Lessons

LESSON PHILOSOPHY

I offer flexible lesson plans tailored to my students' unique needs and goals. I emphasize strong technique paired with musical curiosity to help students to discover their own musical voices and explore their interests.  As a pedagogue, I draw from my many (and ongoing) years as a performer and student learning from my professors and mentors. My formal training as a musician began in 2002, and includes a Bachelor’s & Master’s of Jazz Performance on Saxophone and RCM Level 8 in Piano. I’ve been working as a professional musician and independent music teacher since 2008.

My past teaching experience includes one-on-one lessons through the Eckhardt-Gramatté Conservatory of Music, the Penhold Air Cadet Summer Training Centre, and Firefly Music Lessons, several secondary school band and saxophone clinics, as well as teaching Jazz Aural and Keyboard Skills, Saxophone Pedagogy and Small Jazz Group at the Brandon University School of Music.

My teaching background is best suited for interested and motivated teens and adults.

I am continually developing and updating lesson plans and resources for my students, most of which are easily accessible and available at no charge!

Scroll down for a free piano lesson video.

“Shannon's breadth and background makes her ideal for students that want to cover a wide range of topics or go deeper. She created a safe learning environment and was very supportive of my goals by customizing our lessons for my learning style. I definitely saw gains in my knowledge, skills, and confidence! She covered a lot of ground and unpacked the right info for my current skill level. Thank you Shannon!”

• MC / topics covered: jazz theory and harmony, learning by ear, song analysis, songwriting

INSTRUMENTS

My educational background and professional focus is in saxophone, piano, and voice, and I’m able to provide in-depth technical instruction on these instruments.

However, I will happily accept students with a strong foundation of technique on other instruments who are wishing to explore other topics such as theory, composition, or improvisation.

TOPICS

TECHNICAL FOUNDATIONS
Sax - aural skills, embouchure, breath, articulation, rhythm, pitch, reading notation, scales & patterns, tone-building, and repertoire.
Voice - aural skills, breath, diction, rhythm, pitch, reading notation, warm-ups and exercises, self-accompaniment, and repertoire.
Piano - aural skills, reading notation, articulation & touch, phrasing, music analysis, scales & chords, pop piano and repertoire.

JAZZ - jazz history, song interpretation, style, theory & improvisation, reading chord symbols, and solo transcription.

MAKING MUSIC - songwriting, composition, arrangement, beat-making, playing piano & singing, and basic DAW recording & production.

MORE - musician self-care, musicianship, critical & analytical listening, motivation & goal-setting, practice ethic & well-rounded study, common language & etiquette, and rehearsal & performance practices.

RATES & POLICIES

My lesson rate is $70.00 per hour for private, one-on-one lessons.

I teach from my apartment in downtown Toronto, which is home to myself, my husband, and our two cats. The music room is tidy and serene, and outfitted with keyboards, microphones, a small PA, recording equipment, and access to my many resources.

Zoom lessons are available, and while I do my best to adapt the lessons to the format, it must be expected that some techniques, topics, and modes of study work better over Zoom than others.

Cancellations by the student with 24 hours’ notice can simply be rescheduled.

With less than 24 hours’ notice, the student may still be charged at my discretion; I understand that life does happen, and will do my best to be flexible and compassionate. For lessons cancelled by myself, the student will not be charged. During times of COVID-19, I will not be enforcing paid cancellations. Students are welcome to reschedule or cancel with no consequence if they or a family member are feeling unwell.

To connect with me about lesson availability, please submit this form or send a message to shannonchapmanmusic@gmail.com with the following information:

- Musical background of the student
- Musical goals & interests of the student
- Days & times available

WORKSHOPS

If you’re interested in having me present a workshop on songwriting, jazz improvisation, or beatmaking for beginners, connect at shannonchapmanmusic@gmail.com .