Rates

In-Home Rates

Studio Rates

Teachers

Ariel Shetzen
Peter Dick
Ted Crosby

Frequently Asked Questions



Q: What is the difference between classical and jazz piano?

A: The main difference between classical piano and jazz piano is jazz piano involves more improvising than classical piano. Generally speaking, jazz piano uses more dissonant harmonies and melodies, while classical piano often uses more consonant harmonies and melodies. There is both consonance and dissonance in both jazz piano and classical piano.

Q: What Kind Of Keyboard or Piano Should I Buy?

A: I highly recommend buying an acoustic piano for both jazz piano lessons or classical piano lessons. The feel of an acoustic piano is different from that of a digital piano or a keyboard. Even with weighted keys on a keyboard or digital piano, it still does not feel and play like an acoustic piano.

Q: Should I take private or group piano lessons?

A: I highly recommend private jazz piano lessons over group piano lessons. Private one-on-one lessons are the best way to learn jazz piano. There are less distractions with private jazz piano lessons. Learning in a group setting can be frustrating and difficult with multiple people trying to learn the same concepts. To find private jazz piano lessons near me check our piano teachers page.

Q: What is the best way to practice the piano?

A: The best way to practice jazz piano lessons is with a timer. Using a timer will help keep piano students on task. It will ensure that each technical exercise such as scales and arpeggios, studies, and piano compositions will receive the proper amount of time for practising. We offer jazz piano lessons in Toronto.

Q: How qualified are your piano teachers in Toronto?

A: The piano teachers at Neighbour Note are among the highest educated teachers in North America. Many have completed a doctorate degree in music: PhD or DMA. Not only are our piano teachers highly educated they are also quite experienced. Many of our piano teachers have been teaching for over twenty years. We offer piano lessons for all ages and levels.

Music Lesson Registration
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Jennifer Carson
John is incredibly knowledgeable, kind and patient with my daughter (who is a chatter box). She really enjoys her lessons and he has instilled the love of guitar in her! Highly recommend John as a teacher and the Neighbour note!
SMC King
I have been taking guitar lessons with John for two months. Even though I started out with no prior experience, I appreciated that from the very beginning John's lessons are structured to teach you new chords that you can use to play songs you know. Lessons are fun and John sprinkles bits of music theory throughout, always thoughtfully and patiently answering my questions. Thank you, John!
Eric Somerville
At 5 years old I wasn't sure how well my son would adapt to music lessons. John creates a very flexible and accommodating space where learning is fun.
colleen reich
John is very friendly, flexible and an extremely talented and gifted musician/teacher. He has made it fun and easy for me to learn the guitar as an adult. I would highly recommend him!
Amanda Benn
I’ve been playing guitar for 10+ years but have been in a progress plateau for a while. I decided I wanted to improve (and wanted an after work hobby!) and found Neighbour Note. Working with John has been such a pleasure! He’s patient, laidback, and explains the theory behind what we’re learning in an easy to understand way. I’ve most definitely noticed an improvement in my finger picking skills and an increase in confidence which is exactly what I wanted! Definitely recommend Neighbour Note to anyone at any skill level.
Miranda Amoroso
I started taking guitar lessons with John at neighborhood note as an adult with some prior experience. He has been very patient and has structured lessons in accordance with my interests, while making lessons engaging and fun. I really look forward to lessons, and enjoy the readings and practice given as homework. I especially appreciate that he sends videos explaining thing we went over in lessons, which really help to solidify concepts.
paulina tchernikov
Honestly the best music lessons I’ve had compared to other places. I worked with John and he was always patient and kind during the learning process. He’s an easy person to ask questions, always corrected my technique, gave out easy short videos to follow for homework, was always flexible for rescheduling (make up lessons), and had a fast contact response. He helped me orient my personal style of playing and didn’t push any specific style onto me. I walked in knowing nothing about guitar and after I left I understood my way around the instrument (to where I could learn songs on my own). He made the lessons fun and he was always a great teacher. Thanks John!
Andrew Guy
My 10 year old daughter has had an excellent experience starting guitar with Neighbour Note. They are friendly and accommodating and she enjoys going every week.
Shannon Johnson
My 9 year old daughter has been taking guitar lessons with John for 4 months and absolutely loves them. The lessons are easy to follow and engaging and John provides feedback and follow up when new chords are learnt so she can more easily practice new material at home. Wonderful experience!
Tuyen Do
This is my 5 years old son first drum lessons, he loves it and loved his teacher. John has a great personality and is always willing to help, he even teach my son piano lessons when he wonder. I highly recommend Neighbour Note.
Carly Biggart
My daughter really enjoyed Neighbour Note. John, the instructor, was amazing at personalizing the piano lessons by her; teaching her snippets of her favourite songs. Daily practice was meant to be digestible . I cannot say enough good things about this company. Very flexible and great teachers.
Malgosia
My son started taking piano lessons when he was five and a half years old. After 6 months he wanted to quit. At this time we switched teachers to John Force. I couldn't believe the change! My son started to love the piano and would look forward to lessons. It has been over 2 years now and he is still going strong. John is patient, makes learning fun - he just know how to motivate kids. I couldn't recommend him enough.
Leigh Ann Wayland
My son loved his guitar lessons and my daughter was thrilled with her piano lessons. I was so happy to be in the comfort of my home as I witnessed my children's weekly improvements. Well done Neighbour Note and thank you!
Bob Harbarton
We could not be happier with Neighbour Note! They have an amazing teaching faculty consisting of University and College Professors, High School and Elementary School Teachers, and Rock Stars! Our piano lessons with Neighbour Note have been fantastic. I truly believe they are the best music school in all of Toronto! You rock Neighbour Note!