TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
“ Play the Music, not the instrument ”
Teaching has always been an important part of Pegah's musical activity and she has years of experience tutoring both advanced and beginner students.
Pegah appreciates the importance of music in the development of students' mental and cognitive characteristics. Her teaching philosophy and her approach are based on finding the better person in oneself with the help of music. She believes that as a music teacher, she can help her students gain a deeper understanding of the music and prepare them to play the instrument skillfully so that they can enjoy music for the rest of their lives. Her lesson plans are flexible to suit the individual needs of each pupil. Students are unique individuals and their abilities are different, so they certainly need different lessons taught to them in their own unique way of learning. In her classes, she focuses on the whole concept of music and on introducing the music itself, not only playing tunes!
Pegah appreciates the importance of music in the development of students' mental and cognitive characteristics. Her teaching philosophy and her approach are based on finding the better person in oneself with the help of music. She believes that as a music teacher, she can help her students gain a deeper understanding of the music and prepare them to play the instrument skillfully so that they can enjoy music for the rest of their lives. Her lesson plans are flexible to suit the individual needs of each pupil. Students are unique individuals and their abilities are different, so they certainly need different lessons taught to them in their own unique way of learning. In her classes, she focuses on the whole concept of music and on introducing the music itself, not only playing tunes!
Teaching Method
“Dear teachers do not start with the position of the hand, but start with the condition of mind” Josef Hofmann
Pegah Piano Studio is featuring a unique piano program based on Russian and Western methods of piano playing. Pegah feels quite fortunate to have been exposed to both the Russian Music Education System, while studying in Moscow/Russia and to the western training when pursuing her postgraduate degree at the London College of Music in London/UK.
Pegah’s music education and teaching experiences in four different countries (Iran, Russia, UK and Canada) provide her with an extensive knowledge of a diverse range of pedagogical approaches including those of Russia, Europe and North America . Her teaching method is mostly inspired by the famous Russian School of Piano Playing which is generally considered to be one of the most successful Piano methods ever to be produced. Pegah focuses on developing strong technical abilities in order to serve the music itself as well as to distinguish individual features of a student.
“I truly believe that the first stage of piano studies is the most important one in developing musicians. It’s like plating a seed that could either grow into a big tree or dry out and die in the ground.”
Anna Artobolevskaya
Pegah places special importance to establishing a strong and healthy technique right from the early stages of learning, as she believes that use of proper technique, relaxed wrist and arm weight is necessary to produce the beautiful singing tone and beautiful legato playing. She also works on exploring students’ imagination and on developing students’ musicality through games, stories, use of solfeggio and singing while playing.
Pegah’s music education and teaching experiences in four different countries (Iran, Russia, UK and Canada) provide her with an extensive knowledge of a diverse range of pedagogical approaches including those of Russia, Europe and North America . Her teaching method is mostly inspired by the famous Russian School of Piano Playing which is generally considered to be one of the most successful Piano methods ever to be produced. Pegah focuses on developing strong technical abilities in order to serve the music itself as well as to distinguish individual features of a student.
“I truly believe that the first stage of piano studies is the most important one in developing musicians. It’s like plating a seed that could either grow into a big tree or dry out and die in the ground.”
Anna Artobolevskaya
Pegah places special importance to establishing a strong and healthy technique right from the early stages of learning, as she believes that use of proper technique, relaxed wrist and arm weight is necessary to produce the beautiful singing tone and beautiful legato playing. She also works on exploring students’ imagination and on developing students’ musicality through games, stories, use of solfeggio and singing while playing.
About Russian School of Piano Playing
In 1984 St Petersburg Conservatory was founded by the famous polish pianist and pedagogue Theodor Leschetizky, a student of Carl Czerny along with Anton Rubinstein . Anton Rubinstein was the head of the piano department and among his famous students were Arturo Schnabel, Ignacy Jan Paderewski. Four years later, in 1866, Nickolai Rubinstein, brother of Anton Rubinshtein founded Moscow Conservatory.
Russian Piano School has produced many outstanding pianists and piano teachers including Rachmaninov, Prokofiev, Richter, Gilels, Ashkenazy, Leonskaja and Pletnev, Josef Lhevinne and Josef Hofmann. All musicians who display prodigious and immaculate technique, passion, dramatic power, intense emotional expressiveness and physical vitality in their playing. It has a solid technical and theoretical foundation along with singing tone production, colour and vocal phrasing.
Pegah is a certified teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music and an executive member of ORMTA (Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association) and CFMTA. She regularly and successfully prepares students for their graded RCM exam and her students are among those with the highest marks. Students join Pegah’s classes for different purposes. Some to be prepared for the Royal Conservatory (RCM) graded exams, festivals, competitions, auditions and some to play only for their pleasure.
Pegah is a certified teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music and an executive member of ORMTA (Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association) and CFMTA. She regularly and successfully prepares students for their graded RCM exam and her students are among those with the highest marks. Students join Pegah’s classes for different purposes. Some to be prepared for the Royal Conservatory (RCM) graded exams, festivals, competitions, auditions and some to play only for their pleasure.
About RCM
The Royal Conservatory is one of the largest and most respected music education institutions in the world. For more than 130 years, The Royal Conservatory has translated the latest thinking about creativity into inspiring programs benefiting millions of individuals around the world.
RCM Piano Examination:
The Royal Conservatory piano examinations provide a national standard for students, parents and teachers to track and measure progress and achievements. It is the standard piano method system in Canada. It measures a student's ability in grades, provides books for each grade in a variety of styles (baroque, classical, romantic, modern), and offers exams with certification at each grade level. To achieve Elementary Certificates (Preparatory A-B/Level 1-4), a candidate must successfully pass Practical RCM Examination only.
For Intermediate or Advanced Certificates (Levels 5 and up), both Practical and Theory RCM Exams must be successfully completed to receive a certificate.
Practical Piano Examinations:
Practical RCM Exam candidates are tested on the performance of repertoire, studies and technique. Ear training and sight reading requirements help develop and reinforce solid musicianship skills.
Theory Examinations:
Theory RCM Exam, designed to complement practical studies, begin at the Grade 5 practical level and are written in a formal classroom setting. The Royal Conservatory Examinations theory requirements ensure a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Rudiments, Counterpoint, Music History, Harmony and Analysis.
FAQ
Q. What is the best age to start taking piano lessons?
The best time to begin piano lessons can be different for every child depending on their attention duration, interest, and developmental readiness, but on average around 5 years old is a good age to start.
Q. What kind of piano should I have?
I definitely advice an acoustic piano (the piano which is made of wood and strings), but if it is not possible for you, you can start with any digital piano which has at least the following features;
1. Standard Size (88 keys)
2. Weighted keys
3. Comes with the damper pedal
Q. How long and how frequent are the lessons?
Lessons are private and can be scheduled 30, 45, 60 or 90 minutes per week based on age and level of the student.
Suggested weekly lesson time for different levels:
1. Beginner kids, 30min/Week
2. RCM grade 1-4, 45min/week
3. RCM grade 5-8, 60 min/week
4. RCM grade 9-10 and ARCT, 90min/week
5. Adult learners, 45 or 60 min/week
Q. Where can we find studio policy?
Studio policy
Q. Do you offer piano lessons for adult beginners
Definitely ! It is never too late to learn to play the piano, and I am more than happy to help with that. Whether it’s for relaxation, personal enjoyment, or a specific goal in mind, learning piano is a rewarding experience for students of all ages. Moreover, parents who take lessons can make a positive impact on the success of their children’s lessons.
Q. What are the benefits of studying music?
Studies show that learning a musical instrument has many positive effects on students' intellectual power. It improves learning, logic, memory, creativity and cultivates many skills like concentration, coordination, relaxation, patience, perseverance and also self-confidence.
Q. How much time should I spend practicing piano?
Based on the brain research, 4-5 years old children will benefit more from several shorter practice sessions per day, each session around 20 minutes. One hour a day will work for older kids and armature musicians. Advanced armatures and professional musicians are more accustomed for longer practice time, around 2-4 hours a day.
Q. How much do lessons cost?
Lesson cost is different depending on the length of lessons at my place. Please contact me for more information.
Q. How do I register for lessons?
Testimonial
Pegah is a kind and talented piano teacher who truly cares about her students. She is always positive, professional and encouraging and has a very effective way of teaching. We’re so happy we found Pegah and are delighted with the progress our child has made. I would absolutely recommend Pegah to anyone looking to start or continue in piano!
Emily Shopiro, 22/05/2023
Emily Shopiro, 22/05/2023
Pegah is a wonderful teacher who has a great understanding of music and extensive experience in teaching piano at all levels.
Most importantly she genuinely cares for her students and is always willing to help them improve their techniques while demonstrating a lot of patience. My daughter loves her.
Jenny, 25/03/2023
Most importantly she genuinely cares for her students and is always willing to help them improve their techniques while demonstrating a lot of patience. My daughter loves her.
Jenny, 25/03/2023
Pegah has been a supportive piano teacher to both of my children and has prepared them well for their RCM exams. We are very happy with her teaching!
Christine Fong, 05/07/2021
Christine Fong, 05/07/2021
"My two kids have been developing their passion for playing piano with Pegah for 3 years. Pegah is a great pianist and a knowledgeable and patient piano teacher with very effective teaching methods. She is experienced in teaching young kids. Thanks to her positive and encouraging teaching style, lessons are always enjoyable. I would certainly recommend her to anyone who has always wanted to learn piano but never got around to it.
Pooneh Mrt, 26/06/2021
Pooneh Mrt, 26/06/2021
"Excellent teacher who pays attention to details and very patient with kids."
Soodeh Shockravi, 25/06/2021
Soodeh Shockravi, 25/06/2021
"My daughter takes private lessons with Pegah since 2012. Pegah is professional and patient in teaching my daughter and she is always challenging her to be better. I give my highest recommendation to any level Piano student that seeks instruction."
Mahtab S, 31/01/2019
Mahtab S, 31/01/2019
"It's been almost 6 years that my son has been taking piano lessons with Pegah .She is very knowledgeable, patient and creative .My son really enjoys playing the piano! I really appreciate Pegah's approach and highly recommend her specifically if you want your children to explore and deepen their knowledge of music for life!."
Dr. Neda Kadivar, 15/01/2019
Dr. Neda Kadivar, 15/01/2019
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