Piano Lessons
in Ottawa, ON
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Personalized instruction, performance-based program
We offer specialized training for auditions, festivals, competitions, and RCM exams.
Nurturing passion, building skills
Dr. Furtado Piano Studio, established in 2022, is dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of music while guiding each student toward their individual musical goals. With personalized instruction and a supportive, encouraging environment, students are empowered to grow with confidence and reach their full potential.
As a recognized pedagogue, inducted into the Steinway Hall of Fame in 2025, Dr. Furtado is among a very select group of educators in North America to receive this distinction. The Hall of Fame honors outstanding piano teachers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to excellence in music education and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of pianists.
Lessons are held weekly on a Steinway-designed Boston grand piano, offering students a refined and expressive playing experience. To celebrate progress and build performance confidence, regular recitals are hosted at 10,000 Hours Studios, featuring a remarkable Steinway Model B grand piano.
Teaching Philosophy
My goal is to help students feel confident learning new music by building a healthy technique and a solid understanding of theory. Lessons follow a structured approach that includes coordinated movement, sight-reading, and music fundamentals, all tailored to each student’s needs. Students are supported in preparing for RCM exams, competitions, or simply progressing to a high level.
Beyond technique, I encourage creativity and musical expression. By exploring composers’ intentions and the historical background of each piece, students develop a deeper understanding of the music they play. This balance of discipline and creativity helps them grow into expressive, well-rounded musicians.
Studio Admission
Prospective students may audition/interview to determine if the studio is the right fit. Successful students are eager to learn, have strong listening skills, and demonstrate discipline. Parental support and involvement play a crucial role in a student’s progress and success.
Enrollment is based on a per-term structure, but new students may join at any point throughout the year. Tuition will be prorated for students starting mid-term.
Details regarding tuition, policies, and expectations will be discussed during an in-person or virtual meeting following the student assessment.
Please note that books, examinations, festivals, studio classes, theory lessons, recital fees and other costs are not included in the tuition.
Note that high school students taking the RCM Levels 7 and 8 exams may be awarded music credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Biography
Dr. Daniel Furtado is a versatile and passionate pianist known for his expressive artistry and dedication to music education. Based in Ottawa, he is a 2024 Steinway Top Teacher Award recipient and a 2025 inductee into the Steinway & Sons Music Teacher Hall of Fame, honors recognizing his excellence in piano pedagogy and contribution to the musical community.
Dr. Furtado holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of British Columbia (Canada), a Master of Music and Professional Performance Certificate from Lynn University (USA), and a Bachelor of Music from São Paulo State University (Brazil).
His principal mentors include Terence Dawson, Sara Davis Buechner, Roberta Rust, Giselle Brodsky, André Rangel, and Marisa Lacorte, with additional studies under Jane Coop, Robert Silverman, Fany Solter, Michael Uhde, Lisa Leonard, Philip Evans, and Jon Robertson. His early musical training was guided by Olga Tufik, Ivanildo Guilherme, and Doris Azevedo. He continues to deepen his understanding of the Taubman Approach under the guidance of Robert Dvorkin, a master teacher with the Golandsky Institute (New York, USA / Canada).
Among his awards and honors, Dr. Furtado has earned first prizes in the Ars Flores Concerto Competition (USA), Souza Lima and Maria Teresa Madeira Competitions (Brazil), and the NSAL Piano Competition – Boca Raton Chapter (USA). He has also received the Mildred Johnson Scholarship in Music (Canada) for outstanding artistic and academic achievement.
With more than fifteen years of teaching experience, Dr. Furtado has taught at the University of British Columbia, Barry University, Saint Andrews School, and the Ottawa Montessori School. In Ottawa, he leads a thriving private studio where students of all ages build strong technique, musical understanding, and confidence. His students regularly participate in festivals and competitions across the National Capital Region, often earning top awards and special recognition.
Dr. Furtado is a Royal Conservatory of Music Certified Teacher (Advanced Specialist) and an active member of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association and the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations. Through his teaching, he continues to foster excellence, artistry, and a lifelong love of music in his students.
What Students and Parents Say
The success of Dr. Furtado’s teaching is best reflected in the words of his students and their families.
“Dr. Furtado’s guidance transformed my daughter's playing — she now performs confidently and actually enjoys practicing.”
— Parent of RCM Level 9 student
“Lessons with Dr. Furtado are the highlight of my week. His patience and passion make every class inspiring.”
— Adult student, Ottawa
“Our son has thrived under Dr. Furtado’s teaching, recently winning first place at a local festival.”
— Parent of RCM Level 7 student
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