Alison Maira
North Vancouver BC | V5K3E5
About me
Based in the rain-soaked leafy green city of Vancouver, I am a classically and jazz-trained musician who teaches private piano and music theory lessons in your home.
Now into my second decade of teaching piano and music theory to a wonderful group of students, I have come to believe that music study is a necessity that helps us learn about beauty, expression, history, cultures around the world, and what we are really capable of through hard work and dedication. Music lessons are an amazing gift to give your children...or dare I say, yourself. I especially enjoy teaching adult beginner students. No matter what age you are, it is never too late to start.
What keeps me teaching and motivated week after week is watching people grow. Sitting beside someone and seeing them master what was impossible last week, being there as a person becomes more skilled, more intelligent, and more confident before my very eyes is energizing and fascinating. And besides all that, there's this beautiful side effect of making music - wonderful (and sometimes weird) sounds that spill out of the piano as we work together to figure out the next riddle, solve the next puzzle, and understand the next level of detail in whatever piece of music is currently on our plate in a limitless universe of music.
Specialties
I ensure my students are exposed to other genres other than their preference, to help broaden their horizons. I try to impress upon them that music is a vast, deep topic, an entire world unto itself that they can explore for their whole life long. It's the journey of discovery that makes music study fascinating for so many. I teach transcription (learning songs by ear and writing down the notes to make your own arrangement), traditional music notation, basic improvisation and compositional techniques.
Lesson details
I provide piano and music theory lessons in your home. I teach students of all ability levels ages 7 and up. I specialize in teaching adult beginners. Each student studies from a series of method books that emphasize note-reading, music theory, proper technique and exposure to a variety of musical styles. Some students are interested in composition, improvisation, and transcription. They study these topics with me in addition to their basic method books.
Every student is encouraged to choose their own repertoire to study. As soon as the student is able to read very basic music notation, they can choose songs they’d like to learn from songbooks at an appropriate level.
Education and Accreditation
Diploma in Professional Music, Performance Major. Selkirk College, Nelson B.C.
Diploma in Jazz Studies, Capilano University, North Vancouver, B.C.
Bachelor Of Music Degree in Jazz Studies, Education Major. Capilano University North Vancouver, B.C.
Post Baccalaureate Diploma, Counselling & Human Development, Simon Fraser University
Member of BCMEA British Columbia Music Educator's Association
Member of CMEA Canadian Music Educator's Association
I am currently a second year graduate student working toward a M.Ed in Counselling Psychology at Simon Fraser University.
Testimonials
"I have had a great year and I have to confess, I am super pleased at how far I have come. I had a chance to...
"I love all of this Alison! Thanks for being so thoughtful in this. In terms of other books and things, I’m...
"I love our sessions and it is with heavy heart that I must tell you that I have decided not to continue with...
"Thanks, Alison.This is great feedback. Max is really enjoying the lessons, too. He wasn't 100% sure if he...
Hi Alison, It is me who should be thanking you for being such a talented and patient music teacher who inspires and...
Experience
Rates
Availability
As of October 2021:
Tuesday evening, 5:30-6:15 and 6:45-7:30pm. Suitable for older children, teens or adults who live in North Vancouver or West Vancouver. These time slots can be combined to 5:30-7:00 for two siblings in the same house.
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