6-7 Year Olds
Highly focused on fun and games, with just enough technique and music to keep them growing. Little to no expectation of home practice.
Play. Learn. Grow.
Welcome to Woodside
I’m Dan. I’ve been playing piano (and a few other things) actively for 36 years. I learned to play within a culture of focus and hard work, culminating each year with a score marked out of 100. But at some point in my 20s, I finally learned that playing music can be a lot of fun.
It’s my goal at Woodside Music to pass on the joy of making music, leaving behind the stress and worry.
I love playing just about anything on the piano: classical studies, swingin’ jazz tunes, folk songs, and hard & fast rock n’ roll. There’s room for everything in my studio, and I want to celebrate and cultivate each student’s unique interest in music to help keep them engaged and excited.
And at the end of the day, if you really need a score out of 100, we can probably make that happen too. But only if you’re having fun doing it.
Private Lessons
One on one piano lessons offer the greatest flexibility and potential for growth for the student. We’ll make sure we establish a good technical foundation, working directly with the music that most excites the student. We can take our time, slowing things down, and really focusing in on parts that need work.
Private lessons are thirty minutes long, once each week. Spaces are limited, and are filled on a first come, first served basis.
Lessons are offered weekday evenings from 4:30pm onwards.
Group Lessons for Beginners
Group lessons are an amazing way to start a piano journey within a fun, social atmosphere. Technical progress may not be as quick as in private lessons, but the joy of learning in a group more than makes up for it. Beyond making new friends and having a fun activity after school, we get to begin our piano journey by playing in front of others. By the time you’re ready to perform, you’ll have already played in front of a group many times.
The studio can accommodate six people at once, each on their own keyboard. Lessons are 45 minutes in length. Youth lessons are offered weekdays between 2:30 and 4:30, with school-bussing directly from Glooscap & NKEC.
8-11 Year Olds
Students are ready to start developing as musicians. We still have lots of fun, but the balance is tipping towards growth. Plan to put in 15 minutes of practice several days each week.
12s & Teens
Ready to learn. It’s not work, but it’s not play either. Teens can grow as musicians very quickly in the right environment. We aim to capitalize on their ambition, encouraging a productive daily practice routine.
Adults
Seriously. It’s never too late to start. Adult group lessons are a low-pressure, social and fun way to finally start playing piano. Life can be hectic, and we practice when we can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we try a lesson out?
Yes! Reach out and we’ll organize a personal visit.
Why piano?
In my opinion, piano is the best starting place for a musical journey. Making a sound is as simple as pressing a button, and making a melody is as simple as pressing two. We don’t need to worry about intonation or complex coordination to begin.
Learning piano can help form a broad conceptual understanding of music and music theory that other instruments can’t, simply because we can see all the notes right in front of us. And even if we choose to switch to (or add) another instrument later, a foundation in piano will offer a leg up in a way that won’t necessarily happen in reverse.
What does it cost?
Private lessons are $25/half hour, pro-rated until June. 35 lessons from October to June are $875. An initial deposit is required upon registration, with a second payment due in January.
Group lessons are $15/45 minutes, pro-rated until June. 35 lessons from October to June are $525. Full payment is required upon registration.
Please reach out if cost is a barrier to participation.
Do I need to practice?
Yes. It’s not the end of the world your six-year-old doesn’t practice. But it’ll help if they can do it once or twice each week.
Everyone else, yes. Practice. A few minutes each day for the junior schoolers, 15-20 each day for the middle schoolers, and 30 minutes each day for the highschoolers. Adults, we do the best we can.
What kind of piano should I get?
Get whatever instrument is right and affordable. Start by renting a cheap keyboard for $20/month just to see if piano lessons are a good fit. Move up from there. I’m happy to discuss specific instruments to meet the needs of every individual.
There are lots of cheap (or free) pianos on marketplace. In most cases, they are old, heavy, wildly out-of-tune, and non-serviceable. Don’t acquire one without discussing it with someone in the know first.
Do I need to buy books?
Yes. We use method books in group lessons that can be purchased online or at Long & McQuade. They range from $12-$25. I’m happy to buy back books in good condition at the end of the term.
Contact Us!
Are you ready to sign up? Do you have questions?
Please fill out this form and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours.