Music Teaching

Sydney provides several opportunities for music lessons as described below. If you are interested in learning music, fill out one of the request forms or send nem an email, at sydneybc.music@gmail.com.

* Note: all lessons take place in person in London, Ontario. Additionally, Sydney only provides lessons to people over the age of 13. *

Trans Singing Lessons

Are you a trans, gender diverse, and/or nonbinary singer looking to explore your voice in an affirming environment? Consider reaching out for some Trans Singing Lessons, which are available in both private and group settings.

Flexible scheduling is available (including evenings and weekends). Lesson costs are based on a sliding scale; contact Sydney for more details.

What We Do

  • Deconstruct and challenge normative assumptions of gender and singing to find ways to feel comfortable and affirmed in our voices and identities

  • Explore practice exercises and strategies for expanding vocal range on higher and/or lower end in both singing and speaking

  • Explore feelings associated with voices and how we can communicate that through singing

  • Find repertoire in diverse genres that is affirming, which can include re-writing lyrics, using songs with explicit or implied trans messaging, and/or writing our own songs

Who is Welcome

  • Anyone who identifies under the trans+ umbrella (trans, nonbinary, gender diverse, etc.)

  • Anyone who is interested in exploring their voice as a trans singer! This can include folks who want to explore their (new) voice when using hormones, or trans folks who aren’t using hormones but who want to sing and explore their voice in an affirming way

  • Note: these lessons aren’t intended to prepare someone for a recital, jury, or competition. These are more of a trans celebratory space centered on singing in ways that meaningful, fun, and affirming

Piano Lessons

Interested in learning to play piano? Whether you are interested in preparing for something specific (keyboard skills test, a concert, festival, jury, or exam), simply learning to play, or enhancing your existing skills, you are welcome to study with Sydney in a fun, affirming environment shaped on your interests.

Flexible scheduling is available (including evenings and weekends). Lesson costs are based on a sliding scale; contact Sydney for more details.

What We Do

  • Reading sheet music and learning how to play by ear

  • Keyboard skills such as chording, harmonization, and transposition

  • Integration of music theory and music history

  • Interactive, engaging, and fun (incorporating activities, games, worksheets, and more)

  • Diverse genres of repertoire centered on student interests

Genres Taught

  • Baroque/Classical/Romantic

  • 20th Century/Contemporary

  • Jazz

  • Pop

  • Musical Theatre

  • And more!

Fundamentals of Sheet Music Course

The “Fundamentals of Sheet Music” Course is a six-week group course that covers a wide range of topics relating to sheet music, including:

  • Clefs and Notes

  • Tonal Navigation

  • Chords and Keys

  • Time

  • Vocal Techniques

This course is primarily taught using a choral framework (i.e. how to apply sheet music learning to a choir setting). However, it is open for anyone to join (cohorts are usually 4-6 people). The next iteration of the course will take place in the summer of 2026.