Studio  P H I L O S O P H Y 

Teacher sitting under piano, looking up at keyboard
A supportive and creative learning environment

Encouraging curiosity and inspiring creative play leads to a more valuable learning experience. 

Why

Our lessons are adapted to each student’s learning style and needs. This must be a confidence-building process that makes learning delightfully playful, exciting and rewarding.

How

The development of strong, foundational musical  concepts

Laying a solid musical foundation provides students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to grow as musicians. 

Why

Clear musical goals and objectives are introduced and reinforced through lessons that are age-appropriate, interactive, and engaging.

How

Guiding students to become confident creative musicians 

Because the world needs more “independent, confident, and creative musicians!”

Why

A Holistic Approach

Lessons at the Cato Piano Studio nurture every student, supporting the development of the whole individual.

Students develop:

  • Emotional expression – using music to explore feelings and tell stories

  • Cognitive skills and problem-solving – thinking critically and creatively

  • Physical coordination – building fine motor skills and technique

  • Confidence and independence – learning to perform, explore, and express themselves

By nurturing the whole individual and supporting each student’s growth, our lessons create a foundation for independent, confident, and expressive musicians. 

As a teacher of music, she displays a warm, caring attitude to her students! Her music programme reflects a conscientious and highly organised approach to her work. She is interested in fostering a sincere appreciation of music and encourages her students to achieve to the best of their ability.
— Julia I, parent
A young girl with blonde hair playing an upright piano in a cozy room with yellow curtains and a Persian-style rug.
Carefully guiding children as they  explore their musical world

Being Bilingual

Being a bilingual studio brings an extra layer of flexibility, openness, and curiosity to the learning experience.
Lessons are conducted in French, English, or both, depending on the student.

  • Very young learners: English words are introduced gradually through songs and games.

  • Older students: Partial or full immersion is possible.

  • Teens and advanced learners: Explore fluency and deeper engagement in both languages.

Learning music and language side-by-side helps students build confidence, creativity, and curiosity in multiple ways.

Creative Projects

Part of the approach is encouraging children to use music and language in ways that excite them. Lessons vary depending on the student’s age and interests.

  • Re-interpreting familiar pieces

  • Creating their own musical stories

  • Adapting favorite rhymes

  • Combining music with drawing, writing or singing — all done in English

See some examples below! 

REX THE LION

Written, illustrated & narrated and with musical excerpts by Malika

Join Rex the Lion on an adventure as he becomes a vegetarian, learns to speak Chinese, and makes lots of new friends!

TIMCY WINCY SPIDER

Written, illustrated & narrated by Tessa

Timcy and Fincy, the French Incy-Wincy spiders, find some rather intriguing items to climb up!