Alice Dearden began her piano studies at the age of 11, and taught her first lesson the next day -- sharing what she had learned with a younger friend. She has learned a bit more about teaching since then -- but still has a passion for sharing her knowledge. Alice enjoyed violin, vocal music and mathematics in high school, but by the age of 18 she realized that she wanted to be a piano teacher. She began teaching while she continued her piano studies, leading to an ARCT in Piano Teaching in 1986. Alice has taught piano privately since 1979, and also offered Music for Young Children Classes from 1999 to 2023. In 2008 she received the MYC "Cornerstone" award for her contributions to the Music for Young Children curriculum. Alice's piano students enjoy two recitals per year, and may also participate in ORMTA auditions as well as RCM exams. Alice has served as president and secretary of ORMTA's Central Toronto Branch, and is also the director of the Syme Senior Centre Choir. Her other musical interests include singing and composing.