Susan Evans

I have been teaching for almost 30 years, but find myself still searching for ways to improve and grow my teaching skills every year. I adapt my teaching to make the most of students' different learning styles and rates of progress, but I do expect each student to work hard and follow a consistent daily practice routine. Parents are encouraged to be involved in both the lessons and practising at home. This way, students are motivated and engaged, so they can bring their very best to their musical studies. I believe lessons should be fun and hopefully give students confidence in their abilities with positive reinforcement. All students perform regularly in studio recitals and the more serious students participate in master classes, festivals and competitions in North America and Europe. Students begin early, at the age of 4 or 5, with Kelly Kirby Early Childhood piano courses, then go on to intermediate and advanced levels based around the RCM examination requirements,. Older and adult beginners and intermediate or advanced transfer students are also accepted. RCM Examinations is the foundation we use to accelerate and monitor student progress. The technical requirements, etudes, sight reading and oral skills, as well as the very important theory co-requisites, require training beyond simply playing the repertoire. Taking exams is optional, but highly recommended, and 99% of my students prepare for exams at all levels, from beginner to ARCT. My students do very well in festivals and usually receive excellent resutlts in their exams, but the most important thing for me is to help students gain a deep understanding and lifelong love of music. I believe that a teacher's strength lies in their relationship with their students.. I am proud that my students stay with me on average for 7 to 10 years, and that I still hear from students who finished learning with me more than a decade ago.