Charles Dutton

I am a passionate piano teacher and performer with a diploma in Music Performance from the Victoria Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Piano Performance from the University of British Columbia. I have been teaching privately since 2018, and have performed as a collaborative pianist and through outreach programs with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

From an early age, I immersed myself in music through private study in piano, theory, and history, eventually earning my RCM Level 10 certificates and ARCT in Piano Performance. My own musical education was rooted in classical training. Along the way, I performed in festivals like the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival and the Canada West Performing Arts Festival, experiences that taught me the value of collaboration, discipline, and creativity.

My training continued at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and the University of British Columbia, where I have worked closely with experienced mentors in solo and collaborative piano. I also gained hands-on experience creating musical workshops for young students through my work with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, learning how to make classical music accessible and fun.

I have been fortunate to receive numerous awards and scholarships throughout my musical education, including the Irving K. Barber Scholarship, Mrs. A Massy Goolden Award, Prof. Stephen and Dr. Jacquelyn Peitchinis Theory Scholarship, George Giles Award, Estate of Arthur Ernest Leeder Scholarship for Piano, Vanhall Fund for the Arts Scholarship, Millicent Lavoy Piano Scholarship, Wood’s International Piano Scholarship, and Jamie K. Syer Collegium Scholarship Award.

I have also received the following festival distinctions:

• Winner, Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival (2022)
• Runner-up, Provincial Candidate for Piano Open Category (2021)
• Winner, Canada West Performing Arts Festival, Chamber Music Category (2022)

As a teacher, my goal is to help every student find their own joy and confidence at the piano. I believe that music is for everyone, and that lessons should be encouraging, creative, and responsive to each student's needs.

I know that learning an instrument can be challenging, and I strive to create a positive environment where mistakes are seen as a natural part of growth.

I tailor my approach to suit each student’s learning style. These diverse experiences allow me to bring flexibility, energy, and connection into the lessons I teach.

Growing up, music was a central part of my life, and my teachers had a huge impact on me. Not only did they help me develop my musical skills, but also showed me how to find meaning and enjoyment in the process. I aim to pass that experience forward.

Whether a student dreams of performing on stage, writing their own songs, or simply playing for their own enjoyment, I am committed to helping them achieve their goals.