“My kids have had the pleasure of calling Debra Ali (Deb) their music teacher since they started learning to play piano over 3 years ago online. The online experience has never felt like a drawback and has actually worked really well with our life schedule, since we don’t have much free time during the week with work, schoolwork and other activities. There have been times where something has come up last minute and we can’t make the class, but we’ve been able to easily reschedule a different time online that works for everyone (something that’s done in a couple of minutes). We use Microsoft Teams program on our iPad with a stand for each lesson. The image and sound are clear and we never have issues listening to the music or Deb. The kids started music at a young age, which made my wife and I worried they would lose interest quickly (especially since they were only 7 and 10 at the time), but music has turned out to be a joyful experience they’ve grown to enjoy more and more and we believe this wouldn’t be possible without Debra’s joyful, patient and clear teaching technic. She doesn’t mind spending extra time helping them progress a difficult spot (and sometimes we do get to hear her flex her musical expertise when teaching, which is awesome to hear). My older son has now started guitar and is just as excited to learn to play this as well as he does the piano now. We look forward to seeing the kids flourish as their musical prowess evolves. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done Deb.”
Phil S.
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“I highly recommend Debra as a music teacher! My son had never picked up a guitar and three years later he is playing beautifully. Debra is wonderful with children! My son loves her. She is honest with me and offers constructive criticism when needed. She is the epitome of what a music teacher should be!”
Gail R.
“I resumed piano lessons last Fall after a break of almost 15 years. Initially I chose Debra from the various music teachers advertising on Kijiji because her rates were competitive and fair and I was attracted by the convenience of having her come to my home. Working with Debra and getting to know her over the past year has affirmed that I definitely made the right choice! As a musician, she is exceptionally knowledgeable and accomplished. Although theory is not a focus of my program, Debra includes instruction in this area relevant to the pieces I am learning, whenever appropriate. At my request we are using my old RCM books and I am always impressed with (and envious of!) not only her ability to skillfully sight read, but also the quality and finesse of her technique. As a teacher, Debra’s positive encouragement and professional guidance have greatly fostered my increased proficiency, confidence and enjoyment. She respects and understands me as an adult learner; therefore my program has been collaboratively developed based on my skills, interests and personal goals. Debra has been very accommodating and flexible when my retirement lifestyle has necessitated scheduling changes. I am very proud of and pleased with the growth I have experienced, thanks to Debra, and I look forward to continuing to work with and learn from her for many more years.”
Diane B.
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“Debra Ali is a refreshing find and a true diamond in the rough! I have been teaching alongside Debra for almost two years in an adjacent piano studio. Her students are polished, prepared, and certainly play at a finer standard than students of my other colleagues. Debra creates an environment that is strict, yet fun and she does not cater to laziness. Where most teachers these days are spoon-feeding their students every note and every rhythm, it is fortifying and inspiring to find a teacher who shares my values in teaching ethics and approach; her students can actually read the notes printed on the page! As this is becoming a growing concern among RCM examiners who are finding more and more students who can play well, but cannot sight-read, Debra’s students give RCM examiners encouragement that quality teachers still exist! Debra does not skip a beat, her students are not just passed through to the next level, and her teaching methods are thorough. She restores my confidence in the next generation of musicians. I wholeheartedly give Debra Ali two thumbs up!”
Cynthia F.
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“Debra has been teaching both our children piano and guitar for the past two years, and is helping our son get ready for his RCM exams. There is no such thing as a bad day for Debra. She is always positive, encouraging and supportive of our kids and their learning needs. She is kind and patient (but firm when she needs to be) and the kids really respond to her style. We would wholly recommend Debra as an accomplished teacher. Both our children have vastly improved under Debra.”
Sharad V.
“Debra is an amazing teacher. She is an expert in music training. Her patience and enthusiasm had encouraged my daughter to really appreciate the art of music. My daughter, who has not had any previous musical training enjoys playing challenging pieces, understands music theory and has developed an ear for music. She looks foward to her lessons with Debra, always eager to show what she has accomplished. Her confidence has grown and she loves to perform in front of her family and friends. We are so fortunate to have Debra as our daughter’s piano teacher.”
Karen G.
I first came to hear of Debra Ali through a word of mouth recommendation. Debra is an incredibly talented and patient Music Instructor. She has been teaching my children piano for quite some time now and they always look forward to their time with her. While my children have a vast difference in age, she is able to adapt her style to suit each of their individual needs. As a result, they have both progressed very well under her instruction. Always punctual, Debra is great with communicating her schedule. I would highly recommend Debra Ali as professional instructor and sincerely believe that anyone lucky enough to obtain her services is in great hands.
Kalista Z.