About PianoCommuters
Lesia Harhaj established this piano company in 2011 and expanded to PianoCommuters in 2020. With the growth of the school, there was a need to provide more in-home lessons to a larger area. We now offer classes for all ages in Mississauga, Oakville and Etobicoke.
PianoCommuters brings the love of music into your child’s life without leaving the comfort of your home - we come to you!
To showcase the students’ hard work, we host two recitals annually. A Christmas concert in December and end-of-year concert in June. Students enjoy the concert experience and working towards this milestone.
Learn more about the people behind the brand:
Meet Lesia Harhaj
Owner of PianoCommuters
Lesia has always been interested in the arts. She began playing the piano at the age of 6. Once she started formal lessons and Royal Conservatory Exams, she realized how much she enjoyed learning a piano song then playing it to an audience. Lesia’s love of the stage and arts was enhanced with dance classes. She completed ballet examinations at the National Ballet of Canada, attended numerous dance competitions, and performed extensively throughout the world in Europe, Asia and North America.
Throughout Lesia’s career she worked with children in various ways from teaching piano, dance classes and day programs. The common thread in all of the jobs was the passion to bring together teaching and music. In 2011, Lesia built customized piano programs for 50+ students while working full-time in her sales job. She realized she wanted children to learn piano not just to complete the final exams but for a pure love of music. That is when she began teaching full-time and has loved the opportunity this business brought her way.
When not working, she enjoys camping, performances, and traveling with her husband. Always finding new activities to do with her nephews and being an ever-present aunt. Reading a good book about someone's impactful life while enjoying a tea latte.
Meet ARTHUR
Teacher at PianoCommuters
Arthur has been playing piano since he was very young, studying RCM and Jazz piano.
He attends Cawthra Park S.S for the Regional Arts Program and is an active performer in school as a soloist and as an ensemble player playing trumpet. He also performs in the community as a trumpet player and pianist.
Arthur has experience playing Classical and Jazz music in professional settings and enjoys music of all genres. When Arthur was younger he was featured on a music TV show called "Backyard Beats"!
Arthur is a baseball pitcher for a AAA team in Mississauga and enjoys being active, playing multiple sports like hockey, tennis and water-skiing. Arthur has always loved playing piano because it is a happy escape from stress and regularly plays for fun. He enjoys writing music and practicing in his free time and is inspired by his favorite band called "Snarky Puppy".
Meet Joanna
teacher AT PianoCommuters
Joanna has been teaching piano for 14 years, she has completed 9 levels of RCM piano and voice. Joanna works as a Mental Health & Addictions Counsellor and is a new mom to a baby boy.
“I always turned to playing piano as a way to unwind and have some fun, having a passion for music combining singing and playing has made it my form of self-care. Piano is now a staple in my home with family jam sessions 5 times a day with my little boy. My favourite classical piece is Nocturne in C min by Fredric Chopin also featured in the film The Pianist.”
Joanna loves winter and skiing with her family & friends.
Meet ALEX
teacher AT PianoCommuters
Alex is an IB student at Michael Power. He completed his elementary education at St. Michaels Choir school where he studied choral music and musical theory. Alex started playing piano at age 5, and is currently working towards RCM level 10. I am also a dancer.
“When I first started playing piano it was something my parents made me do, but over time it quickly grew into something I enjoyed doing. I enjoy playing piano because piano is a great way to destress and a great past time.”
Alex has performed in some of the biggest concert halls in Toronto including Massey Hall and Roy Thompson Hall.
Meet YUSTYNA
teacher AT PianoCommuters
Music has been a large part of Yustyna’s life, since she started playing at age 6.
“I remember at one point, I realized that I not only loved to play piano because it was fun, but also because I found it absolutely amazing how I could create such beautiful sounds with my own two hands. One of my favourite songs to play on the piano is Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen.”
Yustyna’s creativity does not end at piano, she also performs with a Ukrainian dance group.