Why I teach music - in two parts

Part 1: Music is inherent to being human.

Music has tremendous powers. Humans have evolved across history to create and appreciate music. Music carries our imaginations to wonderful places and brings people together from different cultures in one setting to experience its universal beauty. Music can make us laugh and cry, and it can also heal wounds. It can be the foundation of a memory from years or decades past.

In my own life, music has been a lifelong friend to me, a soothing companion. I turned to the piano during the happiest times and through the most challenging ones. I’ve enjoyed performing for an audience of one and experienced the thrill of performing for several hundred people when I was just ten years old. Regardless of my audience, it is a great joy to share a musical connection.

Part 2: Music as an avenue to the art of learning.

Beyond a love of music, I hope to foster a lifelong love of learning and a boundless depth of curiosity in my students. I commit several hours weekly to studying, reading books, and listening to podcasts and programs on education, psychology, neuroscience, and peak performance coaching to improve my and my students’ learning experience.

Playing a musical instrument is no trivial endeavour: it involves high levels of cognition and fine motor skills, and almost always proves to be more challenging than we perceive. As such, I am passionate about cultivating soft skills conducive to long-term progress and enjoyment in music lessons, such as patience, diligence, focus, discernment, and passion. Studying music and practicing the piano has been the greatest education I have received in my lifetime - not only for the music I have learned, but also for the soft skills I’ve cultivated (and will continue to improve), and for its impact on my journey of self-discovery that will continue for my lifetime.

These are just a few reasons I am passionate about instilling and cultivating music in the minds and hearts of my students.

“Ahh, music: a magic beyond all we do here!”

| Albus Dumbledore of the Harry Potter franchise |

What magic it is when we share music with our families and friends! As such, I am pleased to offer my students several avenues where they can share their music for which they have practiced diligently and enthusiastically: monthly recitals from October through June; competitive and non-competitive festivals such as the Calgary Performing Arts Festival and the Alberta Piano Teachers’ Association Festival; group classes and masterclasses with distinguished teachers from around the world; and performances in public spaces such as at the Downtown Core or Public Library, to name a few. Many of my students advance through the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum via practical and theory exams.

Truly, music and art are integral parts of a thriving community, weaving individuals together through a universal language.

Do you have a passion or interest to learn music or know someone who does?

Please get in touch with me and we’ll continue the discussion.

  • "Carlo is passionate about music and teaching piano. As an adult learner who took a break from piano lessons for 45 years, I find Carlo’s approach to teaching both enjoyable and productive. Whether working on improvisation of contemporary pieces or classical repertoire, Carlo is terrific at coming up with and demonstrating solutions that render even the most challenging passages easy to learn. His approach is student-centered, supportive, and fun." [Vern K.]

“I believe in the power of music to transform lives, enrich hearts, and broaden minds. It is a mode of expression that knows no boundaries between cultures or ages. Appreciating music is inherent to being human.”

| Carlo Santos |