Share and Share Often

Piano Lessons

RMC Certified Teacher LogoAll ages including adults and seniors are welcome to take piano lessons. All levels and styles of music are taught.  Enjoy private piano lessons in the comfort of your home or in a studio. Ford offers a traditional approach as he works to develop a solid technique and a fluid ability play classical, jazz, and modern styles. It is not just a piano lesson it's a complete, in-depth and fun music program. The lessons include music theory and history, ear training and sight reading which are tailored each student's skill and needs.

Ford conducts weekly piano lessons. The lessons range in length from thirty to sixty minutes. The length depends on age, level, and the amount of time for practice. Ford teaches in the central Toronto area. He provides in-home lessons or in-studio lessons. He organizes two locations for in-studio lessons. One is near the intersection of St. Clair and Yonge and the other near Carlton and Sherbourne.

 

Studio Space at St Clair and Yonge for piano lessons
Studio Space at St Clair and Yonge

FAQ

At what age should my child start piano lessons?

The average age when a child has developed the necessary attention span for a 30 minute piano lesson is six. However, if your child shows the maturity and interest, starting at five may work.

 

Is a digital piano good enough for lessons?

Absolutely. If you need an instrument consider renting with the option to buy from a local music store. Long & McQuade Musical Instruments is a good place to start. For information about buying a digital piano visit the blog posting The Digital Piano (Game Changer).

 

How much should my child practice?

To start, encourage your child to practice at least fifteen minutes every day. The frequency of practice is crucial and quality is more important than quantity. When a student doesn't practice, the lesson becomes a supervised practice session. While this is useful, the student does not benefit from the full potential of the lesson and progress slows down.

 

Do you have student piano recitals?

Yes, performance experience is an integral part of learning to play the piano. Performance opportunities include visits to Long-Term Care Facilities, Student Recitals, Adult Performance Classes, Music Festivals, and RCM Exams.

 

Do children learn music faster than adults?

No! In general, adults learn faster than children. The most important factor that determines the speed of learning is the amount of practice. Children often have more time available and are more consistent then adults. In addition, as eager learners, children often absorb new information quickly. On the other hand, adults have greater ability to understand the complexity involved in playing the piano. Adults progress quickly with focus and daily practice.

Tuition for Piano Lessons

The fee for lessons is $60 per hour. Students are required to pay four lessons in advance. The cost of four 30-minute lessons is $120. Lessons policies followed are those recommended by the Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association.

Ford is an excellent teacher. Having RCM credentials while choosing to specialize on piano instruction (rather than a number of different instruments) was appealing to me. I also appreciated that he was so accommodating when it came to having lessons at a time that would work best with my busy schedule. His approach is structured, patient, and encouraging. As an older beginner, I like how his feedback is technical about what I did well (with every piece that I play) and also what I still need to work on. His knowledge of the various composers and having the occasional (impromptu) duet is a nice treat as well. Several months after starting, I am excited to continue this musical journey with Ford as my instructor and highly recommend him. Travis
Travis Bailey
Travis Bailey
03:51 03 Apr 18
I have had an excellent experience with Ford as a piano teacher. I feel I have made significant progress with my piano lessons with him, developing both technical skills and an understanding of music theory. His feedback is always constructive and I would recommend him without reservations to any student!
Charlotte Switzer
Charlotte Switzer
15:48 03 Apr 18
Ford is amazing as a piano teacher. He is really knowledgeable about the history of music and musical structure. I really feel that I am improving and learning more about different techniques than ever before.
Rosie Leigh
Rosie Leigh
23:11 29 Mar 18
As an adult learner, I found Ford to be very patient, nurturing and accommadating to my individual interests and needs. He really takes the time to teach techniques and practicing routines that work best for me. After about half a year of working with Ford, I'm already seeing a significant improvement in my playing ability and enjoyment from playing the piano. Thanks, Ford!
James Hang
James Hang
12:52 22 Sep 17
My two sons have been working with Ford and I highly recommend him. He has progressed their technical skills, helped them understand music and perfected their playing to levels that go beyond my expectations. He manages to encourage them and keep them motivated to play while also providing direct and constructive feedback. We couldn’t be happier with Ford’s teaching.
Margie Peskin
Margie Peskin
15:47 23 Apr 17
Ford is a great teacher. He's patient and knowledgeable abut piano techniques, repetoire and styles. I am an adult student and he is encouraging and positive. Under his guidance, I have improved tremendously. He is excellent on the classics: Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and Chopin. I recommend Ford Barker as a teacher of piano.
Michael Ford
Michael Ford
13:43 05 Apr 18
Ford is a wonderful teacher and makes learning the piano fun! His lessons are tailored and accordingly paced for each student, building on their strengths and paying extra attention to areas where they need help. He is extremely patient and encouraging, and can put even the most nervous student completely at ease. I recommend him highly to anyone looking to learn to play the piano!
Seema Shenoy
Seema Shenoy
20:06 13 Apr 18
‹
›

GET YOUR CHILD TO PRACTICE

Learn More

Benefits of Music Education

"Music can change the world because it can change people." - Bono

  • Music conveys our cultural heritage. It is as important to know about Beethoven and Louis Armstrong as it is to know about Newton and Einstein
  • Music is an inherent intelligence in all people and deserves to be developed
  • Music is creative and self-expressive, enabling the expression of our noblest thoughts and feelings
  • Music teaches students about their relationships with others, in both their own and foreign culture
  • Music enhances scholastic performance
  • Music offers students avenues of success they may not experience elsewhere in their educational curriculum
  • Music helps students learn that not all life is quantifiable
  • Music exalts the human spirit

 

The Benefits of Music Education: An Overview of Current
Neuroscience Research by the  Royal Conservatory of Music, 2014

JOIN FORD ON FACEBOOK

Visit Now

Biography

Ford's PortraitFord Barker has pursued two different career paths. His first career was in Life Sciences. Ford completed his BSc in Life Sciences at Queen's University in Kingston. Following this, he worked at the University of Toronto on various research projects. While doing well in this field he felt a need for change. He decided to follow his life-long passion for music and became a piano teacher. 
 
Ford's musical studies began at an early age. Most of his training was with the Royal Conservatory of Music. He holds an ARCT in Piano Teaching. In addition, he is an RCM Certified Teacher and qualifies under the category of an Advanced Piano Specialist. Also, he is a member of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association. As a member of this group, he accepted a position of leadership on the steering committee. Ford believes a true teacher is also a student. His musical studies are ongoing. As both piano an experienced teacher and performer, he works independently and keeps up a busy practice. He believes all students have a natural ability and plans the lessons according to their needs. Furthermore, as a dedicated piano teacher, he considers it a privilege to share his love of music with others.
 
 

Benefits of Study with a Registered Music TeacherLogo for the Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association

  • Assurance of qualified knowledgeable instruction
  • Opportunities for performance at Music Festivals, Examinations, Public Recitals, Studio Recitals and Master Classes, and Canada Music Week Celebrations
  • National and Provincial Student Competitions
  • Opportunities for students to receive scholarships in both practical and theoretical subjects
  • Opportunities for advanced students to develop applied pedagogical knowledge and experience needed to obtain a Teachers Associate Diploma

Testimonials

I was looking for a piano teacher in Toronto and I am so happy I came across Ford. His knowledge and passion for classical music is evident in each lesson. He is an effective piano teacher, with a strong focus on technique, line and detail. He appropriately challenges his students and is genuinely interested in their musical development. I look forward to my next lesson with him! When I have kids, I’ll be asking Ford to teach them!

Doug Price

Ford is one of the most talented and sensitive pianists. Over ten years, I had the pleasure to be his student. Ford has extraordinary teaching skills, patience and knowledge. He makes the lessons fun, yet at the same time professional. I strongly recommend his wisdom and knowledge.

Dorota Lipa

I only studied with Ford for a short period of time but, in that period, he was able to impart to me a great deal of insight about not only the music we worked on, but about music in general. He has helped me further my personal style by critiquing through discussion, and allowing me to form my own opinions as to how pieces should be approached. He is a fantastic teacher from whom much can be learned, and whom I greatly recommend.

Brent Nuevo

I have been a student of Ford Barker for about two years.  In that time, I have made progress as a pianist – my technique has improved and the pieces I work on sound more accomplished.  During my time as Ford’s student, I have learned pieces by Bach, Mozart, Chopin and Debussy.  This is a wide variety of music and because of his long experience as a teacher, Ford knows and understands all of this music.  Ford is especially good at technique, phrasing, articulation and memorization so that now I play more accurately and more musically. Ford is patient, knowledgeable and loves music.  I recommend Ford as a teacher to anyone, both beginners and more seasoned players.

Michael Ford

My two sons have been working with Ford and I highly recommend him. He has progressed their technical skills, helped them understand music and perfected their playing to levels that go beyond my expectations. He manages to encourage them and keep them motivated to play while also providing direct and constructive feedback. We couldn’t be happier with Ford’s teaching.

Margie Peskin

Ford Barker believes in giving students a solid technique; counting, scales, phrasing, musicality etc.  He is patient and kind to all ages, from the very young to senior citizens and has an innate ability in dealing with learning disabilities.

Ann Campbell

Our son Anthony, has been taking piano lessons with Ford for the last 6 years. He has helped Anthony to achieve his musical potential. He is always a serious professional who really cares about increasing his student’s knowledge and love for music. His regular recital sessions are a particular part of the training for the students.”His regular recital sessions are a particular part of the training for the students. Ford is a great piano teacher and mentor for anyone seeking greater achievement and enjoyment in piano studies. He is highly experienced and very professional. He uses a very balanced piano education program, which emphasizes technique, theory and musicality.

Gregmar and Roger Newman