Welcome to my website and thanks for visiting... 

I am Brenda Horst and I have had the privilege of providing piano lessons in Stratford through Music For Young Children since 1990. I continue to enjoy offering children, along with their parents or caregivers, the gift of music.

My teaching style...

A guiding question as I teach is, "How is the child smart?" which is different from , "How smart is the child?"  (Deborah Ziolkoski, music educator and author)  I pay attention to learning styles and interests and I believe in the role that affirmation plays in a child's learning.   My classes are designed to be a fun, activity based experience while at the same time providing well organized, musically sensitive, and pedagogically sound instruction.

What children and parents are saying...

"It is really fun learning to play the piano with you." - Jonah, age 7

"It's been fun and interesting.  You have inspired me to keep going for piano.  You're also very kind, cool, funny and musical."   Lena, age 7

"Thank you for all of your time, patience, support and most of all, creativity... your recital was outstanding"   Mary Kathryn, parent

"Thank you so much for your infinite patience and wisdom - for your skills as a teacher, musician, mentor"  Jane, parent

"You have taught her how to play her pieces with feeling and made her music come alive."  Joy, parent

My music background...

My music training has been with the Royal Conservatory of Music (University of Toronto) having aquired Grade 10 piano.  I am an active musician as an accompanist and soloist playing in a range of styles.  My degree is in Linguistics from McGill University supplemented by courses from the Education Department.  I have taught adults and children in a variety of settings, developed and written curriculum, and provided workshops in the  field of music, education and linguistics.  Professional development is important to me as a musician and an educator.  It is part of my ongoing commitment to Music For Young Children.