Piano Lessons

Piano lessons, either online or in-person, are offered to all ages including adults and seniors  All levels and styles of music are taught. 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.  The lessons are tailored to each student's skill and needs.

Royal Conservatory of Music Certified Teacher

Student Accomplishments

  • Ford is Certified by the Royal Conservatory of Music as an Advanced Piano Specialist. He has prepared numerous students for the RCM Exams during his decades of teaching.
  • Ford has successfully prepared two students for the entrance audition into the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto
  • Resulting from outstanding performances, his students have received numerous scholarships from the Central Toronto Branch of ORMTA (Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association) including the Maria Case Trophy (awarded for an outstanding performance of a Canadian Composition).
  • Ford's students have routinely appeared in master classes and festivals such as the Contemporary Canadian Showcase and the Kiwanis Festival

Get Your Child to Practice

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Online Piano Lessons

Online piano lessons are an attractive option for those with busy schedules, travel frequently, confined to home, or can't find the right teacher in there local area.

Zoom for piano lessons

How Online Piano Lessons Work

The setup for an online piano lesson is very simple. Zoom is widely used for the purpose.  A laptop computer is preferable. A cell phone or tablet do not work well as the image generated is too small and it is difficult to aim the camera. A music stand is used to position the camera. However, if you do not have a music stand then you can easily improvise. Use the email contact form at the bottom of the page for more information or to book a free trial lesson.

Setup for Remote Piano Lessons

Music Without Boundaries

Music Without Boundaries is a new program developed by the Royal Conservatory of Music which offers for the first time in history remote (online) examinations. It is now possible to complete your practical (instrumental) and theory (written) requirements in your own practice space, on your own instrument, at your own pace, with no travel time.

Studio Piano Lessons

Ford continues to teach in-person lessons from his studio which is located 5 minute walk from the College Park Subway Station. Use the email contact form at the bottom of the page for more information or to book a free trial lesson.

FAQ

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.
Yes, performance is an integral part of learning to play the piano. Opportunities to gain performance experience include visits to Long-Term Care Facilities, Student Recitals, Adult Performance Classes, Music Festivals, and RCM Exams.
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.
Absolutely. You will need 88 keys and fully weighted keyboard. 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.
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.

Tuition for Piano Lessons

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.  The tuition for lessons is $60 per hour. The fee for a 30-minute lessons is $30. Students are required to pay for lessons one month in advance. Lesson policies followed are those recommended by the Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association. Use the email contact form at the bottom of the page for more information or to book a free trial lesson.

Playing for Time: Trending of Adult Piano Lessons

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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
  • As an inherent intelligence in all people, musicianship deserves to be developed
  • Creative and self-expressive, it enables the expression of our noblest thoughts and feelings
  • Students learn about their relationships with others, in both their own and foreign culture
  • Music enhances Scholastic Performance
  • Students experience avenues of success they may not experience elsewhere in their educational curriculum
  • Students learn that not all life is quantifiable
  • Music exalts the human spirit

A brain containing music from studio or online piano lessons

“Just what the Doctor Prescribed!” Music Lessons

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Biography

Ford 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.

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 executive committee. Ford believes a true teacher is also a student and his musical studies are ongoing. As both an experienced piano 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.

Ford's Portrait

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

Logo for the Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association who give piano lessons

The Digital Piano (Game Changer)

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