My name is JoAnn Primeau. I am a registered music teacher in North Vancouver offering private piano lessons in my home. My greatest love has also been teaching piano and I believe that anyone and everyone can learn to play. Over the years I have had the pleasure of teaching over 150 students how to play the piano!
JoAnn Primeau
I am originally from Edmonton, Alberta where I earned my Bachelor of Music Degree at the University of Alberta. At that time I studied under the late Edward Lincoln, the head of the Western Board of Music. I completed my Associate of Music degree in Piano Performance (Western Board). I studied theory at the University of Alberta with the late Violet Archer. I received the Western Board of Music Silver Medal for the highest mark in theory.
JoAnn University of Alberta
Some of my first students
When I moved to BC in 1981, I was accepted into the BC Registered Music Teacher Association. I am a full member and as such I use the designation “RMT” after my name. I am an active member in the organization. My students participate in the monthly recitals, the music festival and numerous other special events sponsored by the North Shore Branch of the BC Registered Music Teachers Association. Some of my students have received special awards from the North Shore Branch for the highest marks in examinations.
I have been teaching private piano lesson since the age of 15 and have continued every year since. I like to bring a fresh perspective to my teaching so I continually upgrade my skills with the latest teaching techniques and music styles. I have attended workshops with several of the prolific piano composers of this generation - Randall Faber, Martha Meier, Forrest Kinney, and Dennis Alexander . I regularly attend Royal Conservatory of Music seminars. Each year my students and I work with a prominent Canadian composer to learn how to compose new music. Their compositions are featured at a debut recital in November for Canada Music Week.
My students have ranged in age from 4 – 60+ years old and enjoy piano lessons for both leisure purposes and to study more seriously for Royal Conservatory of Music accreditation in piano and theory. My students have earned very high marks in their examinations and at festivals, often attaining First Class Honours or higher. In past years, some of my students earned trophies for the highest marks at the music festival. Some of my students have received medals and trophies for the highest marks on the North Shore for the Royal Conservatory of Music examinations. This fall, my students have been chosen to perform along with the Lions Gate Sinfonia at the Centennial Theatre.
I hold a teaching certificate from the University of British Columbia and have been the music and band teacher at Holy Trinity Elementary School in North Vancouver since 1987. I also volunteer as the music accompanist and choir director for St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Lynn Valley.
I give each student an individual approach with lots of positive feedback so that they can expand their knowledge of music while playing some great pieces. In addition to teaching proper technique, performance skills and exam preparation, I strongly believe in the importance of encouraging creative expression and in having fun with music.
Playing along with student
Learning proper posture and hand position
My piano lessons focus on …
- creativity
- proper technique for the best sound
- playing enjoyable pieces from popular music, folk songs, classical and jazz repertoire
- music history and music theory to help understanding of the pieces
- music composition and creative expression
- ear training
- sight reading
- thorough and complete preparation for piano examinations
I use the following techniques …
- Individualized instruction
- Positive feedback and encouragement
- Playing games for rhythm, notation and ear training
- Ipad apps for learning notes, ear training, and listening skills
- Garageband for accompaniment tracks – it’s fun to play along with a band!
- Theory worksheets to reinforce music reading
- Garageband to record compositions, pieces and musical ideas
- Listening examples on YouTube or Itunes
My students are given the opportunity to …
- perform in recitals
- play or compete in educational festivals, including the North Shore Music Festival
- compose and perform their own music
- perform at special events such as the Lions Gate Sinfonia Educational Concerts and Park Royal Mall