My goal is to help my students maintain their enthusiasm while learning the fundamentals. Along the way I help them play music they enjoy, discover new music and take pride in their success.
I have been teaching piano and keyboards successfully in the Hamilton/Burlington area, both in my own studio and previously at Lakeshore Music, Burlington since 1982.
I had a successful three decade career as a jazz musician, band leader, music copyist, arranger, and producer in the Music and Special Events Industry in Toronto. The musicians I hired were drawn from the A level of Canadian Jazz Sidemen. Gigs in the major venues of Southern Ontario including: Copps Coliseum, Canada's Wonderland main stage, CN Tower, Metro Convention Centre, Massey Hall, CBC, and on and on... I've recently had published an original composition "Fado" available in "Canadian Contemporary Repertoire Series, level 2" This is published by Mayfair Music Publications. I'm currently involved in a new publishing project for Conservatory Canada.
During most of the past twenty years I have lead award winning and innovative teenage musical ensembles in the Community: The Canadian Youth Synthesizer Orchestra in the late 1980s, and currently the Westdale High School Senior Jazz Band.
Qualifications:
1. Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music, Boston, cum laude
2. ARCT, first class honours from Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto. I was the 2006 recipient of the Adelmo Melecci Scholarship, the Gordan Hallett Scholarship from the Royal Conservatory of Music Toronto and a Hamilton ORMTA Scholarship.
3. Registered Music Teacher (RMT)
Associations:
1. Member in good standing Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association (ORMTA) and Volunteer at the local chapter. http://www.hamiltonhaltonormta.org/
2. Conservatory Canada board of examiners, Classical and Contemporary Idioms.
3. Music committee member Rotary Burlington Music Festival
4. Aimtoronto, association of improvising musicians Toronto
From Workshop Tour 2010 of BC, Alberta, and Saskatoon
“Thanks for a great workshop today in Edmonton. As usual, practical methods/ideas/suggestions to enable me to prepare my students for contemporary exams” Dallas.
“I very much enjoyed your seminar...and the information you gave me totally helped me on my improv section on my test! Actually the adjudicator, now living in Vancouver said she saw you when you were in Vancouver and loved you.” Dawn
From June 2010 Examinations
Dear Kelly, Good morning!Just a note of positive feedback from our exam experience yesterday. David Story did an excellent job of putting the students atease. My students all came prepared with a list of topics for theirmini-lessons and David worked through each list thoroughly. He had the students doing a lot of keyboard examples with him and in the end playing duets with him. David also invited the parents that were present to attend the mini-lesson as well. This was a fantastic move because some of my parents were not happy when I requested that they have their child take a mini-lesson. All the parents commented whenthey left that in the end the mini-lesson was very valuable. I would recommend this to all examiners. Have a great day! Janet
(I've edited out the city)
From the Caledonia and District Music Teachers' Association 2009
Re: Workshop Presented by David Story
We asked David to speak to us on "Motivating Young Teens and Pupil Savers". His presentation was articulate, very knowledgeable and at times humorous. The wonderful enthusiasm David has about his work was a motivator to us as teachers and came through his many helpful ideas, i.e. encouraging our students to express their thoughts and opinions of the music being studied, which, in turn, helps them connect emotionally instead of just "pushing levers" as David put it. Outlining and re-enforcing good practise habits, playing with them and inspiring ear playing and most definitely encouraging other ensemble playing with parents and friends were also part of his workshop ideas. Our students today spend many hours in front of a computer and David's knowledge of ordering, researching and where to catch great performances is a wonderful motivator to help students become more involved in their lifetime study and enjoyment of music.
The members of our Association had a great time listening, learning and participating in the ensemble playing during your workshop, David. We would like to wish you every success in your career and hope to have you return soon with another topic.
Sincerely,
Erla Jerome, member
O.R.M.T.A./C.& D.M.T.A.
Westdale High School Letter
The following is a letter of reference for Mr. David Story. April 2003
Mr. Story has been the conductor of the Westdale Secondary School Senior Jazz Band since 1998. During this time, he has conducted rehearsals once or twice a week on a regular basis as a volunteer and has conducted this group at several concerts held at the school and in the community. Every year this band participates in the Mohawk College Jazz Festival, the Musicfest competitions, and it also participates annually at the Heritage, Classic Music Festival or Rhythm Festivals held in various locations throughout Canada and the United States. Under Mr. Story’s excellent direction, this band has won a gold medal each and every time it has competed. ( update: We earned a silver award at the Heritage Festival this spring in Montreal )This group could not be so successful without his excellent teaching and musicianship.
In addition to his superb teaching, David Story has written some new and innovative scores for this group and adjudicators in Canada and the United States have been impressed with his exciting new compositional techniques, which are so successful for the high school jazz musician. The Westdale students really admire him. He has an excellent rapport with his student musicians and these students work hard because they are so excited to produce some of David’s excellent ideas. He is an inspiration to his students who never miss early morning rehearsals.
David has been a colleague of mine at Westdale for five years. He is excellent to work with, is very easy-going, and is very supportive of the entire music program at Westdale. During this time he has helped out with fund raising events and school trips. He has acted as a chaperone on many overnight school trips. He has assisted us at our annual Music Awards Banquet. He has done all of this on a volunteer basis. He is truly a wonderful giving person who will be successful in any endeavor that he undertakes.
If there are further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above location.
Yours truly Mrs. Bonnie Quinn, Head of Music, Westdale Secondary School.
Former Students
Brent Bodrug: Producer/Songwriter
I have known David Story for over 15 years. I studied piano and synthesizer with David in my late teens and was a member of David's CYSO. I learned a multitude of valuable things under David's tutelage. His musical influence was certainly significant, but the lessons David taught about the business of being a professional musician have had the most impact on my career. David's ability to not only draw upon his wealth of musical knowledge, but to also teach with experience about the life of professional musician is very rare indeed.
Since studying with David, I have been fortunate enough to study under jazz great Oscar Peterson as his protégé, and was subsequently honoured by receiving the Toronto Arts Protégé Award in 1993. I completed a B.F.A. degree in music from York University in 1995. Following my graduation, I had a successful run as a touring performer, playing piano and keyboards in various venues across Canada. Presently, I head my own Production Company, The B-Group Music, and work full-time as a producer and songwriter developing artists from Canada and the US. I have had the pleasure of producing and writing with artists such as Alanis Morissette (Maverick), Jacksoul (BMG), Carlos Morgan (Juno Award Winner), Lacey Block and Janelle Belgrave (Velvet Empire-Universal), and Son (Warner), as well as a number of independent artists. I have co-written songs with such notable writers as Curtis Richardson (J. Lo, 3LW), Jeremy Ruzumna (Macy Gray, Rod Stewart), Dean McTaggart (Amanda Marshall), Stan Meissner (Celine Dion, Starship), Robbie Patterson (Snow, McMaster and James), and Rebecca Valadez (Janet Jackson). Additionally, my work has been featured in international publications such as Billboard Magazine.
Brent Bodrug
Producer/Writer
www.bgroupmusic.com
416.241.8977
Adam Coolsaet: Student
What David Story contributed to the jazz education community as well as my personal development helped me immensely to accomplish entering McGill's Jazz Performance program with a scholarship from the IAJE (international association of jazz educators).
Unfortunately for Westdale Secondary School, there has never been a jazz teacher on the faculty. Fortunately for Westdale Secondary School David would volunteer his Monday mornings (before school started) and lead, direct and even compose/arrange for our band. Not only would David share his expertise and experience to us young developing musicians, but David taught us about the "music world," the business, and he even got us a gig at one of his recitals, thus giving us experience.
Outside of school David helped me further my musical endeavors with his Latin project. His understanding of Latin Cuban music enlightened me to its complexity and uniqueness. I truly believe the experience I received from that particular Latin project lead to my employment with certain gigs I have now.
Dave you are a great asset to the greater Hamilton music community,
thanks,
Lawrence Lougheed: Pianist, Teacher, and Producer
In the ten years that I have known Dave Story, I have found him to be a talented musician, performer and teacher. He has excellent communication skills with students of all ages, and approaches his teaching with enthusiasm and creativity.
Dave has a fine understanding of the synergy of the physical and mental aspects required of the performing musician. He has been extremely helpful in guiding me into a more healthy and ergonomic approach to playing the keyboard.
I have no hesitation in recommending Dave Story as a piano teacher, composition/arranging coach, or guide for developing a healthy approach to playing.
Lawrence Lougheed
Pianist/Keyboardist
-------
Melodialworks Music
www.lawrencelougheed.com
Adam Scime Student:
As a long-term student of David Story, I have observed his many positive qualities that place him among the top of his profession. David has always encouraged me to improve in my skills as a musician through his outstanding teaching ability and his vast knowledge of the music industry. David has gone out of his way to help me better understand the world of music as a whole. Outside of playing the piano, I am involved in other instruments and other various activities. David has always been very willing to introduce me to different teachers, musicians, and respected people in the music industry to help me in my studies. Also, as a first year music student at Western University, David was crucial in assisting me in making my final decisions as to where I would continue my studies as a musician.
Along with David’s outstanding ability as a teacher and mentor, comes his level of professionalism. Throughout our years together, David would often give me the opportunity and pleasure of experiencing the music industry outside of our lessons. Whether playing a show or talking to other musicians, David has always shown the highest level of professionalism through his respect for himself as musician, his regard for the industry, and his respect for other people. When I was a young pianist, searching for the right teacher was difficult. Almost immediately after meeting David, it was clear that he was an excellent choice due to his ability to make one feel comfortable and willing to learn during a lesson. David has never been impatient or discouraging during our time together. However, David does encourage one to strive to be a better player and general musician. My abilities as a musician are directly related to David’s influence and expertise in teaching.
As a growing musician, David has been the most helpful, enlightening, and friendly teacher one could hope for. I would recommend David as a teacher to anyone who is seeking the highest in professionalism, teaching ability, knowledge, skill, and altruism.
Teri Parker, Student
I had just completed my grade. 10 RCM diploma when I came to David Story to learn jazz piano. Dave was my piano teacher from September 2003-August 2004, and mainly helped me to prepare for my University of Toronto audition for jazz piano. With the little time we had Dave managed to show me what I needed to do to become a good jazz musician, often playing me recordings, playing for me and showing me a variety of jazz techniques. As I was also preparing for a few classical auditions Dave also helped me with my grade. 10 songs as well as technique beyond what I had previously learned. His knowledge of all types of music is extensive and is constantly learning new and interesting things to teach. He taught me much about music history, the modem music scene, musicians to listen to, how to improvise, how to stay relaxed when playing and many other practical skills.
It is not only the one hour a week that Dave spends with me that has helped me, it is also the other time he invested; sending me e-mails with useful we sites, lending me books and C-D' s, organizing time for me to meet with other musicians, inviting me to come see him play and sending me midi tracks of songs I am working on. But what I liked most about Dave is his personality. He is patient, relaxed, fun and always seems to be in a good mood. It is such a positive learning atmosphere that you look forward to lessons and practicing. Dave showed his support for me by coming to my audition downtown Toronto and also took the time to find musicians to play with me, creating a very well organized and prepared audition.
The auditions went well and I have a new wealth of knowledge. Currently I am at University of Toronto studying jazz piano.
I highly recommend Dave as a teacher.
January 20th. 2005
Stefanie Colilli, B. Mus., Student
The following is a reference letter regarding David Story:
I currently hold a grade 9 RCM examination certificate in piano, and I am working on my ARCT examination in voice. I began studying with David this year because I wanted to learn jazz piano for fun, and I needed to have the RCM theory pre-requisites in order to complete my ARCT in voice. David was a wonderful teacher in both aspects because he is able to design a lesson plan that accommodates your learning style and needs.
He is very patient, extremely knowledgeable, and very enthusiastic about what he teaches. I would always look forward to lessons and practising at home because we would work in such an encouraging learning environment.
He also offers instruction outside of the classroom setting. For example, he gives you links to important websites to help enrich your learning and he recommends important recordings to listen to. When teaching me jazz piano, he would not only show me the techniques of certain jazz genres, but he was also able to integrate the history of jazz genres and performers into the lesson. When teaching me grade 4 counterpoint, David prepared me extremely well. For example, he would give me various worksheets to finish in class and offered recordings for me to listen to so that I would understand the musical characteristics of the baroque/classical genre. His teaching resulted in me achieving a first class honours with distinction mark on my Grade 4-counterpoint exam.
I was also given the chance to substitute teach for David while he was examining this past June. Many of his students were preparing for RCM examinations, and I was amazed at how prepared they were. The attention to detail, precision, and musicality was highly evident.
In conclusion, I highly recommend David as a teacher. His style and level of teaching will keep you interested, enthusiastic, and most importantly, prepared.
August 15th, 2007
Hobbies:
Electronic Music/New Music
Poetry
Philosophy and Intellectual history
Student Successes:
Heritage Festival New York City 2009
Gold rating Westdale Senior Jazz Band. Six musicians from the 5000+ in attendence were awarded outstanding citations for their performances. Two of the six musicians were from our group.
Our 2008 First class honours list is out
Christian Boin, the Denis and Patricia Frehlich, national scholarship winner, First Class Honours with Distinction.
Ben Kukhta, medal winner for Ontario, First Class Honours with Distinction.
Thersa Benniger, twice in one year, 3 in a row
Olivia, Guilia, and Chiara Digiuseppe, they have made the roll every year.
Meghan Griffths, First exam a homerun.
Christopher Harrison, has made the roll every year.
Creg Mclean, has made the roll every year.
Jeff Mclean, First exam a homerun.
David Nash, has made the roll every year.
Hayley Roscoe, has made the roll every year.
David Whiteside, hit three base hit on his first jazz exam.
Well done everyone!
See my testimonials for more inf.
Strengths:
Patience, Knowledge, Enthusiasm and Experience
Weaknesses:
Home cooked Spanish Food
Opera
Synthesizers
Other Info:
Education
1972 summer music camp in Kirkland Lake ON. Here as a youngster I met my first mentor Harry Forbes, composer, guitarist and synthesist. Here I was introduced to the ARP 2600 synthesizer! Harry and I have been actively talking music together ever since.
1973 summer music camp in Collingwood ON directed by the popular Canadian Rock Band Lighthouse: Ten days of rock heaven. Here I met another future mentor Bill King, jazz pianist and publisher of Jazz Report Magazine and producer of the Beaches Jazz Festival who introduced me to rock piano styles.
1982 Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA Bachelor of Music, Jazz Composition and Arranging Graduated Cum Laude. My music teachers included: Ray Santisi, Herb Pomeroy, Andy Jaffe, and Michael Gibbs.
1981-1984 Private Studies Boston and Hamilton in counterpoint and composition the late Dr. Hugo Norden, Professor Emeritus Boston Conservatory and Dr. Hugh Hartwell, The School of Art, Drama, and Music, McMaster University.
2002 Free Jazz studies with Victor Bateman in Toronto, which lead to performances with Glen Hall and redShift, a creative free jazz performing unit in Toronto, and other free jazz performances in Toronto with Jason Hammer, Michael Morse, Alan Molnar, and others.
2002-2007 Classical piano and music education studies with Leon Karan. Additional music education, theory and music history studies with Francine McIsaac and Dr. Janet Lopinski.
2007 to present Theory with Francine McIsaac
2009 to present Piano teaching methodology with Donald Himes
Employment
2007-2010 Examiner Conservatory Canada
1982-2010 Piano Teacher, Burlington/Dundas/Oakville: My students range from young beginners to advanced university students and other piano teachers.
1998-2005 now retired, Part-time Entertainment Consultant, Elwood Saracuse Productions: I was responsible for account management and production of corporate shows in the Toronto area as a musician, producer, and agent. Our clients included Blue Chip Canadian and American firms. I had the opportunity to work with many household name entertainers from Canada and the USA.
1982-1988 Electronic Music Consultant: I worked with many school boards and religious organizations in the mid 1980’s implementing electronic keyboards and synthesizers into school music programs and worship services. This included classroom work, teacher training, and manual writing. School boards included Niagara, Hamilton, Halton, Peel, Durham, McMaster University Continuing Education Department, and the Salvation Army.
1983-1998 Piano Teacher, Lakeshore Music, Burlington
1974-2007 Retired, Professional musician, Music Copyist, Arranger, and Producer
Some Musical Highlights of my Journeyman career:
Forming a jazz quartet and hiring legends: the late saxophonist D.T. Thompson, bassist Jack McFadden, and the late drummer Bill Graham. Deep swing, simple chords, the primacy of groove, and classic jazz repertoire. Mediterràneo: my Latin jazz quartet with Louis Mario, Paco Luviano, Mark Sepic, Paul DeLong and many others. Swing music with The Jazz Extension Swing Band: Myrna Van Weerdenburg on vocals, Michael Morse on bass, David Story on piano, Lenny Van Bruggen on drums and Nick Van Weerdenburg, the leader, on clarinet and sax. I’m now an active member with the Poetiks, a new music trio consisting of Nancy Bullis poet, Michael Morse bass, and myself on piano and synthesizer. We perform in poetry and improvised music events in Toronto and surrounding environs. I occasionally participate in AIMT activities in Toronto.
Performing with Nelson Ned, a Brazilian crooner, at Canada's Wonderland in front of thousands of screaming women, and hilarious performances with The Platters.
Arranging some music for the opening Massey Hall concert of the Toronto Pops Orchestra.
Arranging some music for the orchestra during the Lech Walesa’s visit to Canada at Copps Coliseum.
Performing in a two-piano jazz quartet with the McMaster University Orchestra in performances of Bach’s Dm Keyboard Concerto.
Music copying for the CBC, NBC, Miss America Pageant, the Canadian Music Centre, and numerous Canadian and American composers of note.
Jazz Duo with New Yorker Richard Greenburg, at Cravings after-hours club, Perth, Western Australia
Jazz Duo with "Eddie B,” Tinkers Jazz Club, Boston. We were a comedic "salt and pepper act" (I was the salt) opening jazz act, six nights a week, 12 shows for Betty Carter, Chris Connor, Woody Shaw, Ester Philips and others. Accompanying the late Mr. Aso, Japanese tenor in Boston. This was my introduction to Opera.
Performances of my orchestral compositions including "Fantasia" with the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra under the direction of Glenn Mallory and the Canadian Youth Synthesizer Orchestra. As Fats Waller shouted out during a particularly perfect musical moment, “Shoot me while I’m happy!”
“On the road” with the Canadian Youth Synthesizer Orchestra and the Westdale Senior Jazz Band: NYC, Boston, San Francisco, Montreal, Quebec City, Chicago and more.
