John Kirstein

Piano Teacher

I was born in South Africa and lived there until moving to Canada in 2001. During high school, I started accompanying an award-winning cabaret group and also church-based music groups, which in turn enabled me to learn how to improvise and play largely by ear. This practical experience in combination with the UNISA (South African equivalent of the Royal Conservatory) grade examinations (which consisted of performance, harmony, counterpoint and music history), formed the foundation of my musical knowledge.

In 2001 I entered the B.A. music program at McMaster University and studied piano with Alla Zacarelli. During that year, I played piano in the University’s jazz ensemble, accompanied vocal majors during their recitals, and also accompanied a children’s choir at the Hamilton Arts Conservatory.

I have taught students interested in progressing through the Royal Conservatory curriculum as well as students only wanting to learn some of their favorite pop songs. I have adopted an approach to teaching that integrates both the students’ ear training with their ability to read music. I enjoy working with children and have done so in various educational and camp settings over the last five years. Time and again I have experienced the joy of learning new teaching skills and forming new friendships.

My aim as a teacher is to provide students with simple and fun ways of learning to play piano, as well as providing them with the tools that make their practice times at home interesting, challenging and rewarding.