Christine is a great teacher and brings out the best in my two sons (aged 5 and 7). She knows how to make the lessons fun, by having them play popular songs or Christmas carols, but never neglects instilling proper technique that will serve them well as they improve and gain more experience. I am confident, with Christine, my sons will continue to enjoy the piano, while gaining the necessary technical skills for them to become more seriously involved with music or continue as a fun hobby.   ~J.P., parent

After seeing how much enjoyment and sense of accomplishment my daughter gained through her weekly lessons with Melanie, I finally decided to give piano a try for myself. Through her patient guidance, after one year of instruction I am now able to experience the pleasure of playing piano, something I thought I would never do. As for my daughter, Melanie has brought out a willingness to try new things.   While Melanie’s gentle personality and fun teaching style has helped her to achieve our goal of simply enjoying music, she has achieved other things we had never considered, including success in recitals, exams, and even competitions, achievements that have emboldened her and instilled a new confidence.   Melanie has been a terrific instructor for both of us.   ~C.P., parent and adult student

Melanie has worked with our two older children and made piano an integral part of our household. My two children are 5 years apart in age and Melanie catered each lesson program to be age appropriate for each child. Piano lessons are an activity for which excitement builds as the next lesson draws near and our children continually practice to improve their skills - often without prompting. Her gentle teaching methods have kept my children interested, feeling supported and encouraged whenever they do not perform so well and rewarded when they do.  I would recommend Melanie to any family who wants their child to enjoy music lessons and feel confident in his or her development, all at a pace your child is comfortable.   ~A.O., parent

Melanie makes leaning piano as an adult very enjoyable, and the lessons are very well organized and focused. She tailors my piece selection to match my musical interests so my lessons are always interesting. As an adult, one can learn to play piano quite quickly with Melanie as a teacher. I look forward to my weekly piano lesson and I would highly recommend Melanie for adults looking to learn to play piano.   ~M.M., adult student

It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Melanie Dickson-Smith.   As a mature adult with little prior musical experience, I started lessons with Melanie about 4 years ago. This has been a lifetime dream to learn piano and Melanie’s patient and supportive teaching style has supported my dream.   Melanie is not only friendly and patient, but also is good at gauging my level of knowledge and ability. Her commitment to teaching and seeing her students grow in their passion to embrace the piano is evident as I look forward to mastering each conservatory level with her direction.   Melanie is absolutely passionate about music. Her love for the art is evident in her enthusiastic and energetic teaching techniques. I highly recommend Melanie as a piano teacher and look forward to continuing my family’s journey through Melanie’s teaching and support.   ~S.M., parent and adult student

Christine has been an excellent piano teacher or our son. She is immediately approachable, clearly passionate about music and teaching, and she shares that passion wonderfully with our son. We have been delighted with the progress so far and can tell that the relationship and music teaching will continue for years to come.   ~D.J., parent

It has been my pleasure to return to piano with Melanie Dickson-Smith.  Having been away from piano for some years, my goal as an adult was to regain my conservatory proficiency in a fun and relaxed environment and to expand my repertoire to contemporary pieces.  Melanie has helped me to meet those goals and re-ignite that joy of playing. My lesson with Melanie is always a highlight of my week!   ~K.E.J., adult student

Melanie is a great teacher. She made learning Music Theory very easy to grasp and fun! She has a wonderful rapport with students. I would recommend her highly!   ~E.I., student

Melanie has been providing piano lessons to my son for two years.  Melanie is both professional and skilled in her ability to impart her knowledge and expertise in teaching piano.  My son and I enjoy her enthusiasm, great sense of humour and encouragement.  Melanie welcomes creativity which is a nice complement to her teaching of theory and skills within the Royal Conservatory of Music framework.  I would highly recommend Melanie to teach any level and age of piano enthusiast.   ~M.F., parent

Melanie fosters the individual student's interests in piano while also ensuring that they have a complete understanding of technique, theory, sight reading and ear training. She brings many creative techniques to the lessons every week to engage students at all levels of practice. Melanie has a gentle manner that fosters an enjoyment and love of the piano.   Whether your goal for you or your child is to learn piano for pure enjoyment, to gain a sense of musical accomplishment and confidence, or to prepare for exams, Melanie will assist you or your child in accomplishing those goals.   ~C.F., parent