Brendan Mcgrath

Hi there! I’m Brendan, a passionate pianist and teacher with over a decade of experience helping students unlock their musical potential. My lessons are all about finding what excites you about music and building the skills to bring your ideas to life, whether that’s mastering your favorite repertoire, exploring improvisation, or simply learning to play beautifully and confidently.

What You Can Expect from Lessons:
My teaching style is flexible and tailored to you. A typical lesson might include warming up with technical exercises like scales or arpeggios, diving into a piece you’re working on, and sometimes adding a creative twist—like improvising or experimenting with composing your own ideas. If you’re tackling tricky passages or want to refine your playing, I’ll guide you with practical, clear solutions that make music feel easier and more natural.

My Background:
I hold a Master of Music degree from the University of Alberta, where I specialized in piano performance and research into didactic repertoire. Along the way, I won awards like the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship and the TD Ottawa Jazz Fest Award. My studies included a deep dive into technical approaches like the Taubman method, which helped me recover from a playing-related injury and now allows me to help others play with freedom and ease.

As a pianist, I’ve performed everything from jazz improvisations to classical masterworks, with highlights like accompanying professional musicians, recording albums, and premiering my own original compositions. I’ve taught students from all walks of life—young beginners, advanced pianists, and even other professionals looking to refine their craft.

Why Take Lessons with Me?
I believe music is deeply personal, so my goal is to help you connect with what inspires you. We’ll focus on making every practice session meaningful, learning not just the notes but the story and emotion behind them. I’ll also encourage you to experiment—whether that means improvising a melody, reinterpreting a favorite piece, or tackling a technical challenge in a new way.

Above all, I’m here to support your growth and creativity. Whether you’re just starting your musical journey or aiming to take your playing to the next level, let’s work together to make it happen!