WhereFoundationBecomes Excellence

Most children are ready to begin between ages 5 and 7, when they have developed sufficient fine motor skills and attention span. However, we welcome students of all ages — adults included. Earlier is generally better for building strong foundations, but it's never too late to start.

A child is typically ready when they can sit and focus for 20–30 minutes, recognize letters A through G, count from 1 to 12, and show genuine interest in music. The best way to assess readiness of your child and answer any questions you may have is to book a try-out class with us.

Lesson fees vary depending on the duration of lessons (30, 45, or 60 minutes), quantity per week and the qualification of your teacher. We are happy to discuss pricing during your consultation.

We recommend 2 weekly lessons for consistent progress. Regular, structured instruction allows students to build on each session, correct technique before habits form, and stay motivated. For advanced students pursuing conservatory or competition tracks, more frequent lessons may be arranged.

For beginners, 15–20 minutes of focused daily practice is ideal. As students advance, practice time gradually increases. Intermediate students typically practice 45-60 minutes, and serious students preparing for exams or competitions may practice 90 minutes –2 hours per day. Quality of practice always matters more than quantity.

An acoustic piano is strongly preferred. The touch, weight, and resonance of real keys are essential for developing proper technique and musical sensitivity. If you don't have a piano - not a problem! we always help our new students to pick the right instruments.

At minimum, beginners should use a full 88-key acoustic piano with weighted, hammer-action keys. We are happy to provide specific recommendations based on your budget during your consultation.

Yes. We offer comprehensive RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music) exam preparation across all levels, including technique, repertoire, ear training, sight reading, and theory. Many of our students achieve First Class Honours with Distinction results.

Top-Tier (Highly Recommended): Teachers holding a Master’s degree or PhD/Doctorate in Piano Performance or Pedagogy. For example, both Daria Fedorova and Ilya Takser hold their degrees with the Highest Distinction from the Moscow State Conservatory (Bachelor's) and the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal (Master's), combining elite training and a strong pedagogical background with an active, solid international performing career.

• Professional Tier: Teachers with a Bachelor of Music degree, representing a solid, formal musical education well-suited for comprehensive student development.
• Non-Professional Tier (Avoid): Individuals with no formal music degree who only hold personal exam certificates (e.g., ACM, RCM). We advise avoiding this category, as they lack the professional pedagogical training required to properly guide a student's technical and foundational growth.

Absolutely. Performance is a core part of musical development. Our students participate in studio recitals, masterclasses, and regional and international competitions throughout the year. We carefully match each student with the right performance opportunities for their level and goals.

We offer in-person lessons at our Richmond studio. We also travel to our student's home, if necessary. Please contact us to discuss the format that works best for your family's schedule and location.