Port Coquitlam - Theory Lessons

Brian Zhang (Piano, Theory)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Thursday, Sunday

Brian holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Saskatchewan and has over 20 years of experience studying and performing piano. Throughout his musical journey, he has received more than 20 awards at the district, city, and national levels, including multiple first and second prizes. He enjoys creating a relaxed and enjoyable learning environment, while offering a diverse range of music, from classical to improvisation in pop music. Brian has a strong ability to connect with children and teenagers, making lessons both engaging and effective. Lessons provided in English and Mandarin. Brian's rate is $30 per half hour.

Gerard Rances (Voice, Ear Training, Theory, Music History)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

A graduate from VCC, Gerard obtained his BMus in Classical Voice Performance in 2013. He has been teaching at Long & McQuade since 2016. Taking what he has learned from opera and the art of classical music, Gerard focuses on enhancing common vocal practices in more modern styles of singing such as musical theatre and pop. He places a strong emphasis on applying proper vocal technique to any genre of music. A few of the techniques Gerard focuses on are: range expansion, creating a richer tone with depth, developing the chest, head and mixed registers, cultivating vibrato, working through the various passagios, establishing healthy belting in both chest and mixed registers, and improving diction, breathing, phrasing and much more. In 2018, Gerard began teaching at Douglas College running both the music theory and aural skills/ear training prep courses for students entering the music diploma or music therapy programs. From 2015 to 2021, Gerard served as the Assistant Director and Head Teacher of Voice, Theory, Music History, Aural Skills and Ear Training at Bravo Music in Vancouver. From 2011 to 2014, Gerard was a tenor soloist and section leader for both Pacific Spirit Choir and West Vancouver United Church Choir in West Vancouver. He is very well versed with the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum and has helped hundreds of students prepare for exams in rudiments, harmony, history and voice from preparatory to ARCT level. Gerard’s message to all his students: “we’re going to work hard, give your voice a work out and we’re going to have fun doing it.” Gerard's rate is $30.00 per half hour lesson.
***Lesson rate will be $32.00 per half hour private one-on-one lesson starting September 1, 2025