private piano lessons for children and adults - all levels

Learning the piano should be convenient and compatible with a busy family schedule. This is why I give piano lessons either online or in-person, or through a combination of both for maximum flexibility. Sylvia's piano studio is located in Caulfeild between the Lighthouse Park and Caulfeild Village, which allows parents to drop off their child at the piano studio and go for a short walk in one of the most scenic neighbourhoods in Vancouver or run an errand at Caulfeild Village.

Within short walking distance from Caulfeild Elementary School and Rockridge Secondary, Sylvia's studio is also a very practical and safe location for children and young students taking afterschool piano lessons.

Parking is available at my studio for the duration of the lesson. 

I teach Monday to Thursdays from 8am-8pm. There are limited weekend spaces available.

Please contact me to enquire about afterschool hours, weekends lessons and seasonal intensive music lessons.

Piano lessons are divided into 4 terms to reflect the academic school year: 

- Fall (September - Dec)

- Winter (January - March)

- Spring (April to June)

- Summer (July and August)  

Lessons can be arranged in the summer where I also offer intensive theory lessons . If you have a specific request, please send me an email and I will try my best to accommodate. More information is mailed out to the parents in the summer term.  

I follow the RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music), ABRSM (Associated Board), Trinity Music syllabi and also prepare my students for recitals, school talent shows, and competitions. I believe in developing core music skills like rhythm, controlled-tempo, and technique but the best part is helping each student bring out their imagination and interpretation into the music.  

Lessons are held weekly or more frequently when required.  

Regular lessons (all ages and abilities): weekly lesson duration ranges from 30 minutes for beginners and the youngest children to 2 hours for advanced students. For Grades 3-5, 45minute lesson time is recommended and for grade 6 onwards, I highly recommend a 1 hour lesson time to cover all the aspects of each grade as well as to ensure adequate progress. Students will be given homework and a practice schedule after each lesson. Daily practice is highly recommended between piano lessons to encourage students to develop discipline as well as integrating a healthy regular routine. As little as 10 min of practice a day can help young students to progress quickly to the next level.  

Piano exam and performance prep program (intermediate and advanced students): prior to exams or recitals I encourage my students to enroll in a tailored performance preparation program. The focus of this program is to work on the student presentation skills, emotions management and to ensure their exam/recital piece is tuned for success. This program typically includes a series of up to five 30-60 min coaching and teacher-guided practicing sessions one month leading up to the exam/performance. I put a particular emphasis on the jury's expectations and make sure that my students master the articulation, nuances and rhythm to perfection so that they can achieve the highest distinction at their exams. 

Spring and summer music camp (children only): keeping our children busy and engaged in creative activities during holidays can be challenging. This is why I offer my students the possibility to register in seasonal music camps where they can strengthen their theory and piano skills, or discover new instruments (eg. violin, cello, ukulele...). Music camp are delivered in small groups (up to 6 students) where children enjoy learning and playing in a collaborative, fun and creative environment. Please enquire for more details.

Regardless of ability and age, developing a solid musical foundation requires dedication and consistency. 

For young children learning piano, age 8 and below, I highly encourage parents to get involved. Reading through the homework book together, or checking for homework completion will give confidence to your child’s weekly lessons and give continuity to their learning. Sitting next to your child during practice at home, showing interest in their weekly learning, and recognizing their achievement will also be very beneficial and help your child feel rewarded for their efforts.

Older children and teenagers will want to see music as something they want to do. Show your child that playing a musical instrument is a special privilege and an opportunity that isn’t necessarily available to everyone. Help them discover that music can enhance their life. It is also important to ensure they’re performing consistently throughout the year, either through school performances or grade exams. With a goal (and prize!) in sight, children become more accountable and more likely to practice. The teenage years is when they want to gain more financial independence. Encourage them to accompany a choir or instrumental exam, form a collaboration with another musician, or try busking to gain more performance experience.

As for the adults, routine and discipline will greatly help in fostering the good habits needed to develop ease and enjoyment at playing the piano.  Practicing 20 minutes a day is better than accumulating the practice for the night before the lesson.