All 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 piano lessons. One is near the intersection of St. Clair and Yonge and the other near Carlton and Sherbourne. In-home lessons are available in the central Toronto area.

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?

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.

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 a greater ability to understand the complexity involved in playing the piano. Adults progress quickly with focus and daily practice.

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

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 Teacher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20:06 13 Apr 18

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