Professor Dale Innes

Department Fine Arts and Music

Overview

Professor Dale InnesDale Innes holds an A.R.C.T. diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music, and a Bachelor of Music degree (Major in Piano Performance) from McGill University. Her Master of Arts degree (Major in Music / Ethnomusicology) from York University was focused on the music of South India, and the Baroque performance style of Canadian pianist Glenn Gould. She was a faculty member of the Royal Conservatory from 1981 until 1991, and has been on the Board of Examiners since 1983. In 1991, she moved to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario where she became the Coordinator of the Music programme at Algoma University. She has taught courses in music theory, music appreciation, music history (world music, Blues and Jazz) and piano performance. She also teaches for the Algoma Conservatory, and plays piano at St. Andrew's United Church.

Her research has been published by the Glenn Gould Journal, and she continues to be involved in research into the performance practice of Baroque music. In addition to examining for the Royal Conservatory of Music on a regular basis, Dale is an active adjudicator at music festivals across Canada. In 2001 - 2003, she spent two years in China teaching English. Recently she attended the International Keyboard Institute and Festival at the Mannes College of Music in New York where she audited master classes with Alicia de Larrocha and Peter Frankl. In her capacity as a private piano teacher and Music Coordinator at Algoma University, Dale continues to enjoy helping students develop their musical potential.


Teaching Philosophy

In China there is a saying: "the teacher and taught together create the teaching". Over the years, I've repeatedly found this saying to be true. I've learned much from my students and will continue to do so. I've thoroughly enjoyed the energy, talent, challenges and dreams that students bring to our music programme, and I delight in watching each student develop musically.

As coordinator of the music programme, I strive to facilitate the growth of each student's knowledge and enjoyment of music. Through participation in our weekly performance classes, students can cultivate the control and technical ease necessary to be confident performers. I try to ensure that all students get involved at their own comfort level, and that they perform as well as they can.

Through my studies in ethnomusicology at York University, and through my experience travelling in India for one year and in China for two, I've expanded my musical experience to include non-Western traditions as well as Western. Hence, in our performance classes, we have regular hand drumming circles which explore various world rhythms.

As a private teacher, I'm very interested in helping students find their own creative spark. Although much discipline and effort is needed to develop the musical and technical skills required to become a good performer, I think it is important for students to tap into their creative side as well. By providing a structured, positive and encouraging learning atmosphere, I hope to help students communicate their own "musical voice" in a technically secure and stylistic manner.