BIO

Hello and welcome to my website!

I am very excited about sharing my love of music and joy for learning with students and their families in my MYC classes!  I offer classes for the Sunrise (ages 2-3), Sunshine (ages 3-4), Sunbeams (ages 5-6) and Moonbeams (ages 7-9) programs. These classes provide comprehensive music instruction for children in a small group setting, helping to develop keyboard skills in a context of overall musicianship.  In each class 4 to 6 students and their parents will enjoy an hour of learning through songs, games and activities in my easy to access studio, which is located in my home in town of Simcoe (for more information about my studio, please see the information to the right).   To help you get to know me better, here is some information about my experience as a musician and an educator.
~My training includes piano and theory through the Royal Conservatory of Music, as well as bachelor degrees in Music, French and Education, and a Masters in Education from the University of Western Ontario.  I am committed to lifelong learning and have actively and continuously extended my skills and knowledge through reading, membership in professional organizations, conferences and workshops, and networking with other educators.
~My music background includes singing, accompanying and touring with choirs, playing the harpsichord with a Baroque orchestra, playing organ and piano for church services, accompanying vocal and instrumental soloists, teaching private music lessons, and teaching music in the public school system.
~I have recently retired from teaching in the public school system. I taught kindergarten to eight classes and vocal music, led and accompanied choirs, and prepared groups for performances at music festivals and concerts.

~I am a kind, enthusiastic, patient and courteous teaching professional who uses music every day for many purposes such as encouraging a love of singing, managing classroom routines, introducing new concepts and language, and supporting children in their overall development....and for the joy of it!

Please feel free to contact me by email at rjstewart2@gmail.com or by text at (905)484-3753.  I truly believe that Music for Young Children is an excellent program to introduce children to the world of music, and help them to learn and grow as musicians.