Improvisation & Composition

From day one, students get hands-on creating their own music. They’ll learn how to improvise on simple patterns and eventually compose short pieces. This empowers them to express themselves and reinforces that music is a form of personal creativity. Each term, many students proudly complete at least one original piece, adding it to their composer’s journal (their own creative songbook).

Variety of Musical Styles

Your child will dabble in classical, pop, blues, folk, and more. One week, they might learn a chord progression from a favourite song; another week, experiment by making up a melody over a blues rhythm. This variety keeps lessons fresh and broadens their musical horizons.

Fundamentals in a Fun Way

Even without formal exams, core skills like note reading, rhythm, and proper hand technique are woven into every lesson. The difference is how they’re taught – through games, challenges, and creative activities rather than rote drills. Your child is absorbing important theory and technique, often without even realizing it because they’re enjoying the process.

Collaborative Learning

In many Creative Track lessons, learning becomes a team effort. Kids will play simple duets, share the compositions they create, and even learn to play in a mini-ensemble with their buddy. This collaborative vibe makes learning social and motivating – students build confidence not just from my feedback, but also from cheering each other on. They learn to listen, take turns, and even offer encouragement, which are wonderful interpersonal skills alongside musical growth.

No Pressure, All Encouragement

There are no formal exams in this track. Instead, students work toward informal milestones that feel rewarding and fun. We often host a casual showcase where Creative Track students can perform their creations in front of a small, friendly audience. Every achievement, no matter how small, is celebrated in this program. The goal is to make them fall in love with music and feel proud of their progress, so they’re excited to keep learning.

Lesson Format

Weekly lessons that are tailored to be creative. Each student receives 30 minutes of private lessons, and 15 minutes of a peer lesson with their "buddy."

Term Schedule

Just like our other programs, the Creative Track runs on 18-week terms during Fall and Spring. There’s also an 8-week Summer term available if your child wants to keep the music and creativity flowing year-round.

Practice Expectations

At home, Creative Track students benefit from a balance of structured practice and free exploration. I will provide guidance on what fundamental skills or songs to review each week, but I’ll also encourage your child to experiment on the piano beyond the “assigned” pieces. Parents are encouraged to support a regular practice routine, but in a playful, low-pressure way. Even 10-15 minutes of sitting at the piano to “see what new sounds you can make” can be incredibly valuable for Creative Track kids.

Musical Creativity

Perhaps the biggest outcome is that your child will see themselves as a creator of music, not just a player. By the end of a term, they will likely have a collection of short compositions or cool improvisational tricks they can show off.

Love of Playing

Because learning in this track is so enjoyable, students develop a genuine love for playing piano. They come to associate music with fun and self-expression. This positive emotional connection means they’re more likely to sit down at the piano on their own, outside of lesson time, just for the pleasure of it. In short, they learn to play because they want to, not just because they have to practice.

Solid Fundamental Skills

Without even realizing it, Creative Track students build a solid foundation in music. Over the term, they’ll learn the basics of reading sheet music, develop a good sense of rhythm, and become comfortable finding their way around the keyboard. Creative Track students reach a level of proficiency comparable to their peers in traditional programs, all while having a great time.

Confidence & Willingness to Try

Your child will gain confidence in presenting their musical ideas, whether it’s showing you a tune they composed or playing in front of a small group of peers. They also learn that mistakes are just part of the creative process, so they become more resilient and willing to try new things. By creating and learning in a supportive buddy system, they build social skills and musical confidence hand-in-hand.

Portfolio and Preparedness

By the end of each term, your child will have tangible creations that form their personal music portfolio. This gives them a sense of accomplishment and something to be proud of. Additionally, after spending time in the Creative Track, children are well-prepared to pursue any musical direction they choose.

Cost

$45 per lesson, billed as $810 per 18-week term for weekly 45-minute lessons.

Longer Lessons

If your child is older or as they progress, we might move to 60-minute lessons to give them more time to explore. In that case, the term tuition will be adjusted.

What’s Included

Your tuition covers the lessons and all the in-class materials and creative resources we use (I often prepare special game boards, backing tracks, or worksheets for our activities). If we use a lesson book or sheet music, I’ll let you know what’s needed, but many materials in this track are provided.

Group Activities

Any occasional group workshops or “jam sessions” that may be organized for Creative Track students are generally included as part of the program at no extra charge. It’s all part of the experience!