Testimonials
From Eric Liang
I studied jazz piano with David Story for 3 years, after having studied classical piano for some 10 years.
Over these three years, the skills he has given me extend far beyond the jazz piano idiom, as his knowledge and experience encompasses a great deal of musical styles I became interested in during our time together.
I believe that David is able to gain a deep understanding of his students musical personalities and tailor lessons to suit their interests and needs, leading to personalized assignments and practice regiments.
Under his tutelage I have been fortunate enough to earn positions in ensembles like the Jazz FM 91.1 Youth Big Band, and earn top scholarships from schools like UofT for the Jazz Performance program.
Anyone who has musical goals/aspirations they would like to achieve should go to David Story for guidance, as long as they are willing to commit to staying open-minded and working hard.
Eric Liang 2021
Pianist/Composer
From Antoine De Henau 2018
David’s lessons are an amazing experience. His approach makes the theory accessible and he teaches to appreciate the process of practicing and playing the instrument. David’s teaching is very effective, he leads fun lessons. I am very lucky to have found him.
From Matt Mattice, adult piano student 2015
Working with David has given me a great new perspective on not just the piano but my understanding of music overall. His knowledge ranges over many genres and cultures, this really comes into play when explaining how to take songs "off the sheet." While he's great at explaining the big theories of music he does not forget about drilling the foundational skills like scales and chords. As I've grown with David as a student our lessons have grown more focused on what inspires me as a musician.
From Joseph Fazakas, student and Oakville Piano Teacher 2015
“What I like best about our lessons is his ability to always make the material accessible and fun – I love feeling the progress. His professionalism, humor and extensive knowledge make him a welcome mentor.”
From Esther Ng, student and Mississauga Piano Teacher 2014
David has been a great teacher. His lessons are always engaging and he always challenges me to do my best. David is very creative and also very flexible to where my ability can handle. What I like best about David was that he can always give my brain a great workout and always able to answer my questions. Due to his many years in the music field, he is very knowledgeable in his expertise. Learning from him really benefit my ways of teaching!!
www.esthermusicstudio.com
From Workshop Tour 2010 of BC, Alberta, and Saskatoon
“Thanks for a great workshop today in Edmonton. As usual, practical methods/ideas/suggestions to enable me to prepare my students for contemporary exams” Dallas.
“I very much enjoyed your seminar...and the information you gave me totally helped me on my improv section on my test! Actually the adjudicator, now living in Vancouver said she saw you when you were in Vancouver and loved you.” Dawn
From June 2010 Examinations
Dear Kelly, Good morning!Just a note of positive feedback from our exam experience yesterday. David Story did an excellent job of putting the students atease. My students all came prepared with a list of topics for theirmini-lessons and David worked through each list thoroughly. He had the students doing a lot of keyboard examples with him and in the end playing duets with him. David also invited the parents that were present to attend the mini-lesson as well. This was a fantastic move because some of my parents were not happy when I requested that they have their child take a mini-lesson. All the parents commented whenthey left that in the end the mini-lesson was very valuable. I would recommend this to all examiners. Have a great day! Janet
(I've edited out the city)
From the Caledonia and District Music Teachers' Association 2009
Re: Workshop Presented by David Story
We asked David to speak to us on "Motivating Young Teens and Pupil Savers". His presentation was articulate, very knowledgeable and at times humorous. The wonderful enthusiasm David has about his work was a motivator to us as teachers and came through his many helpful ideas, i.e. encouraging our students to express their thoughts and opinions of the music being studied, which, in turn, helps them connect emotionally instead of just "pushing levers" as David put it. Outlining and re-enforcing good practise habits, playing with them and inspiring ear playing and most definitely encouraging other ensemble playing with parents and friends were also part of his workshop ideas. Our students today spend many hours in front of a computer and David's knowledge of ordering, researching and where to catch great performances is a wonderful motivator to help students become more involved in their lifetime study and enjoyment of music.
The members of our Association had a great time listening, learning and participating in the ensemble playing during your workshop, David. We would like to wish you every success in your career and hope to have you return soon with another topic.
Sincerely,
Erla Jerome, member
O.R.M.T.A./C.& D.M.T.A.
Westdale High School Letter
The following is a letter of reference for Mr. David Story. April 2003
Mr. Story has been the conductor of the Westdale Secondary School Senior Jazz Band since 1998. During this time, he has conducted rehearsals once or twice a week on a regular basis as a volunteer and has conducted this group at several concerts held at the school and in the community. Every year this band participates in the Mohawk College Jazz Festival, the Musicfest competitions, and it also participates annually at the Heritage, Classic Music Festival or Rhythm Festivals held in various locations throughout Canada and the United States. Under Mr. Story’s excellent direction, this band has won a gold medal each and every time it has competed. ( update: We earned a silver award at the Heritage Festival this spring in Montreal )This group could not be so successful without his excellent teaching and musicianship.
In addition to his superb teaching, David Story has written some new and innovative scores for this group and adjudicators in Canada and the United States have been impressed with his exciting new compositional techniques, which are so successful for the high school jazz musician. The Westdale students really admire him. He has an excellent rapport with his student musicians and these students work hard because they are so excited to produce some of David’s excellent ideas. He is an inspiration to his students who never miss early morning rehearsals.
David has been a colleague of mine at Westdale for five years. He is excellent to work with, is very easy-going, and is very supportive of the entire music program at Westdale. During this time he has helped out with fund raising events and school trips. He has acted as a chaperone on many overnight school trips. He has assisted us at our annual Music Awards Banquet. He has done all of this on a volunteer basis. He is truly a wonderful giving person who will be successful in any endeavor that he undertakes.
If there are further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above location.
Yours truly Mrs. Bonnie Quinn, Head of Music, Westdale Secondary School.
Former Students
Brent Bodrug: Producer/Songwriter
I have known David Story for over 15 years. I studied piano and synthesizer with David in my late teens and was a member of David's CYSO. I learned a multitude of valuable things under David's tutelage. His musical influence was certainly significant, but the lessons David taught about the business of being a professional musician have had the most impact on my career. David's ability to not only draw upon his wealth of musical knowledge, but to also teach with experience about the life of professional musician is very rare indeed.
Since studying with David, I have been fortunate enough to study under jazz great Oscar Peterson as his protégé, and was subsequently honoured by receiving the Toronto Arts Protégé Award in 1993. I completed a B.F.A. degree in music from York University in 1995. Following my graduation, I had a successful run as a touring performer, playing piano and keyboards in various venues across Canada. Presently, I head my own Production Company, The B-Group Music, and work full-time as a producer and songwriter developing artists from Canada and the US. I have had the pleasure of producing and writing with artists such as Alanis Morissette (Maverick), Jacksoul (BMG), Carlos Morgan (Juno Award Winner), Lacey Block and Janelle Belgrave (Velvet Empire-Universal), and Son (Warner), as well as a number of independent artists. I have co-written songs with such notable writers as Curtis Richardson (J. Lo, 3LW), Jeremy Ruzumna (Macy Gray, Rod Stewart), Dean McTaggart (Amanda Marshall), Stan Meissner (Celine Dion, Starship), Robbie Patterson (Snow, McMaster and James), and Rebecca Valadez (Janet Jackson). Additionally, my work has been featured in international publications such as Billboard Magazine.
Brent Bodrug
Producer/Writer
www.bgroupmusic.com
416.241.8977
Adam Coolsaet: Student
What David Story contributed to the jazz education community as well as my personal development helped me immensely to accomplish entering McGill's Jazz Performance program with a scholarship from the IAJE (international association of jazz educators).
Unfortunately for Westdale Secondary School, there has never been a jazz teacher on the faculty. Fortunately for Westdale Secondary School David would volunteer his Monday mornings (before school started) and lead, direct and even compose/arrange for our band. Not only would David share his expertise and experience to us young developing musicians, but David taught us about the "music world," the business, and he even got us a gig at one of his recitals, thus giving us experience.
Outside of school David helped me further my musical endeavors with his Latin project. His understanding of Latin Cuban music enlightened me to its complexity and uniqueness. I truly believe the experience I received from that particular Latin project lead to my employment with certain gigs I have now.
Dave you are a great asset to the greater Hamilton music community,
thanks,
Lawrence Lougheed: Pianist, Teacher, and Producer
In the ten years that I have known Dave Story, I have found him to be a talented musician, performer and teacher. He has excellent communication skills with students of all ages, and approaches his teaching with enthusiasm and creativity.
Dave has a fine understanding of the synergy of the physical and mental aspects required of the performing musician. He has been extremely helpful in guiding me into a more healthy and ergonomic approach to playing the keyboard.
I have no hesitation in recommending Dave Story as a piano teacher, composition/arranging coach, or guide for developing a healthy approach to playing.
Lawrence Lougheed
Pianist/Keyboardist
-------
Melodialworks Music
www.lawrencelougheed.com
Adam Scime Student:
As a long-term student of David Story, I have observed his many positive qualities that place him among the top of his profession. David has always encouraged me to improve in my skills as a musician through his outstanding teaching ability and his vast knowledge of the music industry. David has gone out of his way to help me better understand the world of music as a whole. Outside of playing the piano, I am involved in other instruments and other various activities. David has always been very willing to introduce me to different teachers, musicians, and respected people in the music industry to help me in my studies. Also, as a first year music student at Western University, David was crucial in assisting me in making my final decisions as to where I would continue my studies as a musician.
Along with David’s outstanding ability as a teacher and mentor, comes his level of professionalism. Throughout our years together, David would often give me the opportunity and pleasure of experiencing the music industry outside of our lessons. Whether playing a show or talking to other musicians, David has always shown the highest level of professionalism through his respect for himself as musician, his regard for the industry, and his respect for other people. When I was a young pianist, searching for the right teacher was difficult. Almost immediately after meeting David, it was clear that he was an excellent choice due to his ability to make one feel comfortable and willing to learn during a lesson. David has never been impatient or discouraging during our time together. However, David does encourage one to strive to be a better player and general musician. My abilities as a musician are directly related to David’s influence and expertise in teaching.
As a growing musician, David has been the most helpful, enlightening, and friendly teacher one could hope for. I would recommend David as a teacher to anyone who is seeking the highest in professionalism, teaching ability, knowledge, skill, and altruism.
Teri Parker, Student
I had just completed my grade. 10 RCM diploma when I came to David Story to learn jazz piano. Dave was my piano teacher from September 2003-August 2004, and mainly helped me to prepare for my University of Toronto audition for jazz piano. With the little time we had Dave managed to show me what I needed to do to become a good jazz musician, often playing me recordings, playing for me and showing me a variety of jazz techniques. As I was also preparing for a few classical auditions Dave also helped me with my grade. 10 songs as well as technique beyond what I had previously learned. His knowledge of all types of music is extensive and is constantly learning new and interesting things to teach. He taught me much about music history, the modem music scene, musicians to listen to, how to improvise, how to stay relaxed when playing and many other practical skills.
It is not only the one hour a week that Dave spends with me that has helped me, it is also the other time he invested; sending me e-mails with useful we sites, lending me books and C-D' s, organizing time for me to meet with other musicians, inviting me to come see him play and sending me midi tracks of songs I am working on. But what I liked most about Dave is his personality. He is patient, relaxed, fun and always seems to be in a good mood. It is such a positive learning atmosphere that you look forward to lessons and practicing. Dave showed his support for me by coming to my audition downtown Toronto and also took the time to find musicians to play with me, creating a very well organized and prepared audition.
The auditions went well and I have a new wealth of knowledge. Currently I am at University of Toronto studying jazz piano.
I highly recommend Dave as a teacher.
January 20th. 2005
Stefanie Colilli, B. Mus., Student
The following is a reference letter regarding David Story:
I currently hold a grade 9 RCM examination certificate in piano, and I am working on my ARCT examination in voice. I began studying with David this year because I wanted to learn jazz piano for fun, and I needed to have the RCM theory pre-requisites in order to complete my ARCT in voice. David was a wonderful teacher in both aspects because he is able to design a lesson plan that accommodates your learning style and needs.
He is very patient, extremely knowledgeable, and very enthusiastic about what he teaches. I would always look forward to lessons and practising at home because we would work in such an encouraging learning environment.
He also offers instruction outside of the classroom setting. For example, he gives you links to important websites to help enrich your learning and he recommends important recordings to listen to. When teaching me jazz piano, he would not only show me the techniques of certain jazz genres, but he was also able to integrate the history of jazz genres and performers into the lesson. When teaching me grade 4 counterpoint, David prepared me extremely well. For example, he would give me various worksheets to finish in class and offered recordings for me to listen to so that I would understand the musical characteristics of the baroque/classical genre. His teaching resulted in me achieving a first class honours with distinction mark on my Grade 4-counterpoint exam.
I was also given the chance to substitute teach for David while he was examining this past June. Many of his students were preparing for RCM examinations, and I was amazed at how prepared they were. The attention to detail, precision, and musicality was highly evident.
In conclusion, I highly recommend David as a teacher. His style and level of teaching will keep you interested, enthusiastic, and most importantly, prepared.
August 15th, 2007
I studied jazz piano with David Story for 3 years, after having studied classical piano for some 10 years.
Over these three years, the skills he has given me extend far beyond the jazz piano idiom, as his knowledge and experience encompasses a great deal of musical styles I became interested in during our time together.
I believe that David is able to gain a deep understanding of his students musical personalities and tailor lessons to suit their interests and needs, leading to personalized assignments and practice regiments.
Under his tutelage I have been fortunate enough to earn positions in ensembles like the Jazz FM 91.1 Youth Big Band, and earn top scholarships from schools like UofT for the Jazz Performance program.
Anyone who has musical goals/aspirations they would like to achieve should go to David Story for guidance, as long as they are willing to commit to staying open-minded and working hard.
Eric Liang 2021
Pianist/Composer
From Antoine De Henau 2018
David’s lessons are an amazing experience. His approach makes the theory accessible and he teaches to appreciate the process of practicing and playing the instrument. David’s teaching is very effective, he leads fun lessons. I am very lucky to have found him.
From Matt Mattice, adult piano student 2015
Working with David has given me a great new perspective on not just the piano but my understanding of music overall. His knowledge ranges over many genres and cultures, this really comes into play when explaining how to take songs "off the sheet." While he's great at explaining the big theories of music he does not forget about drilling the foundational skills like scales and chords. As I've grown with David as a student our lessons have grown more focused on what inspires me as a musician.
From Joseph Fazakas, student and Oakville Piano Teacher 2015
“What I like best about our lessons is his ability to always make the material accessible and fun – I love feeling the progress. His professionalism, humor and extensive knowledge make him a welcome mentor.”
From Esther Ng, student and Mississauga Piano Teacher 2014
David has been a great teacher. His lessons are always engaging and he always challenges me to do my best. David is very creative and also very flexible to where my ability can handle. What I like best about David was that he can always give my brain a great workout and always able to answer my questions. Due to his many years in the music field, he is very knowledgeable in his expertise. Learning from him really benefit my ways of teaching!!
www.esthermusicstudio.com
From Workshop Tour 2010 of BC, Alberta, and Saskatoon
“Thanks for a great workshop today in Edmonton. As usual, practical methods/ideas/suggestions to enable me to prepare my students for contemporary exams” Dallas.
“I very much enjoyed your seminar...and the information you gave me totally helped me on my improv section on my test! Actually the adjudicator, now living in Vancouver said she saw you when you were in Vancouver and loved you.” Dawn
From June 2010 Examinations
Dear Kelly, Good morning!Just a note of positive feedback from our exam experience yesterday. David Story did an excellent job of putting the students atease. My students all came prepared with a list of topics for theirmini-lessons and David worked through each list thoroughly. He had the students doing a lot of keyboard examples with him and in the end playing duets with him. David also invited the parents that were present to attend the mini-lesson as well. This was a fantastic move because some of my parents were not happy when I requested that they have their child take a mini-lesson. All the parents commented whenthey left that in the end the mini-lesson was very valuable. I would recommend this to all examiners. Have a great day! Janet
(I've edited out the city)
From the Caledonia and District Music Teachers' Association 2009
Re: Workshop Presented by David Story
We asked David to speak to us on "Motivating Young Teens and Pupil Savers". His presentation was articulate, very knowledgeable and at times humorous. The wonderful enthusiasm David has about his work was a motivator to us as teachers and came through his many helpful ideas, i.e. encouraging our students to express their thoughts and opinions of the music being studied, which, in turn, helps them connect emotionally instead of just "pushing levers" as David put it. Outlining and re-enforcing good practise habits, playing with them and inspiring ear playing and most definitely encouraging other ensemble playing with parents and friends were also part of his workshop ideas. Our students today spend many hours in front of a computer and David's knowledge of ordering, researching and where to catch great performances is a wonderful motivator to help students become more involved in their lifetime study and enjoyment of music.
The members of our Association had a great time listening, learning and participating in the ensemble playing during your workshop, David. We would like to wish you every success in your career and hope to have you return soon with another topic.
Sincerely,
Erla Jerome, member
O.R.M.T.A./C.& D.M.T.A.
Westdale High School Letter
The following is a letter of reference for Mr. David Story. April 2003
Mr. Story has been the conductor of the Westdale Secondary School Senior Jazz Band since 1998. During this time, he has conducted rehearsals once or twice a week on a regular basis as a volunteer and has conducted this group at several concerts held at the school and in the community. Every year this band participates in the Mohawk College Jazz Festival, the Musicfest competitions, and it also participates annually at the Heritage, Classic Music Festival or Rhythm Festivals held in various locations throughout Canada and the United States. Under Mr. Story’s excellent direction, this band has won a gold medal each and every time it has competed. ( update: We earned a silver award at the Heritage Festival this spring in Montreal )This group could not be so successful without his excellent teaching and musicianship.
In addition to his superb teaching, David Story has written some new and innovative scores for this group and adjudicators in Canada and the United States have been impressed with his exciting new compositional techniques, which are so successful for the high school jazz musician. The Westdale students really admire him. He has an excellent rapport with his student musicians and these students work hard because they are so excited to produce some of David’s excellent ideas. He is an inspiration to his students who never miss early morning rehearsals.
David has been a colleague of mine at Westdale for five years. He is excellent to work with, is very easy-going, and is very supportive of the entire music program at Westdale. During this time he has helped out with fund raising events and school trips. He has acted as a chaperone on many overnight school trips. He has assisted us at our annual Music Awards Banquet. He has done all of this on a volunteer basis. He is truly a wonderful giving person who will be successful in any endeavor that he undertakes.
If there are further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above location.
Yours truly Mrs. Bonnie Quinn, Head of Music, Westdale Secondary School.
Former Students
Brent Bodrug: Producer/Songwriter
I have known David Story for over 15 years. I studied piano and synthesizer with David in my late teens and was a member of David's CYSO. I learned a multitude of valuable things under David's tutelage. His musical influence was certainly significant, but the lessons David taught about the business of being a professional musician have had the most impact on my career. David's ability to not only draw upon his wealth of musical knowledge, but to also teach with experience about the life of professional musician is very rare indeed.
Since studying with David, I have been fortunate enough to study under jazz great Oscar Peterson as his protégé, and was subsequently honoured by receiving the Toronto Arts Protégé Award in 1993. I completed a B.F.A. degree in music from York University in 1995. Following my graduation, I had a successful run as a touring performer, playing piano and keyboards in various venues across Canada. Presently, I head my own Production Company, The B-Group Music, and work full-time as a producer and songwriter developing artists from Canada and the US. I have had the pleasure of producing and writing with artists such as Alanis Morissette (Maverick), Jacksoul (BMG), Carlos Morgan (Juno Award Winner), Lacey Block and Janelle Belgrave (Velvet Empire-Universal), and Son (Warner), as well as a number of independent artists. I have co-written songs with such notable writers as Curtis Richardson (J. Lo, 3LW), Jeremy Ruzumna (Macy Gray, Rod Stewart), Dean McTaggart (Amanda Marshall), Stan Meissner (Celine Dion, Starship), Robbie Patterson (Snow, McMaster and James), and Rebecca Valadez (Janet Jackson). Additionally, my work has been featured in international publications such as Billboard Magazine.
Brent Bodrug
Producer/Writer
www.bgroupmusic.com
416.241.8977
Adam Coolsaet: Student
What David Story contributed to the jazz education community as well as my personal development helped me immensely to accomplish entering McGill's Jazz Performance program with a scholarship from the IAJE (international association of jazz educators).
Unfortunately for Westdale Secondary School, there has never been a jazz teacher on the faculty. Fortunately for Westdale Secondary School David would volunteer his Monday mornings (before school started) and lead, direct and even compose/arrange for our band. Not only would David share his expertise and experience to us young developing musicians, but David taught us about the "music world," the business, and he even got us a gig at one of his recitals, thus giving us experience.
Outside of school David helped me further my musical endeavors with his Latin project. His understanding of Latin Cuban music enlightened me to its complexity and uniqueness. I truly believe the experience I received from that particular Latin project lead to my employment with certain gigs I have now.
Dave you are a great asset to the greater Hamilton music community,
thanks,
Lawrence Lougheed: Pianist, Teacher, and Producer
In the ten years that I have known Dave Story, I have found him to be a talented musician, performer and teacher. He has excellent communication skills with students of all ages, and approaches his teaching with enthusiasm and creativity.
Dave has a fine understanding of the synergy of the physical and mental aspects required of the performing musician. He has been extremely helpful in guiding me into a more healthy and ergonomic approach to playing the keyboard.
I have no hesitation in recommending Dave Story as a piano teacher, composition/arranging coach, or guide for developing a healthy approach to playing.
Lawrence Lougheed
Pianist/Keyboardist
-------
Melodialworks Music
www.lawrencelougheed.com
Adam Scime Student:
As a long-term student of David Story, I have observed his many positive qualities that place him among the top of his profession. David has always encouraged me to improve in my skills as a musician through his outstanding teaching ability and his vast knowledge of the music industry. David has gone out of his way to help me better understand the world of music as a whole. Outside of playing the piano, I am involved in other instruments and other various activities. David has always been very willing to introduce me to different teachers, musicians, and respected people in the music industry to help me in my studies. Also, as a first year music student at Western University, David was crucial in assisting me in making my final decisions as to where I would continue my studies as a musician.
Along with David’s outstanding ability as a teacher and mentor, comes his level of professionalism. Throughout our years together, David would often give me the opportunity and pleasure of experiencing the music industry outside of our lessons. Whether playing a show or talking to other musicians, David has always shown the highest level of professionalism through his respect for himself as musician, his regard for the industry, and his respect for other people. When I was a young pianist, searching for the right teacher was difficult. Almost immediately after meeting David, it was clear that he was an excellent choice due to his ability to make one feel comfortable and willing to learn during a lesson. David has never been impatient or discouraging during our time together. However, David does encourage one to strive to be a better player and general musician. My abilities as a musician are directly related to David’s influence and expertise in teaching.
As a growing musician, David has been the most helpful, enlightening, and friendly teacher one could hope for. I would recommend David as a teacher to anyone who is seeking the highest in professionalism, teaching ability, knowledge, skill, and altruism.
Teri Parker, Student
I had just completed my grade. 10 RCM diploma when I came to David Story to learn jazz piano. Dave was my piano teacher from September 2003-August 2004, and mainly helped me to prepare for my University of Toronto audition for jazz piano. With the little time we had Dave managed to show me what I needed to do to become a good jazz musician, often playing me recordings, playing for me and showing me a variety of jazz techniques. As I was also preparing for a few classical auditions Dave also helped me with my grade. 10 songs as well as technique beyond what I had previously learned. His knowledge of all types of music is extensive and is constantly learning new and interesting things to teach. He taught me much about music history, the modem music scene, musicians to listen to, how to improvise, how to stay relaxed when playing and many other practical skills.
It is not only the one hour a week that Dave spends with me that has helped me, it is also the other time he invested; sending me e-mails with useful we sites, lending me books and C-D' s, organizing time for me to meet with other musicians, inviting me to come see him play and sending me midi tracks of songs I am working on. But what I liked most about Dave is his personality. He is patient, relaxed, fun and always seems to be in a good mood. It is such a positive learning atmosphere that you look forward to lessons and practicing. Dave showed his support for me by coming to my audition downtown Toronto and also took the time to find musicians to play with me, creating a very well organized and prepared audition.
The auditions went well and I have a new wealth of knowledge. Currently I am at University of Toronto studying jazz piano.
I highly recommend Dave as a teacher.
January 20th. 2005
Stefanie Colilli, B. Mus., Student
The following is a reference letter regarding David Story:
I currently hold a grade 9 RCM examination certificate in piano, and I am working on my ARCT examination in voice. I began studying with David this year because I wanted to learn jazz piano for fun, and I needed to have the RCM theory pre-requisites in order to complete my ARCT in voice. David was a wonderful teacher in both aspects because he is able to design a lesson plan that accommodates your learning style and needs.
He is very patient, extremely knowledgeable, and very enthusiastic about what he teaches. I would always look forward to lessons and practising at home because we would work in such an encouraging learning environment.
He also offers instruction outside of the classroom setting. For example, he gives you links to important websites to help enrich your learning and he recommends important recordings to listen to. When teaching me jazz piano, he would not only show me the techniques of certain jazz genres, but he was also able to integrate the history of jazz genres and performers into the lesson. When teaching me grade 4 counterpoint, David prepared me extremely well. For example, he would give me various worksheets to finish in class and offered recordings for me to listen to so that I would understand the musical characteristics of the baroque/classical genre. His teaching resulted in me achieving a first class honours with distinction mark on my Grade 4-counterpoint exam.
I was also given the chance to substitute teach for David while he was examining this past June. Many of his students were preparing for RCM examinations, and I was amazed at how prepared they were. The attention to detail, precision, and musicality was highly evident.
In conclusion, I highly recommend David as a teacher. His style and level of teaching will keep you interested, enthusiastic, and most importantly, prepared.
August 15th, 2007