Introduction 

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I am currently offering lessons from my home teaching studio in Mount Doug, East Saanich. Please find more information below and get in touch if you have any questions.

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There are many reasons why people seek out cello lessons. Some have always loved the tone and range of the cello and want to fill their homes with the earthy sounds of this instrument. Some are looking for an activity to help them with listening, focus, coordination, motor skills, and memory. Some play in ensembles, orchestras, or groups and are seeking a teacher to help with aspects of their playing. 

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All ages are welcome! My lessons are designed to help students cultivate enthusiasm for learning, listening skills, physical and mental awareness, creative problem-solving, and versatility. I encourage students to identify and pursue goals such as performing, memorizing, recording, collaborating, or anything they find meaning in, and I support them in the process of preparing for events and gaining confidence in their musicality. Whether you’re new to the cello or continuing on your journey with the instrument and picking up where you left off, I would be happy to work with you and share ideas, sounds and experiences. 

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I have been teaching in various settings for about 10 years. In this time I have tended to work with older kids and adults, and am particularly eager to gain more experience with younger children.

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How to get more information or how to sign up

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If you are interested in taking lessons, please contact me via email and I can provide more information, I can send along my Studio Policies and Procedures document in pdf form, and will help you with the next steps and scheduling.

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Email:

janeochan<at>gmail<dot>com

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Bio

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I hold a Masters degree in music performance from McGill University where I studied with Yegor Dyachkov. Prior to that, I received my bachelors degree studying with Matt Haimovitz. I am recipient of several scholarships and grants including from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Quebec, and the Williamson Foundation. I have previously taught private cello lessons and classroom courses at University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and Colorado College, where I played with the Veronika String Quartet, the quartet in residence. I played in masterclasses for Irvine Arditti, Colin Carr, Ron Leonard, Hans Jensen, Philippe Muller, Lynn Harrell, Laurence Lesser and Andres Diaz. I have attended programs including Domaine Forget, Orford, and the Montreal Contemporary Music Lab. I enjoy ensemble playing, working with living composers, interdisciplinary collaboration, free improvisation, as well as writing and recording pieces of music for myself. I am one half of the synth chamber pop duo Parler bien. In the past I have also been active in arts organizing as one of the founders of the non-profit Les Sympathiques out of Cafe Resonance in Montréal.

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Scheduling

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Lessons are weekly at a regular (fixed) lesson time. I will be teaching Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9am - 12 and 1 - 6pm. Please inquire about what time slots are currently available.

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Term 1:
September 7th, 2021 - January 27th, 2022 (19 lessons)

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Term 2:
February 1st - June 23rd, 2022 (19 lessons)

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Group classes:
Wednesdays 5:30 - 7pm (pending a full class)

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Fees
 

Private lessons, paid on a term basis:

• 60-minute lesson x 19 lessons = $1140 per term

• 45-minute lesson x 19 lessons = $855 per term

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I offer a free first lesson and a new student discount for the first term. 

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Sliding scale rates are available. If the listed prices are prohibitive due to financial stresses, please contact me and I will be happy to find a solution. 

In-person / online lessons info 

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Although my preferred lesson scenario is in-person, I am able to provide online private lessons at this time. The lesson fees are the same for online and in-person lessons. If you are interested in taking online lessons but unsure about audiovisual tools, I would be happy to assist.

 

 

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