Studio Philosophy
Music study should be rooted in empowering student creativity, excellence, and enjoyment in musical expression through proven and informed pedagogical approaches. This studio specializes in the Suzuki Piano method, RCM and Conservatory Canada syllabi, committed beginners, and advanced music composition, improvisation and theory. Lessons begin with an attitude of “every child can”, believing learners of all ages can succeed and enjoy music. A child’s musical growth needs three pairs of hands-student, teacher and parent-no matter what program they are studying. The teacher is there as a guide and mentor, carefully selecting goals, music and learning material, providing focus and practice guidelines for home practice, and always giving encouragement, support and modelling a love of music.
The parent ensures the child is following through with these at home, providing positive encouragement and support, and keeping communication open and regular with the teacher to help their child be their best. They also work to provide a musical environment at home, listening to music, taking their child to concerts and showing their child through modelling that music is a valued part of life.
The child merely needs to bring their wonderful uniqueness, enthusiasm and willingness to learn, along with focused and respectful behaviour in class. Together, these three work as a team to lay a foundation for a life-long love of music and musicianship.
Here, fostering a love of music is the most important work, while also building work ethic, character and sensitivity by always striving for excellence.
“Music enhances our children by helping them make connections and broadening the depth with which they think and feel.”
—Yo-Yo Ma
About The Teacher
Heather Hindman is a piano teacher, musician, pianist and an award-winning professional composer with nearly three decades of teaching experience. She holds a Master’s degree in Music from McGill university and is also an Assistant Lecturer in Music Composition and Sonic Arts at the University of Alberta and trained to teach the Suzuki Piano method. A sought after adjudicator, mentor and specialist in contemporary music, Ms. Hindman’s deep passion for music and teaching means her students are immersed in an environment of creativity, inspiration, and diverse musical genres.
Heather’s teaching balances encouragement with a demand for excellence, and a light-hearted environment with a commitment to regular progress to grow fine young musicians.
Heather has won numerous awards and accolades including
