At HTS, we believe that personalized learning allows students to reach their full potential both inside and outside of the classroom. Students remain in the driver’s seat of their learning under the careful guidance of their teachers, who coach them toward each student’s unique goal and remain in alignment with how they learn best.
That’s where the Private Music Lesson Program comes in. The Private Music Lesson Program (PMLP) at HTS began in September 2017. Former Head of School Barry Hughes envisioned a music lesson program similar to his own experiences as a music student in England. Each PMLP student has a weekly private voice or piano lesson during or after the school day. They are brought to and from their lesson by Ms Promane, Private Music Lessons Coordinator, who collaborates with each student’s homeroom teacher to ensure that minimal disruption to learning occurs.
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The PMLP has been embraced by the HTS community for many reasons. It allows students to explore an instrument, often for the very first time, in a familiar and nurturing environment. PMLP students enjoy a personalized learning experience based on their goals, interests and learning styles as they begin to foster a lifelong skill. While some students prefer to explore Classical music, others are drawn to learning their favourite pop songs or music from their own cultures. All musicians from beginners to advanced are welcome. As a result of this customized learning model, PMLP students are eager to share their progress with the community and add even more music to the HTS hallways.
PMLP students are frequent contributors to Chapel services and special events at HTS. Students of the PMLP have completed exams through the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) and the Yamaha School of Music, among other institutions, earning an average score of First Class Honours (80% or above). 
One PMLP student in Grade 1 says about her piano lessons, “I like that piano is fun and it doesn’t go so fast. I can take my time. Ms Promane lets me take my time and she gives me tips on how to improve. I think I have gotten better at practicing because I practice at home a lot. I love it!”
Another Grade 2 student states, “I would recommend the PMLP because the music lessons are fun. You get enough time to actually understand the meaning of the song is and learn how to play the piano, and that’s fun to me. Music lessons at HTS are great for mind and body.”
If you are curious to learn more about the PMLP and hear the students’ progress from the year, join us at Kaleidoscope Arts Showcase. The evening will celebrate community, the challenges of learning and the joy of perseverance.
Check out more from our PMLP here!