TESTIMONIALS

I’ve had the privilege of being a piano student of Ms. Hailey’s for nearly a decade. Right from day one, she has gone above and beyond to make learning the piano interesting. Between incorporating a reward system and introducing fun scales and exercises for at-home practice, there wasn’t a single dull moment in our lessons.

As I progressed to the more advanced Royal Conservatory of Music levels over the years, Ms. Hailey never hesitated to offer constant support and constructive feedback, while focusing on developing the technical and virtuosic elements of my piano playing. She thoroughly prepped me for all my upcoming RCM practical and theory assessments, and I never felt less than 110% confident walking into the exam room. During my late elementary and high school years, I even began taking private violin lessons with another teacher and selected string orchestra as my elective. Needless to say, that would not have happened if Ms. Hailey hadn’t made my first foray into classical music such an incredible experience. I can’t thank her enough and I highly recommend her to any prospective piano students!
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     - Hailey S., student

I have a tremendous amount of respect for Ms. Hailey. Teaching young students the fundamentals to music and theory poses no easy task, and I certainly wasn’t an exception. Looking back on our journey of nearly a decade together, Ms. Hailey has somehow found a way to keep me motivated with daily practice all whilst I simultaneously navigated elementary and post-elementary school. Now as a cellist looking to pursue a degree in musical performance, this habit of daily practice has become truly invaluable in my growth as a cellist and a foundation to my musical motivation likewise. Ms. Hailey's attention to detail in her teaching is something truly remarkable - she will go over every marking in the music, and demonstrate its importance to the greater context of the piece and why it would improve its performance. More than a decade later, I continue to find myself using this eye for detail when preparing for recitals and orchestral auditions.

I credit Ms. Hailey for my love of music - it is thanks to her that classical music will follow me through to the next chapter of my life as a Dual Degree student (BSc + BMUs) at UBC.

Merci mille fois!

     - Nathan S., student

As a former student of Ms. Hailey, I learned more than just playing the piano. I learned to take responsibility for my learning because if I wanted to achieve a certain outcome, I needed to put in the effort to practice for recitals or exams. Most importantly, Ms. Hailey taught me mindfulness. This mindset has helped me throughout my education because I have learned that studying/practicing for an attentive ten minutes is far more effective than a distracted hour of studying/practicing.

Ms. Hailey is very passionate about teaching and truly wants her students to be successful on and off the piano.
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I truly treasure our time together, Ms. Hailey. Thank you!

     - Olivia A., student

I was a student of Ms. Hailey for over 10 years, and I wouldn’t trade that time for the world. She played a crucial part in why I have grown to be the person I am today. Lessons with Ms Hailey at a young age introduced me to different genres of music. I recall playing jazz, classical, and even rock, which I quite enjoyed. As I advanced, she consistently pushed me to improve through repetitive practice. It was frustrating at times when mistakes piled up; however, Ms Hailey was able to pinpoint them and break down difficult pieces into familiar concepts that we had covered before. Overall, my experience of learning piano with Ms Hailey was meaningful and one I will always value. 
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 - Alison C., student

Dear Ms. Hailey,

I am writing to express my gratitude for everything you have done for our daughters, Alison, and Breanna the past 13 years. You are an exceptional piano
teacher who has made every lesson a fun and exciting one. My girls always came out very ‘musically’ happy after every lesson. Your patience, kindness, and dedication have helped both to learn the first key to performing solo at recitals. They had grown so much under your guidance, and I am forever grateful to you for helping and for guiding them to reach their full potential not only in piano, but also in their daily life. 

You are more than just my girls’ piano teacher, you are my friend. Thank you for all that you do.

     - Laura L., parent

.These past 12 years have been so memorable and filled with happiness. Thank you for being an incredibly dedicated, encouraging, and inspiring teacher towards me. Your teaching style was something that I consistently resonated with from the little girl I was to the young lady I am currently. You always found a way to make lessons interesting and meaningful, catered to the age I was and the personality I carry. Every piece you picked out was not only with the intention of meeting the exam criteria, but ensuring that I truly enjoyed playing and listening to the piece. I have learned so much and I will always be grateful for the many hours in which you’ve helped me grow as a musician; all of the support that you showed me before each and every exam to ensure that I succeeded. I am forever content that I made the decision to extend my music career for this long with you and for completing my RCM level 8 piano and theory alongside you. Thank you again for everything.

-  Avery C, student

My musical journey with Ms. Hailey was defined by joy; 11 and a half years spent with an incredibly kind-hearted and special person. Ms. Hailey is an ardent and dedicated piano teacher who cares tremendously for her students. Even when grading is not always favorable, she only encourages her students to become more ambitious and press on for better results in the future. She takes the time to understand and connect with every one of her students – whether it be selecting pieces that interest them or helping them overcome obstacles – making her more than just a mentor, but a supportive parental figure. Through her lessons I’ve not only completed Level 10 Piano, but learned how to be tenacious and resolute – skills that are applicable not just at the keyboard, but in all areas of life. Ms. Hailey, I thank you for your guidance and support in my piano playing and for being a driving engine in passion for music.

​     - Olivia C., student

Thank you so much for everything you've done to help me on my musical journey! It's really hard to imagine that you have been my teacher for over a decade now. Thank you for your unending patience with me, along with giving me an infinite amount of possibilities in my future. Thanks to you, my knowledge of music now extends past piano to many more really fun instruments, and I will always be thankful for having you guide me on the way. Thank you so much for hosting and organizing the recitals and fun events that gave us all a goal to work towards, and of course, I am extremely grateful for your help in finishing my level 8.
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     - Andy R., student

Hailey is an amazing piano teacher and mentor for anyone seeking greater achievement and enjoyment in piano studies. She is very experienced and professional which is evident in her lesson plans and the results she creates in her students. My daughter had an awakening during her time with Hailey. She took a long time to complete assigned pieces because they didn't interest her. As soon as Hailey found a composer who "spoke" to her, she started teaching my daughter pieces from this composer. Now, my daughter enthusiastically goes to the piano by herself to practice all day long. Hailey can effectively diagnose technical problems and provides explicit instructions on how to practice. She has an enthusiasm that inspires students. We all need teachers who take the opportunity to nurture students into better musicians. The recitals are a real delight, the range of music her students are exposed to and obviously have come to enjoy and master is quite something!
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     - Eva Y., parent

A great teacher is one that is able to motivate and inspire her students and in that aspect, Hailey is simply remarkable. Both of my seven year olds started with Hailey back in September 2014 (after two years of group music) and within a few months, Hailey is successful in motiviating and preparing both of my kids for their Grade 1 RCM exams. With Hailey, it is never too early to learn and master new techniques - their legs may not be long enough to control the pedals, but that does not stop her from introducing my children to the pedals - Hailey has a pedal extender in her studio just to cater to her younger students. To add, she strongly encouraged my kids to using a metronome early on - one may find that tick-tock-tick of the metronomone to be rather distracting but the children well adjusted to it. Her great patience, coupled with her cheerful personality is the main reason why she is so successful with my children! They adore her and with such positive teacher-student dynamics, it's no wonder they are enjoying their musical journey tremendously.
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     - Sue L., parent

My children have been studying piano with Hailey about 4 years. She has been a kind, patient and inspirational musical force in their lives. She explains concepts clearly and thoroughly. I am not often present to sit through the lesson with them so I record them via digital voice recorder to monitor their progress. She is always gentle but manages to motivate by learning about their musical personalities and choosing appropriate pieces to represent their individual styles. Their confident performances at RCM exams, recitals and festivals are a great reflection of Hailey's hard work and dedication. Most importantly, the children enjoy learning from her!
     - Linda L., parent

Thank you for being such a great piano teacher. My girls (ages 5 & 8) have enjoyed every lesson with you in the past years. They love and always look forward to every lesson and recital. I love all the lovely stickers and little prizes that you awarded them for their achievements as they do motivate the girls to practice :-) Thanks for your hard work and patience.
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​     - Matthew L., parent

Thank you so much for beginning my musical journey a few years ago and teaching me so much after I got started! Without you, I would not be able to play the pieces I now play, and enjoy the music I am able to make. Of course, I still have a long way to go, but thanks for teaching me this marvelous thing called "music". You have made learning and playing music extremely enjoyable for me, and our lessons together were pleasant and well-explained. In fact, your love of music has rubbed off on me and inspired me to compose my own music! All the musical concepts you mentioned were very clearly explained, and I feel that you have given me a great start in my musical life! Because of you, my life will be musical forever. Thanks for everything and for being such a great teacher!
     - Michelle C., student

Hailey was our piano teacher for seven years until both children completed their Grade 8 RCM certificate. Prior to meeting Hailey, both my children, ages seven and ten, had become disinterested in playing the piano. Hailey connected with the children and encouraged them to play well by having them perform at recitals and by recognizing their accomplishements with stickers, prizes and trophies. Hailey took the initiative to get to know the children and found pieces they could relate to and that matched their playing style. I was so impressed when Hailey gave my son, an avid hockey player, the theme to "Hockey Night in Canada" to learn. My son was determined to learn the piece and it gave him another perspective to playing piano. Her approach to combine instruction with fun worked. Hailey is organized, professional, patience, cheerful and enthusiastic. It was a pleasure knowing Hailey and her family and I miss our weekly lessons. Thank you for adding music to our lives.

     - Wendy C., parent

My daugher has been learning piano with Hailey for 6 years. I am very thankful for the love of music Hailey has instilled in my duaghter and for the inspiration she has given to her to continue learning piano. Hailey is a very dedicated teacher. She is very organized and always encourages students to develop their music abilities to the best of their abilities. She makes music playing enjoyable. Hailey also teachers my daughter music theory. She explains music theory concepts clearly. Her teaching method helps my duaghter to appreciate music and inspired her to composer her own music.
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     - Jennifer L., parent

I would like to express my gratitude of your piano lessons given to my daughters, Clare and Connie, who are 11 and 9 years old respectively. I see a great deal of improvement on their piano skills under your supervision since last December. They both enjoy going to your class because not only do they learn the skills and techniques of playing the piano, they love the way you convey these knowledge to them. It is important to have chemistry between the teacaher and student in any type of learning experiences and I have to say that Clare and Connie are lucky to have you as theiry piano mentor! Unfortunately, we are moving to Toronto this summer and regreattably, we have to find another piano teacher for them. I wish we will be lucky again in finding a great piano teacher like you to continue their piano adventure. Wishing you all the best!

     - Norman T., parent

Thank you for being my piano teacher throughout these past years. I have enjoyed my experience with you, as you have made it more enjoyable for me. I appreciate all the times you were patient with me when I was unfocused. Although I have decided not to continue on with piano lesson, I will still cherish this skill and continue to play during my life. Thanks again.
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​     - Jared C., student

Thank you for providing a wonderful introduction to music to Natalie. We have really enjoyed your classes this year and plan to continue the program in Comox. Thank you for making it so much fun!

​     - Betsy M., parent

"Music gives soul to the universe. wings to the mind, flights to the imagination, and life to everything."
- Plato