best chorale harmonization" when he was a student at McGill University. Right now Chia is on vacation but by mid-fall, he'll be sprouting wildly.

Contact Us

Get in Touch

Contact us to discuss lessons, schedule a consultation, or ask any questions about our programs. We'd be happy to hear from you and help you discover the joy of music.

📍
Swansea / Bloor West Village
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M6S 3E2

Available Lesson Formats

Piano: In-person (Online makeups as needed)
Theory: Online & In-person

Get Started with Lessons

Fill out the form below to inquire about piano or theory lessons.