In the heart of each one of us is the love of beautiful music. Who is not stirred by the great musical masterpieces of this world? History proves that great music is timeless and lives on from one generation to the next. Enjoying listening to music is only one part of the pleasure derived from such works. Actually playing the music for oneself and others is the highest form of musical enjoyment. So what better way to explore the world of music than to learn to play and make music! And what better instrument to learn than the most versatile of all instruments – the piano! This is what my studio is all about: helping people of all ages discover the joy and fulfillment of playing the piano.
Piano, Theory, Technique and Musicianship Instruction
Royal Conservatory of Music and Conservatory Canada Exam Preparation
University Entrance Preparation and Coaching
A Vibrant and Inspiring Learning Environment
Development of Collaborative Skills and Team Work Through Ensembles, Duet Playing, and Performing with Backing Tracks
Contemporary and Integrated Music Skills Taught, Including Composing, Improvising, Lead Sheet Playing, and Arranging
Regular Performance Opportunities in Studio Class Recitals, Retirement Home Performances, O.R.M.T.A Recitals and Music Festivals
Teaching Goals
Reach the Individual Learning Style of Each Student
Create a Vibrant and Inspiring Learning Environment
Equip Each Student with Comprehensive Skills for Life-Long Musical Enjoyment
Make Music Learning Enjoyable and Rewarding
Testimonials
"Hannah is a dedicated, professional and enthusiastic teacher. She utilizes a comprehensive teaching methodology and as a result the student receives a well rounded piano education versed in music theory and studio practice. Highly recommended." -KB
"Hannah is a great teacher for both me and my 7 year old son. He is excited about learning piano theory through the inventive games. After years away from the piano, I have been learning theory in a more relatable way and enjoying the new genres of music I never had a chance to play." -Shannon
"Hannah is an excellent teacher. She quickly inspired my 6 year old son through her style of teaching. She is patient, encouraging and fun. Her passion for music and teaching is exactly what we wanted in a teacher. Thank you Hannah!" -Darlene
"Thanks so much for this fabulous piano year! I appreciate that you introduced me to many different styles of music. Even though I preferred some pieces more than others, you had me listen and try all of them out, knowing that it will make me an overall better pianist. Thank you for helping me grown in my interest in theory. I used to not like it, but now I teach my mom and brother and quiz them every now and then. I also wasn't as afraid of playing in front of the examiner today compare to a year ago. Thanks for pushing me and believing in me! I am very grateful for you." -Cailyn
"Hannah is very invested in the happiness and skill of her students and has an amazing way of helping her students to love the music they learn to play. Jenelle and Pieter are both thrilled to have her as their teacher, and I would definitely recommend her!" -Dianne
"I am an adult student at Positively Piano Studio and find Hannah to be an outstanding teacher as well as an accomplished pianist. I would highly recommend Hannah to anyone wishing to learn piano and music theory." -Mark
"Hannah Salamon is an extremely accomplished teacher and musician. She has been trained by some of the best teachers in Canada and seeks to use her skills to equip students in piano and theory. Hannah is passionate about giving her students a love for music. I highly recommend her!" -Angela
"Hannah helps my daughter to excel in musicality and technicality. We appreciate her and it has been great learning from her." -Carmen
“I am an adult student and have been studying with Hannah for about half a year. Hannah is a wonderful teacher and talented pianist. Her lessons are relaxing and very informative. She tailors every lesson to fit my needs and I totally enjoy studying with her. I highly recommend Hannah if you want to learn piano!” -Yuan
"Hannah teaches piano to my seven-year-old daughter. Because of Hannah's passion, knowledge and talent for music, she is able to teach in a fun and challenging way. She is patient, and well-organized. Her dedication is clear in the work she puts in arranging recitals, lesson assignments and her availability to answer any questions during the week. My daughter looks forward to her lessons and has progressed very well. I would strongly recommend Hannah as a piano teacher." -Bernadette
"Hannah is passionate about teaching and that is displayed in her hours spent preparing for lessons as well as her pedagogical training. She puts everything into her teaching and values each and every student. Hannah is a well-rounded teacher and teaches her students to improvise, compose, and sight-read as well as other important aspects of learning piano. I highly recommend Hannah!" -Clara
"My sister Stefanya and I were studying for our Level 8 piano exams when our teacher introduced us to Hannah for theory lessons. We had not taken any theory lessons previously but she quickly and efficiently brought us to Level 8 in a short span of time. She ensured that we understood everything and always reviewed our work. We both scored well on our RCM Level 8 theory exams, earning First Class Honours with Distinction. Thank-you Hannah!" -Antonio
"Hannah is amazing! She has the ability to meet you where you are at, and explain accordingly to how you learn. I find this vital when someone is in a teaching position. She doesn't rush, and takes the time to explain things so you fully understand before moving to the next time. For me, that's really important. She listens, tries to understand, and tweaks future lessons accordingly. I love that I came across Hannah, and could not recommend her more!" -Meghan
"My son really enjoys his piano lessons with Hannah. She is very organized, educated, and great with kids." -Nicole
"We are happy to have Hannah as our daughter's piano teacher. She is very professional, knowledgeable, and most importantly, she knows how to share her knowledge. Our daughter enjoys every minute of the classes with her." -Goran
"Hannah was absolutely lovely and very patient while teaching our son! I highly recommend her." -Mackenzie
Studio Photographs
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching Goals Through the medium of private piano lessons, I believe there exists a unique opportunity to reach every student’s learning style and cultivate individual growth and development. At the weekly lesson I am able to build a relationship with each student, creating a unique bond that fosters creativity, imagination and expression at the piano, extending into all aspects of life.
As a private piano teacher, I seek to individualize my teaching style and materials for each student, with the goal of reaching all individual learning styles. My goal is to nurture the musical abilities of every student through the materials that I use, the lesson structure and a vibrant learning environment that encourages creativity and musical expression.
My goal is to create well-rounded students who have the tools to be independent learners with comprehensive musical literacy, thus being equipped to have lifelong musical enjoyment and satisfaction.
Structure of Lessons In my studio, students are taught through a reading based program that focuses on developing musical literacy and reading comprehension that will last a lifetime. I use a structured music program that integrates repertoire learning, performance, technique, musicianship, theory instruction, exams, constructive feedback, and collaborative work.
Learning to play the piano should be an enjoyable experience for students. To achieve this, I design my lessons to be interactive as I seek to reach each student’s learning style and creatively engage the whole person. Each lesson features repertoire learning, technique, theory, aural training, improvisation and sight-reading.
While classical music is the focus in my studio, students also learn repertoire in many other styles including, sacred, seasonal, Latin, folk, and contemporary, with the focus on developing fluency in many styles while building a well-rounded repertoire.
What I Look for in Prospective Students As a teacher I believe that lifelong learning and self-improvement is vital, and learning to play the piano is a skill that can be learned at any age. Whether you are looking to be become a proficient pianist, perform and complete exams or return to the piano after retiring, the decision to take piano lessons is beneficial at any stage of life.
My studio welcomes students of all ages and levels of ability that are engaged and desire to embark on the journey of learning to play the piano. As a teacher I place greater emphasis on desire and commitment than on talent. I believe dedication, interest and a genuine love of learning are what lead to success at the piano. I look forward to guiding you on the exciting journey of learning to play the piano!
Registration
Students are welcome to begin private piano lessons with me at any point throughout the year. Inquiring families are asked to contact me through email (positivelypianostudio@gmail.com) or the form below with a brief explanation of their child’s age, interest and level of previous musical study or experience. Following the initial email communication, a complementary in-person consultation is offered where parents and children are encouraged to ask me any questions about studying piano, my teaching style and studio structure. This consultation session gives me the opportunity to get to know the prospective student through a few musical activities and questions. All prospective families are encouraged to discuss the information that they learned before making a commitment for lessons. My goal is always to be a good fit as a teacher for each of my students and families.
Structured Music Learning Benefits
Structured music learning is beneficial to every person as it provides a pathway to physical, mental and aural development while simultaneously building creativity, imagination, and personal expression. Music education has been scientifically shown to foster and develop vital skills in students, including: increased attention and focus, higher creativity, better working-memory, the ability to collaborate, and greater perseverance.
Many of the skills developed through learning to play the piano are applicable to every area of life, helping students to grow into compassionate, well-equipped, active and vibrant adults.
In the sphere of academic subjects, music education is a fundamental element because it equips students to reach greater heights in other aspects of their lives. Quality, structured music education is linked to greater physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Please click on the following graphics below to read more about the benefits of the Royal Conservatory of Music's certificate program as well as the value of structured music education.