The 8 Best Piano Lessons in Ottawa
The piano is a wonderful instrument – its pleasant sound is often associated with relaxation and melancholy. Even in genres corresponding with modern culture like rock and jazz, the gentle sound of the piano somehow finds its place and holds on to it.
This is why knowing how to play the piano can be a very enjoyable and useful skill – especially if you have the right teacher.
Our list today shares with you the best piano teaching services in Ottawa. We’ll also discuss the estimated costs of these services and what inclusions they may offer.
Rates of Piano Teaching Services in Ottawa
Many piano teachers in the vicinity prefer to be paid by the hour. Some, however, are offering more long-term options that cost more but also offer more inclusions.
The table below shows the estimated rates of the 5 best piano teaching services in Ottawa. These are estimated because they may change depending on the services you’d like to avail.
The Best Piano Teaching Services in Ottawa
The piano, like many other instruments, is difficult to master and is almost impossible without someone to guide you. That’s why it’s very important to have a good teacher and know where to find him/her.
How can you tell if the teaching services offered to you are good? We based our list on the following criteria:
1. Rockstar Music Central
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Communication | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rates | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Lesson Plan | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Portfolio | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Rockstar Music Central is renowned for its exceptional piano lessons, provided by a network of university-educated musicians, teachers, and recording industry professionals. They offer private lessons and community-based programs tailored for all ages and skill levels, ensuring a comprehensive musical education. The school’s dedication to fostering musical proficiency and confidence is evident in their personalized approach and numerous performance opportunities. Awarded the Top Choice Award for Top Music School in 2021, Rockstar Music Central is committed to developing well-rounded musicians.
One of the primary benefits of Rockstar Music Central’s piano lessons is their individualized teaching method, which matches students with instructors who align with their personality and musical goals. This ensures that each student receives personalized attention and guidance, enhancing their learning experience. The free trial lesson allows students to meet their instructor and gauge compatibility before committing, providing an excellent opportunity to find the right fit. The instructors are highly qualified and passionate, bringing extensive knowledge and experience to their teaching.
Another significant advantage is the emphasis on performance, which is integral to the piano program at Rockstar Music Central. Students are encouraged to participate in regular concerts and community events, helping them gain real-world experience and build confidence. This focus on practical performance not only enhances musical proficiency but also develops leadership and self-esteem. The combination of one-on-one lessons and community programs ensures a well-rounded and engaging learning experience.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Due to the school’s popularity, students may face longer wait times for lesson availability, which can be disappointing for those eager to start. Additionally, the cost of lessons may be higher than at smaller, local music schools, reflecting the quality of instruction but potentially being a consideration for budget-conscious families.
In conclusion, Rockstar Music Central offers an outstanding piano program, characterized by personalized instruction, expert teachers, and a strong emphasis on performance. Despite potential wait times and higher costs, the enriching and comprehensive musical education provided makes them an excellent choice for aspiring pianists. Their commitment to fostering confidence and developing well-rounded musicians ensures students receive valuable and fulfilling instruction.
Pros
- Personalized teacher matching
- Combination of one-on-one lessons and community programs
- Free trial lesson
Cons
- Longer wait times for lesson availability
2. Ottawa Pianos
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Communication | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Rates | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Lesson Plan | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Portfolio | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Ottawa Pianos is an all-around piano shop located in Ottawa. Their specialty is pianos and they have all kinds of services for the instrument including lessons.
If you want to get all official, Ottawa Pianos is the perfect place for you. It’s got almost everything you’d need if you want to be a serious pianist.
We like that they have multiple courses related to piano knowledge and offer numerous teachers as well. You can find everything you need whether you’re a beginner or an already established pianist.
Because of their premium services, the rate is paid as a monthly service. For $159, you get a weekly lesson for a month. This is a bit high compared to the others but some would say that it’s well worth it.
Ottawa Pianos is a business known by many in Ottawa and as such, their popularity has helped them gain the respect of the locals. Their reputation certainly precedes them as their business has been active for years already.
Their website, unfortunately, fails to note if they are willing to teach less classical songs on the piano. This leads us to believe that the education they provide more or less sticks to formal training.
This isn’t such a bad thing because formal training is still a good foundation for learning more modern songs but this may turn off some people who want to learn the piano.
What we like about this school is they also offer group lessons. If you’re the type of learner that prefers to have classmates you can learn with, this is a perfect option for you.
Their lessons are also child-friendly because of the Junior Music Course they offer. These lessons are perfect for young kids who want to learn the piano.
The group lessons are also good for families who want to learn together. Some kids are insecure and scared of learning a new skill but with this option, you can work with the teacher to guide them while you learn the skill as well.
These many great options make this school one of the best of the best when it comes to piano lessons.
Pros
- Multiple teachers available
- Formal courses
- Excellent location
Cons
- No mention of modern training
- Pricey
Customer Reviews
They have been here for as long as I can remember!
I bought my keyboard here a long time ago, but they still sell new and used quality pianos, keyboards, books, and accessories. They have quite a wide selection, and a very large store. They’re also exclusive dealers of Yamaha and Baldwin pianos. My keyboard is a Yamaha and I’ve had it for years and years, and it has stayed in fantastic shape, despite all of the moving I’ve done. Given, it’s not like I was an expert or anything, but even the piano books and sheet music that I bought there are still relevant today. They try to have up-to-date stock and include the latest models, but also keep in mind classical tastes, which is especially convenient, as this is also the location for Yamaha Music School. It’s a great piano store for anyone that’s interested. – Amanda B.
Locally owned
Great place to buy a piano! They have been in business over half a century. Locally owned and run. – Mitchell W.
3. Beethoven at Home
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Communication | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Rates | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Lesson Plan | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Portfolio | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
As the name implies, Beethoven at Home provides home services for your piano lesson needs. The way it works is you choose a teacher from their website and an initial interview is set.
The first two sessions are used to determine if the student and teacher are compatible with each other. If not, the student is allowed to ask for a different teacher.
We like that Beethoven at Home provides its students with many options. They have a list of well-educated piano teachers on their website, detailing what they know and what they can teach.
Beethoven at Home also allows online learning which is great if you prefer staying at home to learn. Many students find it more comfortable to learn at home so it’s a great option to have.
Beethoven at Home’s rate is a bit high but some could argue that the benefits would outweigh the cons. For its rate you have a well-educated teacher that gives you a private lesson at home.
The teachers were also background checked before getting hired so you can feel secure inviting a stranger to your home.
Beethoven at Home has been around since 2007 and is still growing strong. Their website is professional and offers plenty of details about their teachers, the instruments they teach, and their teaching methods.
The downside to all of this is that Beethoven at Home doesn’t have a main location where you can go to learn your preferred instrument.
Their teachers are located all over Canada, including Ottawa. This means you need your own instrument if you want to study with them.
Overall, Beethoven at home is a great option for anyone who wants to learn the piano. They’ve got topnotch teachers, convenient options, and a justifiable price range.
Pros
- Piano teachers are background-checked
- Convenient for those who don’t want to go outside
- Offers online lessons
Cons
- Lessons are a bit pricey
- Only home service available
4. Metro Music Ottawa
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Communication | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Lesson Plan | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Portfolio | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
If you’ve been hanging around the streets of Glebe, you’ve probably noticed Metro Music. It’s not hard to miss with its simple design and cozy feel.
Some people love just browsing around the shop and checking out its products.The store started out as a small business for original owner Bob Sabourin.
In the same shop he met his future wife and eventually had a daughter. Their daughter manages the store now.
Metro Music started out as a small studio and then grew on to become a music store. At first, the owners only focused on guitars but eventually moved to other instruments as well.
Until now, however, most of the store’s products are guitar-related.Canadian-made guitar lines are the most prominent products of Metro Music.
This includes guitars by Godin, Seagull, Simon & Patrick, La Patrie, and Art & Lutherie.
Other than that, the store also has a selection of accessories, books, sound systems, and other musical instruments. They also provide basic guitar repairs and even instrument rentals.
In the piano department, the store provides basic piano necessities and has an available piano teacher who graduated with a Bachelor of Music from the University of Saskatchewan. According to their website, piano teacher Eileen Chang is able to teach all levels of classical and even pop music piano to all sorts of ages.
Lessons are $30 per half hour and are taken weekly. These lessons are private so you can be more confident while taking the lessons.
Unfortunately, they only have one piano teacher available and there’s no specific lesson plan posted on the store’s website. They do indicate that their teachers are topnotch and have graduated from notable schools.
They also don’t include online lessons which is unusual especially during the pandemic.In spite of that, the store’s website is pretty modern and decent.
It’s easy to navigate through and is even designed with an aesthetic that millennials and gen z kids would surely appreciate.
The website also seems to be managed well. Details like operating hours and contact information are easily understandable and organized.
It’s even got a blog section that’s updated every few months that gives us a glimpse of the store’s history and even its future through its students.
Overall, Metro Music is one of the simpler choices in this list. The rates are good especially for the teacher’s educational background. The store and the website also have a homey feeling that doesn’t alienate you.
It gives off a vibe that lets you know that while you’re studying, you can make mistakes without feeling too bad.
Pros
- Website is updated with blogs
- Offers more than piano lessons
- Reasonable rate
- Piano teacher has a Bachelor’s of Music degree
- Friendly staff
Cons
- Only 1 teacher available
- No specific lesson plan
- No online lessons indicated in website
Customer Reviews
High quality
“Do not be fooled by the low key decor. You are going to this place for the high quality, knowledge and integrity of the owner.” – Dawn M.
Extremely gifted musicians
“I really can’t say anything better than Dawn’s review above. I’ve been going to Metro for guitars and lessons for more than eight years. Not only do I enjoy the lessons, but even more just hanging out there and learning about music from two extremely gifted musicians (although Danielle would never admit it). But her dog, Blackhawk, is the real star there. :)” – Phil L.
5. Allegro Music Schools
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Communication | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Rates | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Lesson Plan | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Portfolio | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Allegro is a bit more formal compared to the previous entry with lessons ranging from guitar to music theory. However, they are a good option when it comes to learning the piano.
Allegro has a branch in both Orleans and Ottawa and the school is able to offer online learning. Although these conveniences come with a price.
Allegro is slightly more expensive and has a commitment required when learning. The payment is a monthly transaction unlike others who only ask for payment after each lesson.
With a more specific curriculum, Allegro boasts student-driven learning. They make their lessons based on the students’ level of skill in playing the piano and this gives their lessons a personal touch.
Another good thing about Allegro is they have multiple teachers available so they are able to accept more students.
As a more formal school, Allegro’s website is updated regularly. They have blogs and detailed descriptions of what they are teaching.
Their pricing section even feels like a subscription to a streaming service because of how professional it looks. Overall, Allegro is a decent choice for learning to play the piano.
Their facilities and their teachers are highly sought after and the price, although more expensive, is pretty reasonable. If you’re looking into a more formal education when it comes to piano, this could be the right school for you.
Pros
- Has multiple teachers
- Professional website
- Offers online learning
- Detailed lesson plans
Cons
- More expensive
- Monthly payment
Customer Reviews
Ambiance and personal touch
“I really liked the ambiance at Allegro and Grace is a wonderful piano teacher. I have learned so much from her in a year.” – Laura Rioux
The kindest teachers
“This studio is absolutely fantastic. In all of my time here, I have only observed the best, kindest teachers working at Allegro. I have learned so much being here, and I could not recommend a better studio to harbour your love for music.” — Lindsay Gow-Kateb
6. The Ottawa Conservatory
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Communication | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Lesson Plan | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Portfolio | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Sometimes, first impressions last. Such a statement is true with The Ottawa Conservatory also known as The Ottawa Vocal & Instrumental School of Music.
Their website is so outdated that our internet browser actually warned us that it may be unsafe to visit.Despite the confusing name and outdated website, the Ottawa Conservatory is actually a prolific instrument school in Ottawa.
Some of their previous students are now working in the music industry in some form. They’re not Ariana-Grande-famous but they do have a small amount of following.
One of them, Amanda Jordan, was even a musical guest in the famous television show, The Bachelor. She has over 75,000 listeners on Spotify.
We like that this school is able to produce notable results career-wise.
In the piano department, the school has 5 pianos available in its own building while offering a decent rate for private learning sessions. According to their website, their teachers are well-versed in the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum and know their stuff outside of the classical genre as well.
The school also offers dance lessons and it seems they are leaning more into the entertainment side of music.
The Ottawa Conservatory is a great choice for anyone looking for a school that can provide more practical results. If you’re looking into learning the piano and becoming a professional player, this school could be the answer.
Pros
- Decent rates
- Has a hall of fame of their prolific past students
- All teachers are able to teach outside of the classical genre
- Offers 45 minute lessons
Cons
- Terrible website
Customer Reviews
Good pacing
“I was very pleased with the pace and Rob’s instruction for the 8-week introductory course. Rob is a very good teacher and I was able to advance my basic skills on a weekly basis. I enjoyed the classes and the weekly homework and will continue to seek further instruction/lessons in the near future.” – Diane L.
Great place
“Great teachers, friendly reception, fun atmosphere, and excellent results. A place for all ages to learn. Would 1000% recommend to anyone interested in music.” – Tricia F.
7. Victor Avila
| SERVICES | Piano Lessons |
| WEBSITE | https://www.victoravilapianostudio.com/ |
| ADDRESS | Ottawa, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (873) 353-5896 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Communication | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Rates | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Lesson Plan | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Portfolio | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Enrolling in piano lessons with Victor Avila was one of the best decisions we made for our musical journey. His commitment to quality instruction was evident from the start, as he tailored each lesson to our individual skill level and learning style. With patience and expertise, he guided us through challenging techniques and repertoire, helping us to improve steadily.
Moreover, his efficiency in teaching was impressive, as he maximized our lesson time with focused instruction and constructive feedback. He utilized various teaching methods and resources to ensure that we grasped concepts effectively and progressed efficiently. We appreciated his dedication to helping us achieve our musical goals in a timely manner.
In terms of affordability, Victor Avila offered competitive rates for his lessons, making quality music education accessible to all. He provided flexible payment options and discounts for multiple lesson bookings, allowing us to invest in our musical development without breaking the bank. His commitment to affordability without compromising on the quality of instruction was commendable.
Furthermore, his teaching facilities were well-equipped, providing a comfortable and conducive environment for learning. The studio was equipped with a high-quality piano and necessary learning materials, enhancing our overall learning experience. We felt motivated and inspired in his studio, thanks to its professional setup and welcoming atmosphere.
Victor Avila exceeded our expectations in every aspect of his teaching. From the quality of his instruction to his efficiency, affordability, and facilities, he is a top choice for anyone seeking high-quality piano lessons.
Pros
- Decent rates
- Has a hall of fame of their prolific past students
- All teachers are able to teach outside of the classical genre
Cons
- No promos at the present
8. Jacob Teaches Piano
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Communication | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rates | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Lesson Plan | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Portfolio | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
If you’re wondering about Jacob’s credentials, we’re happy to share with you that he studied under the Royal Conservatory of Music system and has more than a decade’s worth of experience.
We like that because he went through the RCM system, he can let you experience learning piano in a way that is consistent with one of the most reputable music institutions in the world.
His approach to piano is personal and he’s very flexible in the way he teaches.
He’s also very patient and knows how to adjust to each of his students.
What we like about him is the convenience he offers. He has online lessons available for everyone and in-home lessons for most areas in Ottawa.
We’ve only heard the best things about him and we highly recommend!
Pros
- More than a decade of experience
- Teaches in a way that’s consistent with the Royal Conservatory of Music system
- Personal approach to teaching
- Online and in-home lessons available
Cons
- Rates unavailable
- Operating hours unavailable
Customer Reviews
“Jacob is a great piano teacher! He is patient and teaches you in a way that you feel you are actually good… He gives you that positive outlook which makes you think that you can actually learn!” — Nicole L
“Jacob is a joy to have teach my daughter. She is so excited for class and anxious to practice so she can show him her work!” — Shelley
FAQs about Piano Lessons in Ottawa
Learning the piano is no easy task. Having the right teacher is vital.
The piano teaching services in Ottawa are great options and can be the right stepping stone you need in learning such a beloved instrument.
Do you think we selected the best options in the city? Do you have any suggestions? We’d be glad to hear your thoughts!
The piano is a beloved instrument that you and your family can learn and enjoy. Want to learn a different instrument instead?
You can check our list of the best guitar lessons in Ottawa to learn more.