Proudly serving the Vancouver Area, Burnaby, Richmond, and Surrey
RCM Piano & Theory Lessons
Inspiring Musical Excellence Across Cultures and Generations
patient, personalized, & rooted in passion
Piano Institute For All Ages & Level
With over 35 years of international teaching experience, Shantha Gunasekera is a passionate and highly qualified piano and theory instructor based in Vancouver, BC. Originally from Sri Lanka and trained at the prestigious St. Petersburg Institute of Culture in Russia, Shantha brings a world-class music education and a culturally rich perspective to every lesson.
Whether you’re a beginner, preparing for advanced diploma exams (RCM, ABRSM, BCCM), or reigniting a lifelong love for music, Shantha offers personalized, engaging, and high-quality instruction tailored to every student’s unique needs and goals.
We offer flexible lesson options to suit your needs. Join us at our welcoming home studio in Vancouver, or enjoy the convenience of in-home lessons—we’re happy to come to you! We proudly serve the Vancouver area, including Burnaby, Richmond, and Surrey. Whether at our studio or in your home, you’ll receive the same high-quality, personalized instruction.
Lessons Available In studio or brought to your home
Piano Lessons
For All Level
01.
Beginner
For those just starting their musical journey, Shantha offers a warm and encouraging environment where students learn the fundamentals of piano playing, rhythm, and music reading. Lessons are fun, engaging, and designed to build confidence while developing a solid technical foundation.
02.
Intermediate
Intermediate students build on their skills with more complex repertoire, technique development, and expressive playing. Shantha introduces music theory and performance opportunities to deepen understanding and prepare students for exams or personal goals.
03.
Advanced
Advanced students benefit from Shantha’s deep expertise in piano pedagogy, performance, and exam preparation. Whether pursuing diplomas, competitions, or refining artistry, expert-level lessons are highly individualized, challenging, and inspiring—perfect for dedicated musicians aiming for excellence.
Relaxed & Friendly
What We Offer
Exam Preparation
Proven success in RCM, ABRSM, and BCCM examinations. In Piano, theory Designations –
- Music Theory Level 1-8,
- Harmony Level 9, 10, and ARCT
- History Level 9,10 and ARCT
- ARCT Analysis
- Pedagogy: Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced)
Piano & Theory Lessons
Master Classes offered for all levels
All levels welcome, from beginner to diploma, graduate and post graduate
Festival & Recital Training
Develop performance confidence and stage presence
Multilingual Instruction
Lessons available in English, Sinhala, Russian, and Bangla
Flexible Based on your needs
Teaching Method
My teaching method emphasize proficient musical memory, fluent music reading, solid technique, overall musicality, and expressive interpretation based on mindful analysis. This involves the following factors
01. Technique
Students are trained in proper technique, this includes posture, hand position, arm weight, finger placement to achieve a powerful orchestral sound.
02. Method
A method which involves using the entire body, including the feet, back and arms to transfer power to the fingertips
03. Music Notation
Focus on developing the ability to read music notation fluently and accurately
04. Rhythm, Dynamics, & Expression
Focus on musicality beyond technical proficiency, a method emphasizes developing a strong sense of musicality including rhythm, dynamics and expression.
05. Expressiveness
Students are taught and encouraged to interpret music with artistry and expressiveness, drawing on their understanding of the piece and composer’s intentions.
06. Memorization
Students are encouraged to memorize pieces thoroughly, developing a strong musical memory.
07. Legato
Teach a method emphasizes legato (smooth) playing, often referred to as “singing on the piano, where phrases are played in a flowing manner
08. Tone Awareness
A method which develops to hear oneself ‘s while playing, develop a strong sense of tone and how to manipulate it through the piano and encourage students to develop their musical understanding and express themselves through music.
Testimonial
What Our Students Say About Us
We originally chose Shantha due to her extensive credentials such as a PHD in Ethno-musicology from Russia, other degrees and being a Royal Conservatory of Music Advanced specialist and adjudicator for this and other music programs.
She has led my son, Vincent, to achieve very high exam results of First-class honours with distinction.
Shantha is meticulous in teaching all the finer points for reaching a virtuoso performance. Very caring and dedicated, regimented with details and a good sense of humour.
I believe it is crucial in an artistic subject to have a teacher who explains concepts concisely, and with no room for misinterpretation. Under Ms Shantha’s tutelag, I attained high marks in ABRSM UK Paino and Voice exams and allow me to successfully achieve a BA in Music Performance for British University.I owe these and many other accomplishments in my musical career to Ms Shantha ‘s expertise, wisdom and guidance.
Load More
Last year I moved to Switzerland for a Master’s studies in physics. Even though the university is already challenging, I still choose to learn piano with Shantha via online classes because I already make steady progress.
Her encouragement helps me build my confidence in piano, and leaves positive impacts on my physics studies as well.
As a teacher Ms Shantha is very meticulous person. She would try to perfect every aspect of my playing, from the fingering to the detailed articulation of phrase structures. Her tendency is to drive anyone to their full potential.
Her knowledge of harmony, music theory, orchestral instruments and technical knowledge in general was tremendously helpful when she preparing me for the music exams.
Her on the spot knowledge of music history, working figured bass, orchestral instruments ranges, musical direction terms (just to name few) was more useful than any reference book.
Her method of teaching have instilled within me the drive to always try new and harder pieces and have motivated me to always strive to achieve my full potential.
Hear what you See, See what you Hear
Shantha believes that music is more than just notes—it’s a journey of self-expression, confidence, and joy. Her philosophy, “The Art of Teaching Thyself,” empowers each student to take ownership of their learning while being gently guided by a patient and knowledgeable mentor.
Book a Lesson Today
Join a welcoming and inspiring studio where your musical potential can truly shine.
Contact Shantha to schedule your first lesson and begin your journey in music!