Susan's APPROACH
Artistic Excellence through Personalized Mentorship
Susan believes that true mastery grows from a balance of technical rigor and patient encouragement. All professional instruction is tailored to students of every age and level, fostering artistic confidence through expert guidance and a deep commitment to individual potential.
Lesson Programs
Professional Private Piano Lessons
Piano lessons are best taken in a one on one environment. Teacher-student interaction is focused and tailor fit to each individual.
After the initial interview, the lesson plan is established based on the student’s current level. Lessons are structured but also holistic and flexible. Each student is unique. Private
lessons address this uniqueness and no two lesson are quite alike.
Accompaniment
Susan Lee has extensive experience as an accompanist.
She has accompanied vocal, strings, and woodwinds, covering much standard repertoire for all those disciplines.
Susan’s postgraduate degree (MMus) at McGill was in collaborative piano. She accompanied fellow students of all disciplines and from all studios at McGill University as well as at McMaster University. During these years she had opportunities to travel all across Canada and the eastern US giving recitals.
Since moving and living in Ancaster, she had the great opportunity to help run a very successful concert series in Dundas: Clearly Classic Concerts. During the 17 years of its existence, she was the pianist of almost every concert (approximately 100) that was produced.If you have need of an accompanist for your RCM exam, university auditions, music festivals, recordings, etc., Susan would be happy to discuss collaborating with you to produce a top-level performance.
Online Lessons
Since March 2020, with the immediate and necessary switch to all things virtual, the studio made the transition with great swiftness! All students were taught online with great success. All communications went unchanged albeit slightly more detailed with the aid of extra cameras etc!
As “in-person” became more comfortable again I have been able to provide a hybrid mode of attending lessons.
This has proven to be the way forward in the 21st century!In person is wonderful but online is now an equally wonderful option for whatever reason: distance, illness, inclement weather, etc.
Students from near and far benefit from this style of lesson.
I will coach the student the same way. Commenting on form, sound, technique, repertoire, etc.
We discuss set up of device(s) for optimal sound and visual, thus stimulating almost exactly the side-by-side traditional lesson.
Platforms such as FaceTime, Google Chat/Hangouts, Zoom are all used most effectively.
Students will continue to enjoy the same advancement and accomplishments!
Music Theory Study
The study of music theory goes hand in hand with learning to play a musical instrument. Theory starts from day 1, in the form of basic skills of understanding simple symbols and notations. More formal theory starts in the intermediate years as this is a co-requisite in completing Royal Conservatory levels 5–10 practical tests. Theory is, usually at the early grades, embedded in the practical lesson time. Latterly, it becomes necessary as a separate subject taught in a different time slot (typically at levels 8–10).
Pedagogy & Advanced Study
For those who seek guidance in preparing for the ARCT in pedagogy (performers or teachers RCM course) or general information and training in becoming a more efficient and informed teacher before accepting beginner and intermediate students, Susan is highly skilled in this area. Having run a successful studio for over 30 years, she has vast knowledge of building and growing a successful music studio. Business tips for setting up a home studio will prove paramount in starting and maintaining a successful studio.
Mastery in Every Milestone
RCM PREPARATION
Comprehensive guidance through the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum, ensuring students are fully prepared for practical exams and theory requirements with confidence.
TECHNICAL MASTERY
Developing a robust physical foundation through specialized finger exercises, scale work, and ergonomic posture to facilitate effortless performance.
ARTISTIC EXPRESSION
Exploring the nuances of dynamics, phrasing, and stylistic interpretation to help students find their unique musical voice and connect deeply with their repertoire.
EAR TRAINING
Cultivating a keen musical ear through interval recognition, rhythmic dictation, and sight-reading skills, essential for holistic musicianship.