McAuley

Michael McAuley is Music Director for the Church of St. Columba by-the-Lake in Pointe-Claire and offers piano and organ lessons as well as vocal coaching to students of all ages and abilities. He aims to foster a love of music and personal expression in each person by giving them the skills to become independent learners.

As Music Director at St. Columba, Michael enjoys preparing music for weekly Sunday morning services as an accompanist and soloist on piano and organ, directing the choir, and organizing the St. Columba Concert Series. He studied music at McGill University where he earned a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance, and a Licentiate in Singing. His other areas of music study have been the organ, choral conducting and pedagogy. He sang professionally for many years with the choruses of L’Opéra de Montréal and L’Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. He is a member of the Quebec Music Teachers’ Association and is affiliated with the Royal Conservatory of Music.

With over 30 years of teaching experience, Michael’s students range from people who enjoy playing simply for themselves to students who pursue goals such as piano exams, festivals, competitions and auditions for college. His teaching has a strong classical foundation but delves into other styles, depending on the needs and interests of each person. Students meet to perform for each other and to enjoy music appreciation sessions at various times during the year. A typical lesson involves working on varied repertoire while developing musical expression and physical ease at the piano.

Some other areas of focus during lessons are:

• learning rudiments of music theory and harmony
• developing listening skills through ear-training
• improving note-reading and rhythm skills,
• learning basic music history
• learning how to collaborate musically by playing duets

Private piano lessons are offered to people of all ages, from beginner to advanced at the St. Columba Music Centre.