Amanda de Boer – Piano Teacher
Amanda de Boer has realized a lifelong ambition by becoming a professional music educator. Her journey began in early childhood with a persistent plea for piano lessons, eventually leading her to start formal training at the age of seven. Guided by an array of exceptional mentors who fostered her artistic growth, Amanda pursued higher education with distinction, earning a Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto and her ARCT in Piano from The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM).
Driven by the example of her own instructors, Amanda aspired to become an RCM examiner from a young age. She achieved this prestigious milestone at twenty-five and has remained a dedicated member of the RCM College of Examiners ever since. In honor of her thirty-plus years of steadfast commitment to the institution, she was recently honored with a Certificate of Appreciation from The Royal Conservatory of Music.
Her contribution to the musical community is extensive, notably through her long-term involvement with the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association (ORMTA). Amanda has served as the President of the Oshawa-Whitby Branch and as the Eastern Zone Representative, remaining a vital participant in local initiatives. Her professional reach includes adjudicating festivals, leading masterclasses, and hosting workshops on pedagogy and performance. Her colleagues recognized her exceptional impact on the field by presenting her with the ORMTA Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Throughout her distinguished career, Amanda has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as an accompanist for the General Motors Tour Choir and as the Event and Artistic Director for the Oshawa Jazz and Blues Festival. She also coordinated entertainment for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and founded a successful non-competitive piano festival in Durham. From 2011 to 2024, she contributed her talents as the Music Director at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Oshawa.
Teaching Philosophy
Establishing her own private piano studio was the culmination of a childhood vision. Amanda began her pedagogical journey as a teenager, mentoring young pupils under the mentorship of her own first teacher—an experience that ignited a permanent passion for education. She is committed to fostering a supportive, nurturing atmosphere where students can build self-assurance and a deep appreciation for music. Every lesson is customized to the learner’s unique pace and objectives, with a core focus on sight-reading, technical proficiency, and emotional expression.
Amanda believes that musical education should be a source of motivation and joy, whether a student is playing for personal fulfillment or preparing for rigorous Royal Conservatory examinations. She welcomes learners of all generations and skill levels, from young beginners to adult enthusiasts. Her studio offers weekly private sessions in piano (RCM Levels 1–ARCT), music theory, and history, all structured to fit individual learning styles. Her fees are competitive within the local professional community, with 30-minute sessions currently available for $35.
Beyond the weekly lesson, Amanda encourages students to engage with the broader musical world through performance and goal-setting. Students have the opportunity to participate in masterclasses, festivals, and recitals based on their personal interests. She takes immense pride in her students' successes, such as in 2024, when her student Aaron G. was awarded the RCM Gold Medal for the highest score in his Level 8 Piano exam.
With a career defined by musical devotion, Amanda views it as an honor to guide students toward the transformative power of music. Her mission extends beyond technical instruction; she strives to instill a lasting confidence and a passion for music that will endure throughout their lives. Amanda is currently welcoming new students into her studio.