Private Lessons

In person and LIVE ONLINE lessons are available to children and adults for:  piano/keyboard, guitar, voice, violin, viola, cello, bass, clarinet, alto sax, oboe, drums, composition, theory, and ear training.  Piano lessons are available for all levels/ages.  All other lessons are available for beginners. Study of more than one instrument/voice at a time is welcomed.  Home-schoolers and children with special needs are welcome.

Mary’s approach is holistic, and draws from her education and experience in music performance and recording, school music teaching (preschool – 12th grade), private teaching, and sound therapy.  She trains her students to be well-rounded musicians.  Please call or email us for more information or to sign up for lessons or classes.  We’ll be happy to speak with you!

Classes

Classes are currently available for the following:

1. Pre-school general music class
2. Intro. to Christian Sound Therapy (children or adults)

Unique Specialties

Christian Based Approach

We offer a Christian based approach for those who are interested.  This unique approach includes incorporating Bible verses and Biblical principals in the teaching.  We purpose to make our students’ musical experiences fun and interesting, as well as help build in them a solid foundation of Christian values and character.

Live Online Lessons

This is a great option for those who live far away, and for students who want a lesson while away on vacation or who can’t get to a lesson due to weather conditions.  We take you step by step through the set-up process, so don’t be concerned if online learning is new to you. All you need is a device with web access and a camera that records video (built in on most devices). An adult must be present for a child’s online lessons.  Mary has been offering this service since 2007.

Unique Teaching Method for Pre-Schoolers

Mary has developed a very unique approach to teaching music to pre-schoolers.  Children love it, and they learn quickly and have fun!  This method includes a Christian book series Mary created.

Teacher Training

Teacher training is available for a wide range of topics.  In addition to the usual topics, you can also choose to add more unique topics such as: teaching from a Christian perspective, teaching from a holistic perspective, teaching pre-schoolers (classes and individual lessons), starting and running your private studio, business and tax tips, networking, teaching with technology, online and mobile teaching, and more!  Mary offers lectures, workshops, and mini-courses for music teacher’s groups, and music majors at universities and colleges.  Each presentation is personalized for your group.  Mary offers this in person or live online (in English).

Online Scholarship

Each year, one student is offered a scholarship for private study for the year.  Summer scholarships are also offered.  These scholarships are for students (child or adult) who have a music ministry calling, and who have financial need.  Please contact us for requirements and an application.  Lessons are live online.

Outreach

Mary is available to do lectures, workshops, and trainings for churches, music teachers’ groups, higher education institutions, and other interested groups.  These can be in person or online.  There are a number of subjects available, from mainstream subjects such as motivating students, sight reading, theory, ear training, the business side of a teaching studio, etc., to these unique subjects:

1. A Christian approach to music teaching for private teachers
2. Using technology in teaching now and what’s coming in the future
3. Incorporating sound healing into music teaching
4. Teaching music to pre-schoolers
5. Piano for very young beginners

Each lecture/workshop/training is tailored to your specific group.

Recommendations

I have been studying music and learning to play the saxophone with Mary for a year.  I have been through many music teachers in my life as I used to play the piano since I was 10 years old.  Most of the music teachers I have found are only interested in teaching how to play the instrument.  Mary not only teaches the finer things about your instrument of choice but brings to it her overall knowledge of music theory, holistic studies, and her love of God and is able to wrap it all together where you know without a doubt music is definitely a gift from God.  The one thing that truly amazes me about Mary is she takes the time to get to know you, your personality, what techniques enable you to learn the best, your experiences and background and is able to intertwine it with her knowledge and experience and brings about a whole new understanding that I have never experienced before with other music teachers.  What touches me the most and demonstrates that Mary really is concerned about the individual coming to a wonderful understanding about music is that she prays for each of her students before a lessons and ask God to help her communicate what that particular person needs to understand that day and how through music she can glorify our Lord and Savior.  I truly am blessed to find and work with Mary. She definitely brings about a whole new world in music.  – Bobbi W.

Ms. Mary Comtois has been my piano teacher for approximately 4 years. She is extremely knowledgeable but also has the unique ability to bring piano playing and theory to a level that is easily understood. Additionally, I feel that the lessons are personalized to fit my learning style. I truly appreciate her patience and encouragement.  – Carole D.

A very high recommendation is appropriate for Mary.  She has been given a very unique set of gifts and talents to offer to her students.  Her level of expertise in music and related fields gives her an edge in teaching.  She is very committed to helping others improve their techniques at a variety of levels. The manner in which Mary patiently imparts information is very nurturing.  Mary actively pursues cutting edge technology in all of the fields which she instructs and I have personally benefited immensely from her teaching.  – Barb C.

Mary Comtois has successfully taught our two sons piano for over three years.  Her talent and teaching method have helped them both enjoy and excel in their playing.  Both have participated in school and regional ensembles with Mary’s guidance.  Mary’s dedication to her students is evident and has influenced our sons’ commitment to continue to play piano.  – Judy N.

When I went searching for a music teacher, I was looking for someone very technically competent and intellectual.  While I certainly found that in Mary, I found much more that I didn’t expect.

Studying with Mary, there’s always a positive surprise.  For example, she has taught me things about relaxing to help me play that have also helped me relax as a person.  She teaches not only how to play but how to learn to play.

When I’m not sure where to go with a piece, Mary can always dig a little deeper and show me the way.  If you want to talk about technique, philosophy of music, history of music, or feeling the music, Mary can make it relevant.  Even when I am not as well-prepared for the lesson as I would like to be, Mary finds a way to make the time valuable and rewarding.

Mary has had a profound effect on my playing and on my life.  I know that, wherever my playing goes, Mary will always be right there “on the page” with me.  Thanks, Mary!  – Nancy W.

Thank you for the opportunity you gave me to have these lessons.  I would never have learned the piano as well as I do now without you.  Thank you for all that you do and for helping me in my musical skills.  All your advice was very helpful.  I know I’ll be able to come and ask you about anything if I need to.  God bless your music ministry and let His light shine through you and all you do! – Rosemary Q.