Piano Lessons
Specialized classical piano trainingIndividual piano instruction grounded in the classical repertoire, from first principles through advanced RCM study. Lessons develop technical command, attentive listening and interpretive depth through a carefully chosen course of repertoire, musicianship and technical requirements.
Pianists Mariya Orlenko and Shuman Zhou teach one-on-one in our studios and live online. Students preparing for examinations and performances receive the same considered guidance as those pursuing music for lifelong enjoyment.
- Who it is for
- Ages 5 and up, from beginning students through advanced and ARCT-level study.
- Format
- Private weekly lessons of 30, 45 or 60 minutes, in our studios or online.
- First lesson
- A complimentary 30-minute trial lesson. Ongoing tuition is quoted upon enquiry.
A disciplined musical foundation
Training integrates the mechanics of playing and close listening with theoretical understanding and historical context. Students develop technical facility, tonal control and rhythmic precision through deep study of fundamental repertoire.
Classical works form the core of study. Where appropriate, jazz and popular repertoire can complement the classical program while preserving a strong technical foundation. Students from our studios have earned prizes at regional, national and international competitions, and continued at conservatories in Canada, the United States and China.
Areas of study- Interpretation and stylistic fluency
- Touch and tone production
- Scales, chords, arpeggios and technical studies
- Sight-reading and musicianship skills
- Theoretical understanding and historical context
- RCM examination and performance preparation
- Studio recital and audition preparation
- Regional to international festival and competition performances
- Mock examinations for each planned practical exam
- Exam-readiness coaching session for each planned practical exam
Study with Mariya Orlenko
Mariya Orlenko
Co-founder & Programs Manager · Piano · Theory
- Grand Prize, Canadian Music Competition
- Winner, Lilian Goh DMA Piano Recital
- First Prize, Orford Music Award
- Co-founder & Programs Manager, York Region Music Academy
- Adjudicator for The Hnatyshyn Foundation, Unionville Music Competition and Scarborough Music Festival
- Founder, The Efficient Musician Inc.
- Recipient of The Hnatyshyn Foundation Developing Artist Prize and the Ihnatowycz Emerging Artist Scholarship
- BMus, The Glenn Gould School — John Perry & David Louie
- MMus, University of Toronto — Lydia Wong
Mariya Orlenko is a Ukrainian-Canadian pianist recognised on competition stages in Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia. A Grand Prize winner of the Canadian Music Competition and recipient of the 2024 Orford Music Award, she has appeared as a soloist with the Orchestre Symphonique de Québec, the North York Concert Orchestra and Kindred Spirits Orchestra.
She is completing a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Toronto under Lydia Wong, following studies at the University of Toronto and The Glenn Gould School. Her performing experience informs instruction that joins technical discipline with expressive interpretation. Families also value the detailed written feedback she provides after lessons.
“Mariya has been teaching my son piano for over four years, from when he was a young child to now as a teenager. She teaches with patience, creativity and genuine care, and consistently encourages him to participate in recitals. She has been a meaningful part of his growth, both musically and personally.”
Study with Shuman Zhou
Shuman Zhou
Piano
- First Prize, Toyama Hong Kong Music Competition
- BMus in Performance and Music Creation, University of Sherbrooke — Carmen Picard
- MMus, University of Toronto — Lydia Wong
Shuman Zhou is a pianist and educator whose training spans China and Canada. Born in Harbin, she studied in Montréal with Marina Mdivani before completing a BMus in Performance and Music Creation at the University of Sherbrooke with Carmen Picard, followed by an MMus in Piano Performance at the University of Toronto under Lydia Wong. She is a First Prize winner at the Toyama Hong Kong Music Competition.
With more than fifteen years of teaching experience, Shuman works with beginners as well as intermediate and advanced pianists. She adapts technique and repertoire to each student, developing fluent reading, tonal control and confident interpretation. Her students have earned RCM Gold Medals, High Distinction results and competition prizes, reflecting a balance of rigorous preparation and attentive mentorship.
Examinations and advanced study
For students following the RCM pathway, repertoire, technique, ear training, sight-reading and theory are planned as a connected course of study. Preparation is paced to the student's development, with attention to musical quality and examination requirements.
Mariya teaches theory and harmony alongside piano, allowing required co-requisites to develop with practical work. Students pursuing advanced repertoire receive focused guidance in interpretation, stylistic understanding and performance readiness. Examinations remain an option, not a prerequisite for serious study.
Begin with a trial lesson
Meet Mariya or Shuman, discuss your goals and experience a complimentary 30-minute lesson in the studio or online. There is no obligation to continue.
Book a free trial lessonAlso taught here: violin · cello · music theory and group classes