Private Piano Lessons
One teacher. One student. One plan built around you. Private piano lessons at Encore Piano Studios give every student child, teen, or adult the full attention of a qualified instructor for the entire lesson. No shared time, no group pacing, no material you’ve already mastered.
Private Piano Lessons for Every Level
We’ve been teaching private lessons in North York since 2001. Our instructors hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees in piano performance, pedagogy, and music education. Every one of them is mentored by our Program Director, Bonnie Yam, who holds an ARCT in both Piano Performance and Pedagogy and won an RCM Gold Medal for the highest pedagogy mark in her region.
Lessons happen at our studio, at your home, or online. The curriculum covers classical, pop, jazz, rock, blues, contemporary, musical theatre, and film music from first notes to advanced performance.
Why Private Lessons Create Better Musicians
The pace is yours
Struggling with coordination? We spend more time there. Already strong at reading? We move ahead. No one waits, no one gets left behind.
Mistakes get caught early
Small errors become permanent habits when they're practised without correction. Your teacher catches curved fingers, tense wrists, uneven tempo, and wrong fingering before they set in.
The repertoire fits
A beginner doesn't play advanced material to keep up with a class, and an advanced player doesn't review beginner material to stay with the group. Every piece is chosen for where you are.
Questions get answered
You don't raise your hand and wait. If something doesn't make sense, we stop and explain it.
The plan evolves
Your learning plan changes as you change. What you needed in month one is not what you need in month six. Private instruction tracks that.
What Happens in a Lesson
Each lesson combines several areas of musical development, weighted to the student’s level and goals.
Technique
Scales, chords, arpeggios, hand position, finger control, coordination, posture, movement, dynamics, and pedaling. Technique supports the music it’s not an exercise divorced from it.
Music reading
Notes, rhythms, patterns, symbols, key signatures, and time signatures. The goal is fluency: opening an unfamiliar score and knowing what to do with it.
Repertoire
Complete pieces matched to your ability. Classical is our foundation, not our ceiling we teach every style. The student has a say in what they play.
Ear training and theory
Intervals, harmony, musical form, phrasing, articulation, and style. These build the musical understanding behind the playing.
Practice coaching
What to practise, how to divide difficult material, and how to use limited time effectively. Students who feel like they’re practising but not progressing usually have a practice problem, not a talent problem.
Who Private Lessons Are For
Beginners
Starting piano means learning several new skills at once. Private instruction lets you build those skills gradually, ask questions as they arise, and avoid the confusion of a fixed group pace. See our beginner piano lessons.
Intermediate students
This is where earlier weaknesses become visible. The repertoire is harder, the coordination is more demanding, and the technique needs to be cleaner. Private lessons give you the space to strengthen foundations while pushing forward.
Advanced students
Interpretation, tone, phrasing, performance preparation, and increasingly challenging repertoire. At this level, the details matter most, and private instruction is the only format that gives them enough time.
Children and teens
One-on-one instruction lets the teacher adapt explanations, material, and pace to the individual child. See kids piano lessons and teen piano lessons.
Adults
Complete beginners, returning players, and experienced pianists. Private lessons work around your schedule and your goals. See adult piano lessons.
Private Lessons vs. Group Classes
Both have a place. The question is which format helps this student concentrate, progress, and stay motivated.
Private lessons
Private lessons provide one-on-one attention, flexible pacing, personalized repertoire, and immediate correction. Choose private when the student needs feedback on their specific technique, wants a customized learning plan, or learns at a pace that doesn’t match a group.
Group classes
Group classes provide a shared learning environment and a social element. Some students enjoy learning alongside others. Choose group when the student thrives with peers and doesn’t need highly individualized instruction yet.
We offer both. See our group piano classes.
Our Process
1. We talk about goals
Call (647) 222-1660 or send the form. Age, experience, instrument at home, schedule, and what the student wants to play.
2. We match the teacher
Level, learning style, personality, and musical interests. Browse our piano instructors before you commit.
3. You take a free trial lesson
A real lesson, not a sales call. Wrong fit? Switch teachers no commitment, no waiting period.
4. We build a personalized learning plan
Technique, reading, theory, ear training, sight reading, repertoire, and practice structure.
5. We track progress
Written progress reports, performance opportunities, exam preparation, and a curriculum that evolves with the student.
Lessons, Pricing, and Credits
| Lesson duration | 30, 45, or 60 minute weekly lessons |
| Delivery | In home, in studio, or online |
| Ages | Children, teens, and adults |
| Membership | Four lesson credits per month |
| Trial | One free lesson, no commitment |
| Booking | (647) 222-1660 |
Credits give you flexibility. Use one per weekly lesson, or bank a credit for a busy week.
Cancellation policy. 24 hours notice and the credit returns to your account.
Cost depends on lesson length, instructor experience, and location.
Where We Teach
Encore Piano Studios is at Unit 203, 239 Sheppard Avenue East, North York, Ontario M2N 3A8 in Willowdale, just east of Yonge on the Sheppard corridor, a short walk from Sheppard-Yonge station.
Our teachers travel to homes across North York (Willowdale, Bayview Village, Lansing, Newtonbrook, North York Centre, Hillcrest Village, Don Mills), midtown Toronto (Bedford Park, Lawrence Park, Lytton Park), Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Markham, and Scarborough.
Don’t see your neighbourhood? Call (647) 222-1660. Beyond our travel radius, online lessons use the same teachers and structure.
Studio hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Want the teacher to come to you instead? See in-home piano lessons.
Questions Parents Ask
What's included in a private piano lesson?
One-on-one instruction covering technique, music reading, rhythm, coordination, repertoire, ear training, and practice strategies weighted to the student’s level and goals.
Are private lessons good for complete beginners?
Yes. Private instruction is especially useful for beginners because the pace adjusts to the individual student. Nothing is skipped, and nothing is repeated beyond what’s needed.
Can adults take private lessons?
Yes. Adults of all levels beginners, returning players, and experienced pianists.
What's the difference between private lessons and in-home lessons?
Both are one-on-one. The difference is location. Private lessons run at the studio; in-home lessons bring the same teacher and curriculum to your house.
Do you offer RCM exam preparation?
Yes. See our RCM piano lessons page.
Can I switch teachers?
Yes, at no extra cost.
What if I need to cancel?
24 hours notice and the credit returns to your account.
Start This Week
The right instruction meets you where you are and takes you where you want to go. Book a free trial and see how it feels.
