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Talent Can Be Taught music programs focus on the student and prioritize transformational change for long-term success. From beginner to advanced musician, we have a program for you! Read More Here
PROGRAMS
The distinctive feature of music training with Talent Canada Music Academy is our commitment to student success. As a result:
- The Royal Conservatory of Music has recognized TCMA as their “Top Achievers in Canada”.
- TCMA students have been awarded RCM Gold Medals every year since 2018 with the highest mark in their province.
- More than half of all TCMA students earn RCM First Class Honours “With Distinction” with marks of 90% or higher.
- The unique TCMA system featuring group, individual, and online instruction methods guarantees success for all students.
SERVICE AREAS
The Greater Toronto Area and Surrounding Areas
"I returned to studying piano 18 months ago after a nine year break. I looked at multiple studios and teachers in the area and ultimately decided to join Talent CAN Be Taught after speaking with Steve. Four months after returning I completed my Grade 4 RCM practical exam and achieved a mark of 90% followed by the Grade 5 exam with 86%. The TCBT program offered me opportunities not only in performing and continuing to study now at the Intermediate level, but also to share my love of music through joining as an admin assistant for the studio as well as participating in the exciting teacher apprentice program. "
Stephen Riches, Principal
Stephen is an experienced teacher, conductor, pianist, accompanist, vocal coach, adjudicator, arranger, and composer. He is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers, holding Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of Toronto, and an ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory.
In 1977, he was winner of Canada’s elite Dr. Heinz Unger Conducting Competition. This is a talent that he had been encouraged to develop during the years studying with renowned Canadian pianist and composer, Clifford Poole.
Over the years, Stephen has performed both as a piano soloist and conductor with a number of community orchestras, as well as for numerous special charitable events. He is also frequently in demand as a piano accompanist for concerts, festivals and auditions, in addition to which he has conducted many Broadway shows and operettas. In 1993, he was Founding Music Director and Conductor of the Pickering Philharmonic Orchestra, and later the Festival Players Philharmonic Society, providing memorable concerts in local Durham communities for many years.
Experience
Stephen’s experience in education extends to teaching in both the private and public school systems, where for many years he has directed bands, choirs and orchestras in both elementary and secondary school panels.
He has also served as an adjudicator for music festivals, and has been a guest presenter of professional activity day music workshops for secondary school teachers.
He continues to regularly present seminars and workshops on a variety of topics relating especially to music and education.
Books
In recent years, he has also been providing leadership in Christian music ministries, especially working with contemporary praise and worship teams. And now, adding author to his long list of credits with "Talent CAN Be Taught," Stephen implements the successful strategies from his book to the great benefit of his students.
