​Joanne Barker, UMTC Elite Educator, UMTC Certified Teacher, Piano Teacher, Studio Owner, Composer, Program Creator and International Best Selling Author has developed a Hybrid Lesson System that combines weekly Group Lessons with "Solo" Lessons.
"I believe that Hybrid Piano Lessons offer my students so much more than a weekly 30 minute private lesson. Weekly group classes allow us to learn and explore new concepts in a small group setting. "Solo" lessons provide time to focus on areas that are needing more attention and music that interests the individual student."
​​Joanne has composed or arranged almost all of the student lesson materials used in her studio. She is able to focus on her students needs and create level specific pieces to assist her students as they develop as musicians.

She has composed over 400 pieces for use by her students, many of which have become favourites of her students. Composing is a part of lessons in Joanne`s classes. Students love to work on their own original works!
​
​"Music is a joy to me! I love passing on my passion for music making to my students.  It is my goal to give my students the tools they need so they can learn new music on their own and carry the love of playing with them throughout their lives.” ​
Joanne is a firm believer in Never Ending Professional Development. In 2022, she has attended weekly UMT Coaching Calls. She was invited to be the Guest Coach in May and June 2022, where she shared her ideas on how to teach composition and how to use FACE-GBD to name the notes.

On June 2022, she enrolled in the "Whole Body Learning Course" offer by Paul Myatt, from "Piano Teaching Success" in Australia. She also attended a special group coaching session hosted by Sage Levine, founder of "Women Rocking Business". 

Joanne is a proud 5 time International Best Selling Author in "The Power of Why, Musicians Series".

In 2021, Joanne` s submitted chapters for 5 books in the "Power of Why Musicians" Series.
​
​"The Power of Why: Why 21 Musicians Created a Program".  In the book, Joanne shares why she created her program. She shares the struggles, frustrations and motivation that inspired her along the way.

In June 2021, the second book in series was released; "The Power of Why: Why 23 Musicians Crafted a Course". In her chapter, Joanne describes the challenges that she faced as she created her piano course.

The third in the "Power of Why" Series was released in August 2021; " Why 25 Musicians Composed a Legacy".  In this chapter Joanne explains why she began composing.

In the fourth book in the series, "Why 27 Musicians Captured the Lead", she reflects on what helped her capture the lead in different aspects of her life.

The fifth book in the series; "Why 29 Musicians Climbed to Superstar", gave Joanne the opportunity to reflect on how her dreams of being a Superstar music teacher changed as she faced obstacles and why she is now sharing her creativity with the world!

"Becoming an author was not something I ever imagined, let alone a multiple time Best Selling Author! I am honoured to have been invited to submit a chapter for each of these books and beyond humbled to have been chosen to participate. Taking the time to reflect on what I have done only inspires me to work harder and create more. There is so much more yet to do!" 

Joanne was a Panelist for the 12 week " Women of Wisdom Mastermind" from October to December 2020.  She was an invited speaker at four Music Summits in 2021 -  The Global Music Teacher Summit, The Global Healing Power of Music Summit, The Global Piano Teachers Summit and The Global Music Composers Summit. She was invited to share her knowledge on many aspects of piano, music lessons and composition as an expert in the area of beginners, group classes, composing and online teaching.

In June 2021, Joanne attend the  "Unleash the Power Within Virtual" Conference, hosted by Tony Robbins. Many new strategies for teaching, as well as strategies for empowering students are now being put to good use in her classes.

"Learning from great coaches and connecting with other small business people from around the world is a huge inspiration! My soul is re-energized and I am excited to bring even more energy to my lessons!"
Theory is an important part of lessons at the Let`s Play Music Studio. Sometimes, learning a new concept looks more like playing a game as we use many different ways to learn! Thanks to the great resources from Ultimate Music Theory, students have achieved great results in their theory exams, with the most recent being 92% and 98% for level 8 Theory!

Understanding theory concepts unlocks music in a meaningful way. There is so much more to music than reading notes and time signatures. Quality theory materials are key to building a solid foundation of learning! 
​Joanne is a firm believer of "NEPD" -  "Never Ending Professional Development". She is a UMT Elite Educator and attends weekly coaching class to expand her understanding of theory, teaching and how to run a music studio!

In her role as Ultimate Music Theory Creative Manager, Joanne creates games and teaching aids, but printable and online versions for the Ultimate Music Theory teachers Membership. Her joy of creating is evident in her many colourful and engaging games and aids!
​​"There is always more to learn about music and teaching! A solid understanding of music theory is so important for students. Giving my students the tools they need is my goal. The Ultimate Music Theory online courses have really helped me solidify and prioritize my theory lesson goals. As an Elite Educator and Certified UMT Teacher, I know I can help my students to build an even more secure understanding of the theory they need so they can learn and enjoy making music".
Joanne has a Grade 10 Piano Certificate from the Western Ontario Conservatory of Music. She studied piano at the University of Western Ontario with Marion MacLennan. She gave her first public appearance after only 6 months of lessons and has since been heard at countless events throughout South Western Ontario. She served as accompanist for award winning elementary school choirs for 10 years and was the sole accompanist for 2 musicals early in her career.

Joanne was Organist and Music Director at Knox Presbyterian Church, Belmont for 17 years. She has played at over 400 funerals, numerous weddings and many other special events.

​Over the years, Joanne has been a presenter and attended many conferences and workshops, including the World Piano Pedagogy Conference in Atlanta and the Ontario Music Educator's Conference in London, Ontario. She is a published composer with her pieces appearing in student manuals used internationally.