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What enables our students to achieve marks between 80 and 100% on the conservatories examinations and get 1st, 2nd and 3rd places at the GTA competitions? It is our dedicated teachers who's professionalism and attention to detail helps to turn music lessons into an exiting work-entertainment. Kennedy Piano Studio Scarborough offers private and group music lessons (instrumental and theoretical) tailored to specific student abilities and tastes. A variety of programs helps you select the one that is right just for you: playing by ear, improvising, developing strong sight-reading skills, or recreational music making. Students of KPS range from 4 year old to senior and from beginner to advanced. Our students have performed in competitions, music festivals and recitals around GTA, and completed Royal Conservatory of Music and Conservatory Canada Classical and Contemporary Idioms Programs, ABRSM: the exam board of the Royal Schools of Music exams with high honours. Instructions can also be given in French or Russian
Testimonials
“As a mature adult I felt somewhat intimidated to start piano lessons as a beginner, and I was also concerned I would not be able to grasp the concepts.
When I began with Lana right from the start I found the atmosphere quite relaxed. She is very patient, adapting the lessons to my interests and pace. Key principles are always presented in a manner that is very easy to follow.
I would highly recommend Lana for any mature student considering starting piano lessons. She makes you eager for the next session.
You won’t be disappointed.” – Cora, 75
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I have been a student of Lana's for over 2 years, during which I progressed from grade 9 (RCM) to Performer's ARCT.
Lana taught me that a true musician focuses on the beauty of the music instead of the notes on the page. She helps me deepen my understanding of the music by giving the occasional anecdote about a piece and its composer. Often she provides a unique solution to a technical problem that otherwise would've given me weeks of headaches.
Lana insists that “it’s only hard if you believe it’s hard”, a belief that has served me well over the years. She is patient, spirited, and talented – the best piano teacher I could wish for.” – Lisa.
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Studio Calendar
School year starts on Tuesday, September 6th 2022 and ends on Friday, June 23rd 2023
Studio is closed on the following dates:
Labour Day September 5, 2022
Thanksgiving October 10, 2022
Winter Break December 22, 2022 to January 4, 2023 (inclusive)
Last day of school is December 21, 2022
School resumes January 5, 2023
Family Day February 20, 2023
March Break March 13 to 19, 2023
Good Friday April 7, 2023
Victoria Day May 22, 2023
Studio Business Hours
Monday trough Friday 4 pm to 9 pm
Saturday 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday 10 am to 3:30 pm
Teachers
Lana
Five of Lana's students have become piano instructors in GTA.
Being born and brought up in the family of educators, Lana Tchernaia also followed the noble profession of teaching. She is the third generation teacher following her grandfather Yuri I. Tchernyi (1900-1985), and aunts Tatiana Y.Tchernaia (1941-), and Lana Y.Tchernaia (1931-). Lana hails from Siberia, Tomsk region (Russia). She received a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Tomsk Music College, Russia. She studied ensemble, and chamber music with Svetlana Chudakova, harmony with Vera Sherina, and music history with Larissa Gorn. Post-bachelor studies include Tomsk State University, music and philology. She had the great privilege of taking a sight-reading course with world renowned performer and music educator Andrew Markow, head designer of the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum, and co-author of the Four Star Sightreading Books. Lana has been committed to the important role of independent piano studios. She has maintained independent teaching studios in Tomsk, Russia; Montreal, Quebec; and Toronto, Ontario collectively for more than 25 years. Throughout her career, Lana’s teaching combines the tradition of the Russian piano school with her own developed pedagogy approach and practice techniques. Her students continuously receive recognition for professionalism and high level of performance.level of performance.
Lucian
Lucian holds LRCM and ARCT in Piano Performance diplomas. Successful mobile music teacher working with students of all ages and levels, distinguished by professionalism and perfect communication skills, demonstrated in pleasant personality and effective listening abilities. Winner of Multiple awards from music festivals, he knows how to guide a student preparing for a piano competition. Lucian possesses advanced knowledge in teaching students the theory of music and thorough familiarity with classical music.
Miguel
Miguel’s impressive list of degrees include: University of Toronto. Master of Music in Collaborative Piano Performance, 2018 University of British Columbia. Master of Music in Piano Performance. 2012 Rotterdam Conservatory of Music, The Netherlands. Advanced Classical Music Diploma in Piano. 2005 University of Houston, Texas, USA: Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, Cum Laude. 2001 Trinity College of Music, London, England: Performer’s Certificate Examination. 1998 He has been teaching piano for the last 9 years both privately and at various music schools and is highly qualified to teach students from as young as 4 to any age on all RCM levels.
Miguel believes the most important goal in piano lessons is fostering an enjoyment for music that lasts a lifetime. In order to nurture and develop that appreciation for music—not just piano specifically—he believes students need to become musicians in their own right.
To teach a student to become a musician, Miguel constantly strives to cultivate excellence in everything that’s done in piano lessons and teaches the concepts needed to be a sensitive musician; the proper balance between melody and accompaniment, accurate reading of notes and rhythms, and proper fingering for the best musical sound followed by ease of execution.
He believes another area we want our students to excel at is reading. The ability to read music quickly and effectively will help the student learn music on their own, furthering and maintaining their enjoyment and ability to play music even after lessons have stopped.
Good technique is also a point of emphasis so that the possibility of struggles with a piece due to technical deficiency will lessen in the future.
Patrick
Patrick is a rising star in the Toronto Jazz scene whose energetic, virtuosic playing captivates and moves his audiences. Drawing on the vast vocabulary of the legendary jazz pianists who came before him he adds his own spirit and passion to create a unique sound and style. Studying under the tutelage of legendary pianists such as Mark Eisenman, Brian Dickinson, Richard Whiteman, Robi Botos, and Hilario Duran it’s no secret where Patrick developed his unique, high-octane style that clearly adheres to the art forms tradition. Patrick began studying classical piano at the age of four and was later introduced to the saxophone where he developed a great love for jazz. His education includes York University and Humber College and he is a recipient of the Berklee World Tour Scholarship for both sax and piano. Performances include many venues in Toronto and throughout the globe with such artists as: Ron Westray, Molly Johnson, Luis Mario Ochoa, Ted Quinlan, Mike Downes, Kelly Jefferson, Barry Romberg, Lorne Lofsky, Artie Roth, Kieran Overs, Mike Murley, John Macleod, Anthony Michelli, Chicago’s Ernest Dawkins, and many many more. He has played for such organizations as: Scotiabank, Via Rail, The Peel District School Board, York University, The CAW Auto Union, and has played at venues such as: The Rex, The Jazz Bistro, The King Edward Hotel, and many festivals globally. Patrick was recently rated one of BlogTo’s top 5 upcoming jazz artists in Toronto.
Claudette
Claudette is currently studying music at York University. With a special interest in classical music education, she began teaching
piano and theory lessons at the age of 17. She is also a part of her Church’s Worship team
and Church band, known as In the Valley, and has performed in several concerts, which
have included some of her original songs. Claudette also has a passion for performing
Gospel Choir music and Celtic Canadian Folk music, and composing and songwriting. She
believes encouraging students, and building student- teacher relationships are very important in music pedagogy.
Afshin
Afshin has over a decade of experience teaching cello, violin, viola and piano in group and private lessons, providing comprehensive music instruction. His students participate in performances, recitals, and community events. Afshin published a lesson book called Cello Riffing, an advanced method that uses jazz/rock/blues riffs to strengthen left-hand technique. He prides himself on creative, interesting methods and ideas to keep students engaged in their studies. As an official certified Advanced Orff Instructor, his mission is to introduce musicianship to young students in a fun, creative way, involving them in the process of music making in an enjoyable way. Afshin’s special interest in the production of music for children resulted in a music album entitled “Childhood Desires”, which simplified some of his favorite rock/metal songs by rearranging them into pieces played on Orff instruments. He pushed this project forward, and also compiled the repertoire book “Childish Minimals” where he arranged some of the songs from the album so that young students could easily play and enjoy them.
Aharon
is highly sought-after music teacher by students and parents of students who excel in their guitar playing performance and want to advance their music career. Aharon has over 35 years of experience.
His biggest joy is seeing her students’ progress into fine musicians. Aharon prides himself in teaching each student a well-rounded musical education through knowledge of note reading, tab reading, chord reading, ear training, rhythm studies, scales, theory, musical construction and improvisation. Some of his students have received scholarships and have gone on to peruse careers in music but most of the students that want to learn guitar just want to have fun and a positive experience.
Hanna
Hanna has been learning the piano since the age of five, and it has greatly shaped her musicianship. She possesses advanced keyboard skills in transposition, sight reading, score reading, and other techniques on the piano. She also has published several instruction books for children in Korea. In addition to the piano skills that she has nurtured, she has focused on gaining composition skills throughout her post-secondary studies. She earned a Bachelor of Music in Composition from Kyung Won University in South Korea in 2006 and a Master’s of Music in Composition from the Manhattan School of Music in 2010. In addition, she obtained an Artist Diploma from the University of Hartford in 2015 and served as a visiting scholar at the School of Music at Pennsylvania State University from 2015 to 2016.Through her studies, she has had ample opportunities to compose for various instrumentations for such diverse occasions as school concerts, festivals, workshops, composition competitions, and seasonal concerts of local ensemble groups. Most recently, she has started her career as Minister of Music at the Calvary Baptist Church in Toronto. She is currently working as a Teaching Assistant in the composition as well as theory department at the University of Toronto. These working experiences have shown her the great value of life in sharing my knowledges, and experience to inspire and nourish the next generation. Hanna is a third-year DMA student with major in composition at the University of Toronto.
Suzanne
Suzanne is a piano teacher with training and certification of Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Vietnam. With almost 10 years of teaching experience in Canada she prepared hundreds of students for conservatories exams and GTA competitions. These rewards are a direct result of understanding children’s educational needs.
She is very discipline, reliable and committed when working with children. This is complimented by her knowledge of playing violin and singing. Suzanne firmly believes that the most important quality that a teacher should have is patience and at the same time a great teacher should have set high expectations and work to raise the bar for their students.
Euphemia , BFA, BEd, Piano, Theory and Composition
Euphemia completed her ARCT piano performance certificate in 2010, having studied under Sofia Elrichman of Majesty Music School. At York University, she has studied harmony and counterpoint under Art Levine and composition under the guidance of David Mott and Casey Sokol.
