It is not only a pleasure but a true privilege to be able to write a letter of recommendation for Pat Riccio. We have three daughters and Mr. Riccio started teaching our eldest piano when she was five years old. Since that time, which is now over 15 years ago, Pat has been a part of our lives on a weekly basis. He has gone on to teach all three girls in all aspects of piano that they require for their RCME certifications. My daughters have always looked forward to his lessons, his way of teaching them, encouraging them to work while enjoying the process of learning new pieces. He was able to individualize each private lesson to their unique learning styles, strengths and personalities. He strongly encouraged practice and progress but made his expectations known in a very amicable, firm but gentle way. He has always been kind and we will always remember how much concern he had (and still has) for the girls’ well-being and future which extends beyond his role as their piano teacher.
There are instructors that instruct their students in the technical aspects of music and then there are true teachers. Teachers that inspire their students to master their instrument, that pass on a love and appreciation for music. Mr. Riccio has been that kind of teacher for our three daughters.
Soania Mathur, BSc, MD, CCFP
http://www.designingacure.com
Twitter @SoaniaMathur
Facebook: Designing A Cure Inc.
If you are thinking about introducing your child to music lessons, or if you want to learn yourself, you will not find a better, more accomplished and fun teacher than Pat Riccio. Both of my sons took piano lessons for many many years with Pat, and I was so impressed as a mom, that I even took vocal lessons with him!
Pat instinctively knows how to approach any type of learner, whether you are a shy, reluctant youngster, a distracted teenager, or a bucket list mom like me! He is a patient and empathetic teacher, who recognizes a student’s strengths and works with them to reach their goals. What I appreciated the most was that when my eldest son struggled with sight reading ( he is A.D.D. and a visual learner) and lost interest in the Royal Conservatory curriculum, Pat worked with his strength in ear playing and adapted his lessons so he could teach him his favourite pop songs in a whole new way!
The boys are bigger now and involved in different endeavours, but what they learned from Pat has truly shaped the people they are. The love and understanding of music, the ability to sit down and play a favourite song to quiet the soul ( or impress a girl!) well- you cannot a price tag on that! My eldest son went on to play in a band, and thanks to Pat’s teaching style, he can pick up any instrument and play it by ear. My younger son is a math whiz ( math and music are related!) and still plays Mozart or some cool jazz to calm himself before a big exam. I myself am a backup singer in band on weekends, a bucket list item Pat is 100% responsible for helping me to achieve.
He is a phenomenal teacher, a wise mentor, an amazing world class performer, a hilarious storyteller, and last but not least, a great friend with a true heart. Pat Riccio is the real deal.
Melanie Gyles
Mr. Riccio has taught music, choir, piano, and band at Blaisdale Montessori schools since 2003. I have found him to be creative, enthusiastic and trustworthy.
He has also taught music/drama/sports summer camp in July and August since 2003.
I think he would be a welcome addition to any institution making use of his many talents.
Heather Wilson
PRINCIPAL
I am happy to write a reference in support of Mr. Riccio whom I have known in his capacity teaching music at Blaisdale Montessori School in Pickering, Ontario.
Mr. Riccio has taught music in the classroom to three of my four children over the past three years. He has also been coming into my home for the past year teaching my 7 and 10 year old sons to play piano through private lessons.
At Blaisdale Montessori, he started a music program in the classrooms as well as an extracurricular choir program where there had not been any music program before. He quickly caught the interest of the children with his very engaging enthusiasm for music. He is a very knowledgeable and skilled musician with a wide range of musical experience which he has great success in passing on to the students. My children were all coming home early on with stories about the enjoyment they were having with the ‘new music teacher’ at their school. He has a gift for helping the children learn the fundamentals of music in a format that is entertaining and informative.
In private lessons, I have been able to observe closely his ability to engage the children in acquiring a solid foundation in piano and music theory. Once again, his personal enthusiasm and enjoyment of making music is demonstrated to the children with encouragement.
Mr. Riccio has a real gift for teaching children from a young age. He would be an outstanding addition to any school music program and I have only praise in recommending him.
Sincerely,
Harvey R. Williams, MD
It has been my privilege to work with Mr. Riccio for the past three years at Blaisdale Montessori Schools. He has taught the rudiments of music theory, singing and piano to my students during this time.
As well as the opinions of the students and parents I have personally observed him doing his work and it is of the highest standard.
His knowledge and musical skills are above question but more importantly, his love of music is contagious and the children absorb his enthusiasm along with the competencies he teaches. Mr. Riccio treats the children as people and makes the learning of this very important subject fun, easy and thorough.
I wish Mr. Riccio well in all his endeavours and I know that any institution hiring him is doing itself a great service. Please feel free to call me for further reference.
Barton Graff
Elementary Montessori Teacher
It is well known Mr. Riccio’s achievements as a professional musician, music director, and producer in film, directing, acting. Just one example winning a Juno award for producing Anne Murray’s children’s album “There’s a hippo in my Tube”. As well Mr. Riccio was musical director on two of Anne Murray’s international T.V. specials.
My association with Mr. Riccio is with my two children which Mr. Riccio has taught piano for over 3 years. My younger son he has also taught trumpet and is his music teacher at his school. Mr. Riccio was a teacher and in charge of the summer school program which my young son has attended for 3 years.
Mr. Riccio is an exceptionally gifted teacher and educator and brings out the very best in children. I would recommend him in any position regarding music, drama, directing, film where his leadership and mentoring is required. My children have made significant progress under his guidance. One example is my oldest son passing his Royal Academy Piano exam with honours.
Mr. Riccio is an outstanding educator especially with children and I would be pleased to provide any other information and can be contacted directly.
Sincerely,
Martin Thomason
Pat Riccio Productions 