Piano & Theory Lessons
Piano Lessons
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 for students developing their
musical creativity + technique
Focus Areas:
- ✓ Classical hand positioning
- ✓ Technical skills through creative projects
- ✓ Expressive sound production
- ✓ Personal development through music
Music Theory
Gregory Millar, DMA
Online or in-person lessons
following the Royal Conservatory curriculum
Focus Areas:
- ✓ Royal Conservatory curriculum alignment
- ✓ Grammar and vocabulary of music
- ✓ Faster, more secure repertoire learning
- ✓ Deeper understanding and enjoyment
Piano Lessons
Ages 9 and Up
Children (Ages 9-12)
Late-Beginning to Early-Intermediate
Children aged 9–12 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.