Nicholas Deek - Ottawa Pianist and Piano Teacher

My mother was my first piano teacher, and one of my sister's was my second. Growing up, my house was filled with music, both in the many students who took lessons from my mother or sister, growing up, or by someone in the family practising!

I witnessed, first hand, the musical journeys music lessons allowed these students to undertake. I began teaching in University to help pay for my tuition. I began with only a few students, as music studies, focusing on piano at University meant a full-time course load plus a minimum of four hours of daily practice!

I (typically in non-covid days) have busy performance schedule but have always made time for dedicated students. Since the pandemic, I have expanded my studio. I try to make piano lessons fun and inspiring. Fun fact: As a professional pianist, I can trace my generation of teachers 6 generations directly to Beethoven!

Nicholas offer private, semi-private and group lessons at my studio and online. The length of time of lessons can be 30, 45, 60 or 90 minutes depending on the student's age and level.

Nicholas offers instruction for piano, theory and ear-training, music history, composition, improvisation, music learning by ear and rote.

Nicholas prepares students for Kiwanis, Royal Conservatory of Music Exams, recitals, entry into university music programs, school band or orchestra exams and performances. I have taught beginners from 4 year olds to 70+ year olds. I currently teach children, teenagers, and adults from beginner to highly advanced.

The studio: located in a central location in Ottawa, lessons are held in one of two locations. Nicholas teaches on an upright piano and grand piano - both Yamaha.

Online Lessons Setup

For online lessons to be successful, you need a laptop, smartphone or tablet, with some way to prop it up. My students have been creative here–using different things to prop up the device.

A laptop is preferred, as the screen is the largest, and it can rest easily on a flat surface next to the piano. A music stand is a great purchase for around $35 that holds a laptop.

If you own a piano (not a keyboard), you can wedge a phone onto the corner ledge of the piano. Test out your setup by taking a selfie! I should be able to see the student’s side profile and their hands on the piano keys–you’ll have to play with the angles.

THE SOFTWARE

I teach using zoom. I will send a link to a Zoom meeting. You just click on the link and you will be in my class. If it’s your first time using Zoom, when you click on the link, it will download the program to your computer or smart phone. (It’s a very quick download, but to save time please do that before the class starts. The website is https://zoom.us ). It is very helpful to have screen-sharing, as I can highlight and write effectively on the music of the shared-screen.

If you have an apple device, I can also use Facetime. I have occasionally used WhatsApp video messaging as well.

TAKING AN ONLINE LESSON

Surprisingly, online classes are very similar to in-person lessons. In fact, most things stay the same! It’s like I am right beside you teaching you at your regular lesson. I can hear you play, and we can talk about things. Some things that are different: you have to really listen, because we can’t talk at the same time! I won’t be able to play at the same time as you because of the audio delay. But we can still do a lot of fun things and learn together.

If you are one of my younger piano students, a parent or older sibling needs to sit with you during your lesson. This assistant will help me if you have trouble understanding my directions. And they can help you get set up before your lesson.

BEFORE THE CLASS

Get ready with all your books, a pencil and an eraser. Have your device charged and ready to go! I have some students that are back to back, so I need to make sure that everyone’s lesson time is uninterrupted. Be ready to go 5 – 10 minutes before your lesson. You can play through your songs while you are waiting for me! I send hand-written notes following the lesson.

Let’s have some fun!

Mandatory face-masks, socially distanced lessons. Sanitizing keys between students. All students must wash hands upon entry. I also regularly clean the furniture parents or siblings sit on between lessons.