​Joanne Barker, UMTC Elite Educator, UMTC Certified Teacher, Piano Teacher, Studio Owner, Program Creator and 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 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!
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​"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.” ​
In April 2021, Joanne celebrated achieving International Best Selling Author Status as a Contributing Author in the anthology: "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.

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.
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! 
​​"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.