Brenda Horst
Stratford, ON
BIO
Welcome to my website and thank you for visiting!
Here is a video overview of the studio (pre-covid). Have a look! I have been finding new ways of keeping the magic, both online and in-person. Nothing stops the fun! Also, check out the photo gallery below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsyR_ic6NB8
Introduction
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. More recently, I have been offering the MYC program for adults to learn to play the piano in a fun, supportive group setting yet still with individual attention.
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 piano 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, parents, and adult students are saying.
We were concerned about our MYC classes continuing when the pandemic stopped everything but Brenda moved us all online, made sure we had all of the materials we needed at home, and made us appreciate that this was still the best music class ever for our kids. Add in a virtual recital that our extended families could attend and Brenda really saved our music year(s), reminding us again why MYC and their teachers will always be the best choice for everyone's start to their musical journey." Christina, parent
"We cannot thank you enough for your dedication to teaching our kids... especially this last year, when you stepped up to the plate and didn't let covid get in the way of their learning and fun..." Jess, parent and educator
"...thank you for an excellent year of teaching. Your ability to keep lessons engaging and creative was inspiring this covid year..." Kendra, parent and educator
"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
"Thank you so much for helping me accomplish one of my long-term goals... Can't tell you how thrilled I am to be able to play Christmas carols this year!" Sara, adult student.
"We started lessons with Brenda knowing little about music and nothing about playing the piano. She is an excellent teacher whose expertise has been invaluable. Her lessons are challenging with their attention to detail, but Brenda is patient, encouraging, and very adaptable to our learning styles. Overall, it has been a fun and rewarding experience. Thanks Brenda."
Tammy and Burleigh, Adult students.
My music background.
My music training has been with the Royal Conservatory of Music (University of Toronto) having acquired 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.
In 2014, I was awarded the Women of the Year Award for education, sponsored by the Avon Maitland Teachers' Local.
Professional development is important to me as a musician and an educator. It is part of my ongoing commitment to Music For Young Children.
Levels Taught
- Sunbeams 3
- Moonbeams 3
Rates and Prices
2023-2024 music year for returning Level 2 and 3 students.
There are two parts to the payment:
1) Registration - The studio is operating for Levels 2 and 3 students only. Information is available for Levels 2 and 3 in the studio.
2) Tuition - $23/lesson (36 lessons in a music year)
See below under Policies and Descriptions for payment method.
Other (Policies, descriptions)
Welcome to the world of Music for Young Children! It is our goal to create a happy habit of learning music through an activity based, game-filled program. Children are able to experience several components of music such as rhythm, keyboard activities, ear training, theory, singing, history and composing.
COMMITMENT
There are 36 lessons a year. Each lesson is approximately one hour long. A parent is required to attend classes and the same parent to be practising with the child throughout the week. You will find that your own attitudes towards music, your efforts to attend all classes and your participation during class will tend to rub off. Success also depends on reinforcement of the concepts at home. Practising should be at a convenient time for both parent and child. Practising not only involves keyboard practice daily but also singing, homework pages, rhythm, and ear training. Depending on the age and level, a routine of 5 - 30 minutes a day should be established. I hope this will be a happy sharing and learning experience for both you and your child.
PAYMENT (2022-2023 music year)
Payment method - e-transfer, cash, cheque (made out to Brenda Horst)
Registration fees (see Rates and Prices above): books and materials, administration ($18) , shipping, taxes. The fee is payable at the time of registration.
Refunds (minus return shipping and administration) for the registration are available up until but not including the first class.
Tuition fees are $23/hour and are payable monthly (Sept. 1 - May 1 inclusive) of $92 or in two instalments (Sept. 1 - $368, Jan. 1 - $460).
No tuition fees are refunded before eight weeks or after December 1st.
CANCELLATIONS
Lessons are rarely cancelled by the teacher, but it they are, they will be made up by extending classes into the spring as required or rescheduled to a convenient date.
MISSED LESSONS
If you need to miss a class, you may join virtually through a zoom link. If that is not possible, the homework and any lesson videos will be sent to you. Lesson fees are therefore non-refundable. If possible, please phone or email me ahead of time if you cannot make a lesson. My phone number is 519-271-7535
brendahorstmyc@gmail.com
HOLIDAYS
Classes are cancelled at Christmas and March Break.
RECITALS
These are very informal yet exciting times for the children. They have the opportunity to play the piano, participate in a rhythm ensemble, and sing together. Of course a favourite is the refreshments afterwards! There will be one recital scheduled for May or June 2024.
PARKING
Parking is allowed on the north side of Brunswick Street. Please try to avoid parking directly opposite driveways.
Studio Gallery
