Meet
Marina
After completing my Bachelor of Music Education degree with Honours from Osijek University, Croatia, I worked as a music teacher at Croatian school board for twelve years teaching students grade 4 to grade 8 and conducting school choirs.
I also sang alto in the renowned Ivan Goran Kovacic Choir and participated in performances of famous choral works throughout Europe.
Aside from teaching, I have worked part time as an Associate Director for Croatian RadioTelevision while live broadcasting classical music concerts and sound editing documentary films.
Since moving to Canada, I've been conducting piano, theory, and Music for Young Children (MYC) group classes across several music schools in the GTA. In addition to level 1 Orff Teacher Training and Dalcroze eurhythmics training from The Royal Conservatory of Music, I am also a RCM Certified Elementary and Intermediate Specialist in piano and music theory.
My duties as an Educational Assistant in Durham Catholic District School Board include supporting students with special needs develop their social skills and emotional wellbeing through musical games, playing instruments and singing songs.
As of 2023, I became an RCM accredited teacher for Smart Start, an early childhood music program. During my leisure time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, listening to music, attending rock and classical music concerts and traveling.
Students of all ages and abilities are welcome!
Lesson
Plans
Music curriculum is based on the Faber Piano Adventures method and The Royal Conservatory of Music exam syllabus. I usually start with Piano Adventures as it promotes good technique and musical artistry from the very beginning. Lessons are tailored to each student's unique learning needs. As an RCM certified piano and theory teacher, I encourage students to pursue The Royal Conservatory certification program. It is recognized globally as a comprehensive and effective system of music study and assessment.
Learn more about RCM certificate program!
My students range from beginners up to RCM level 10. Those with prior music learning experience are welcome. Preparations for piano and music theory exams, recitals, competitions and other performances are included.
In person lessons are offered in my home piano studio with a comfortable waiting room for parents to sit and listen to their child play. Piano lessons are scheduled once per week. Beginners start with 30 minutes and increase duration as they progress. First introductory lesson is free of charge with no registration fee. Students are encouraged to commit to at least one year of piano lessons to accomplish tangible progress.
Smart
Start
The Royal Conservatory, a leading institution in music education for over 130 years is excited to launch Smart Start, a new and transformative early childhood music program.
This fun and engaging program was created by the RCM's Neuroscience Research Centre in collaboration with expert music educators.
Tailored specifically to the developmental stages for children 0-3, the program's curriculum consists of age targeted, weekly classes delivered by a certified Smart Start teacher.
0-1 years: Begin making lifelong connections with music and developing the foundations for basic cognitive skills through fun parent-child activities.
1-2 years: Expand your child's musical skills through movement, and further develop cognitive skills in fun and engaging way.
2-3 years: Develop your child musical abilities through more independent activities and expand cognitive skills through creativity and self awareness.
3-4 years: Singing, dancing, playing games-children adore this active, play-based learning environment.
Detailed curriculum: https://www.smartstartprogram.org/page/classes
Smart Start group music class registration for the 2nd semester in 2025
14 classes:
Saturdays
3-year olds (born in 2021), 9:30am - 10:15am
2-year olds (born in 2022), 10:30am - 11:15am
1-year olds (born in 2023), 11:30am - 12:15pm
2nd semester from Jan 25 - May 31.
No class on Family Day weekend, March Break, Easter and Victoria Day
My
Students
Testimonials
Darren
I had the privilege of learning from Marina from 2010, when I first began my piano journey, until 2018 when I successfully completed my Grade 10 Piano exam under the Royal Conservatory of Music. Marina's exceptional expertise, unwavering dedication, and genuine care for her students make her an outstanding teacher. She skillfully imparts her knowledge in both the practical and theoretical aspects of music education, ensuring her students' success and growth. I wholeheartedly recommend Marina for anyone seeking music lessons. Thank you, Marina, for being an extraordinary teacher and mentor.
Anastasia
Since 2016, Marina Marakovic has been a wonderful piano teacher and mentor to myself and my brother. Despite our busy schedule of school and sports, Marina welcomed us with open arms and ensured that we received the most convenient piano schedule. My success in piano can be credited to Marina's teaching style; she provided constructive criticism to better my technique, helped me develop discipline to build effective practice habits, and most importantly, motivated me which intensified my passion for piano. A quality that sets Marina apart is her ability to cater to anyone's learning style. Her flexibility with each individual guarantees success and passion for music, which is the reason why she is so admired by all of her students. If there is anyone that can teach piano and music theory effectively, it's Marina!
Jeshurun
Marina is not only an exceptional piano teacher but also a remarkably patient instructor. She taught me piano for just over 7 years, during which I completed the level 10 RCM piano examinations. Marina goes above and beyond by providing invaluable practice tips and advice, ensuring that I stay on the right track between lessons. Each week, I look forward to our classes, confident that I'm under the guidance of an experienced teacher who consistently provides new insights to enhance my piano skills. Marina's dedicated support has been instrumental in my growth as a pianist. I highly suggest Marina to anyone looking for a piano teacher.
Music
Theory
Theory is an essential aspect of learning any musical instrument.
The RCM theory curriculum provides an effective & well sequenced path for developing musical understanding and literacy.
As a certified elementary and intermediate music theory specialist, I offer individual and group theory lessons to prepare students for RCM theory exams.
The majority of my theory students achieved over 90% on their theory exams (level 5-8).
Lessons are offered weekly and are 60 minutes long. Small groups, up to 5 students.
Book
Now
Call in or send me an email to embark on your musical journey!
marinamarakovic@gmail.com
416-258-3518
Located in Whitby, Ontario
Frequently
Asked Questions
Is it too late for me to learn the piano?
No! Learning the piano is a lifelong process. A hallmark of the best pianists is that they never stop learning. No matter what stage of life you’re in, you can enjoy the fulfillment of practicing an instrument and playing music.
How long does it take to learn the piano?
This depends on the age of a student and time invested in practice. It typically takes about one year with 30 minutes daily practice to learn piano at the beginner level. Even at this level students can enjoy playing many different pieces of music.
Do I need to buy my own piano?
Having a piano at home to practice is a must. For the beginning, a preowned piano can be purchased or rented from a music store. Digital piano is also an option.
What is taught at my piano lessons?
Piano teachers promote lifelong love for music by teaching musicianship foundations such as piano technique, ear and memory training, rhythm and note reading. Students develop skills to play beautiful pieces by famous classical composers or any other musical genre.
Will my child learn to read music in Smart Start?
Smart Start™ classes provide age-appropriate instruction in music reading through games and play-based learning activities. The Smart Start™ curriculum is designed to align with and feed into the RCM Celebrate Theory Program, which begins at age 7.
Will my child learn to play an instrument in Smart Start?
Children in Smart Start™ develop fine motor control, rhythm, creativity and sophisticated musical understandings through their exploration of a wide variety of percussion and Orff instruments. This learning is wonderful preparation for lessons on a specific instrument later on.