Edward Smith
Lesson Feesfrom $25.00 / 30 Minutes
Promotions Available
About
Hi there! My name is Ed and I'm a performing musician and educator. I've taught for over 15 years to all ages and I have experience in a wide range of musical styles. I studied piano in university and have performed professionally in groups and as a solo artist covering a wide range of styles including including rock, jazz, folk, country, reggae, Celtic, funk, and classical. Whether your goal is to strum a guitar around a campfire or it's to learn a tough classical piano piece - I can get you on a path to success! Here are some testimonials from students and parents that I am very fortunate to have received:
"Ed is a fantastic teacher and he had me playing songs within a few weeks of practicing! Ed is delighted to share his phenomenal knowledge and love of music – and he has spent many hours revamping scores to suit my capabilities and aspirations as an adult learner."
Murray (student, adult learner)
"Ed is a really nice teacher who always helps me with drilling out pieces I am having troubles with. I get to play all kinds of different music!”
Emma, (student, 9 yrs old)
“We are very happy with our daughter’s lessons with Ed. He teaches not only just about how to read music and listen at the piano but about the love of music.”
Jana & Cameron (parents)
“Our son and daughter have taken piano and guitar lessons from Ed for two years. They have learned so much in a short period of time and really enjoy working with Ed. He has instilled a love of music in both of them! We highly recommend Ed as a music teacher for all ages!”
Maria & Mark (parents to students under 10yrs old)
I believe that lessons should be fun but still challenge you to be your best. I have a casual, friendly approach but maintain enough structure to make sure there is a clear path to follow. We'll set goals and make a plan of action to get there. For young learners, I provide structure by using modern lesson books that combine performance, technique, and theory to give the student a well rounded musical education. However, I always make time to show them a song they like that's not in their lesson book (even if it's from a movie or video game!) Ultimately, I want each lesson to be a fun activity that you look forward to every week!
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What happens in a lesson? Lessons are structured around what you want to learn. Each lesson will cover everything from learning your favorite songs, to technique, music theory, ear training and tips on how to practice effectively.
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Is there a strict curriculum? No. However, I do recommend particular music books for children - I use the Piano Adventures series. I use a hybrid approach to teaching which involves some method books and sheet music for any songs they like. If you are an adult learner, we start by having a chat about your goals and make a plan of action to get you there!
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What materials do I need? I may ask you to buy a few books (e.g. the Piano Adventures series for young learners on piano) but I also provide many materials free via email. You should have something to organize all of your lesson materials, a metronome, and of course your instrument and an internet connection
Bachelor of Music Jazz Studies (Dean's Honours List), St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS 2002
My method depends on the age of the student, as well as the student's goals. For kids who are just beginning to learn, or an adult learner who isn't sure where they want to start, I use lesson books (Piano Adventures series) combined with custom sheet music for songs that you like (e.g. a song that you like but is never found in beginner lesson books). The books provide a solid foundation to learn about the fundamentals of music (technique, theory, reading notes, learning chords, etc.), however you probably want to play music so you can one day play a song you like, correct? Good news: I can supply custom made sheet music (see examples below) and even short videos (like this one for a Mozart piece) to help you to play a version of your favorite song! My teaching method combines the best of technology and traditional one-on-one lessons.