Little Fingers Music
Keyboard Classes
Private Music Lessons
Looking for guitar, vocal, piano or percussion lessons? Charlie Kert has been running Little Fingers Music School in the Cedarvale neighbourhood of Toronto (Eglinton & Oakwood) for the last decade. Check out our highly qualified, inspiring and experienced music teachers. For further information or to inquire about booking a lesson, please email us at charlie@littlefingersmusic.com
“Charlie keeps me inspired by letting me chose my own pieces and then arranges them for my level” - Jacob, student “Charlie takes time every week to go over the practice instructions with me” - Sarah, parent
Charlie Kert
Piano, guitar, percussion
Honours Degree in Theory and Composition, University of Western Ontario
I have been teaching music for over 20 years. My method is song based and many of my students sing while playing piano while I jam along on guitar and add harmonies. I specialize in teaching young children but I do teach high school students as well. My relationship with my students is often compared to that of a camp councillor and his campers. My students are encouraged to chose their own pieces. Students are taught how to “sing & play” their piece. I make special arrangements on my computer and create lessons based on their song choice. (Note recognition, rhythm & theory).
Younger students are also taught by ROTE and all students learn to spot recurring patterns to make memorization easier and to give them a better understanding of music. I will transpose the song to make it suitable for their vocal range if necessary.
Lessons include Voice Leading (moving seamlessly from chord to chord using the closest inversion) adding licks, improvising and technique. Students learn to play by ear and learn the theory necessary to make “lifting” & memorization easier. Approximately 1/3rd of the lesson will be spent on Sight Reading, Technique and Ear Training. Older students are given a “Dictation Book” with outlines for practise instructions written out. Lessons are performance oriented and include recording, mini-masterclasses and year end recitals.
I also teach RCM theory and prepared children for RCM exams.
I have also designed a Beginner keyboard method for groups ages 5-7 (3:1) ratio.
I have been an OAC Artist in Education for 7 years and have taught over 1000 hours in Primary Level Classes and written over 250 songs with Primary Aged Students.
I have also released three CDs of children’s music.
I have taken my teaching experience and developed a live children’s interactive music jam that covers many expectations from the Primary Curriculum.
Charlie plays his song Breathe on the piano keyboard.
Jordan Howard
Guitar
Guelph's own Jordan Howard has been playing guitar for more than 17 years. After receiving private lessons for his first five years as a guitar student, Jordan was eager to use what he learned and create his own music. Over the years, Jordan has performed with many diverse ensembles including rock bands such as: Mandibles, The Magic, The Skeletones Four, Nathan Coles Outfit, as well as instrumental noise-jazz band Burrows and the haunting sounds of The Owle Bird.
Jordan has toured Canada and performed on numerous recordings over the last 15 years. His efforts have made him a highly imaginative and sought-after guitarist. Jordan is currently finishing up a degree in music at York University focussing his studies on composition and theory. With five years of teaching experience he has taught people of all ages, different musical styles, and various guitar techniques. He has also helped students prepare for Royal Conservatory of Music exams. Jordan is happy to now have the opportunity to impart his knowledge to other aspiring guitar players.
Education
Master of Music, Literature and Performance, Voice, University of Western Ontario, 2010-2012
Bachelor of Music, Voice Performance, University of Western Ontario, 2006-2010
Voice Teachers: Kimberly Barber, Anita Krause, Laura Tucker, Monica Whicher, Todd Wieczorek
Coaches: Trevor Chartrand, Laura Loewen, Carol McFadden, Mai'kai Nash, Tara Scott, Suzy Smith
Jessica Lane, soprano
Jessica Lane is an award winning, young, up and coming soprano in the Greater Toronto Area. She has recently graduated with her Masters of Music in Performance and Literature from the University of Western Ontario.
Jessica began instructing voice at Performing Alliance Dance School in London Ontario in 2009 where she quickly developed a passion for working with young people and new voices of all ages. Jessica loves to teach and her knowledge of vocal pedagogy and performance is evident in her students. Ms. Lane's students have recently been accepted into universities for voice performance, have been awarded top prizes in international and local competitions, been cast in the Halifax Summer Opera Festival, received high RCM grades and have landed lead roles in musicals and plays. Reviews for Jessica’s teaching can be found at: http://www.pbandjmusicstudio.com/#!testimonials/c390
As a performer, Jessica has twice been awarded prizes in the Metropolitan National Council Auditions. Her stage credits include: Adalgisa in “Norma” (OBR 2016), Foreign Princess in "Rusalka" (HSOF 2014), the title role in Carmen with the Halifax Summer Opera Workshop (2012), Der Komponist in Strauss' “Ariadne auf Naxos” with Opera NUOVA (2012), Nicklausse in “Les Contes d'Hoffmann” (HSOW 2011), Marcellina in “Le Nozze di Figaro” with UWOpera (2011). Ms. Lane's Musical Theatre highlights include: Bloody Mary in “South Pacific” (UWOpera 2011), B.J. in “Smokey Joe's Cafe” (UWOpera 2010), Alice Beane in “Titanic: A New Musical” (The Singers Theatre 2005) and many more.
Jessica has coached and taken master classes from several renowned coaches and has been reviewed as a"strong and consistent performer"(Halifax Herald, 2011) and “a sincere performer...sure to impress on the audition circuit” (Opera Canada, 2012).