“Mike is unquestionably one of the best instructors in North America. And I have worked with a lot of people. We are very lucky to have him here on Vancouver Island.”
Michael Drislane has studied the practices of legendary performers and composers and is able to take both kids and adults from a beginner level to the most demanding works in piano literature.
Piano Teaching Method
Michael avoids piano methods that create ‘cookie-cutter’ performances and instead will meet you as an individual. He will customize your piano lessons with music you like, while also developing your technique. Using humour and metaphor, he will break down complex ideas into ‘ah-ha’ moments.
Michael can guide you through the Victoria Conservatory exams from Grade one through to your ARCT and beyond. Michael teaches students who wish to enrich their education as well as those who pursue music professionally.
Piano Lessons for Kids
All kids are different. Therefore, Michael hand-crafts piano lessons to each child’s ability and tastes. Many composers such as Bach and Mozart created substantial elementary music for children and Michael pulls heavily on these quality works. Children and their parents respond well to these pieces and favour them over the often more plain songs found in standard methods.
Piano Lessons for Adults
Michael is a master pianist with a rich background in performance and composition. Having played with the opera and ballet, as well as chamber groups and symphonies, Michael brings a range of experiences to your piano lessons. He can guide you from a beginner level through your professional designation, and can even guide you in advanced performance. Michael treats every piano lesson like a master class.
“Michael will go far beyond teaching you the notes–he will teach you how the great composers thought. You will leave your piano lessons loving music.”
Education and Training
M.Mus (Master of Music) – UBC
B.Mus (Piano Performance) – UVic
AVCM – Victoria Conservatory of Music
Michael has a Masters degree in Piano Performance from UBC. He studied under Dr. Robin Wood, Cary Chow, and Dr. Sara Buechner. He has taken master classes with Jane Coop and Rena Sharon. Michael has also taken advanced harpsichord studies under Dr Doreen Oke.
In addition to the piano, Michael studied viola under Jaroslav Karlovsky and Sydney Humphreys. Playing a string instrument at an advanced level has broadened Michael’s approach to music and enables him to teach his students to engage with ensembles and orchestras.
One of Michael’s main interests is composing. Having studied under Stephen Brown and David Clenman, Michael’s compositions have been performed as part of Canada Music Week and presented in concert by the Sidney Classical Orchestra. See his music page for examples of performances and compositions. For those students who wish to compose or improvise on the piano, Michael is an excellent guide.
“Michael is a brilliant musician, teacher and friend. We are very lucky to have him in town.”
Contact Michael Drislane
Michael teaches out of the Victoria Conservatory of Music located in downtown Victoria. Please contact Michael Drislane by phone or email for all your questions about music lessons.
“I have yet to encounter a man more respectful and incredibly gifted, both musically and orally than Michael Drislane.”