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Welcome to the References page. You will find here performance, composing, and of course teaching references. I thank all these good and kind people that I have had the privilege of working with.

Onboard The China Orient Express

"On a full two week special train ride along the Chinese Silk road from east to the "wild" west, we, some 50 co-travelers, found John's music near the end of each day inspiring, relaxing and invigorating; just perfect to emotionally tie together the day just gone by and to open our minds for the next adventure day. His music connected our world. He helped to turn us strangers into a group of friends. His universal language was perfectly well understood..."

Eberhard and Mirjam Cleff,
Wiesbaden, Germany

"John has a knack for reading his students; teaching each person in a way that works for them. The change in our son has been amazing. Since he is able to select the music he works on, he practices willingly and goes to the piano often just to play for fun. We have since added another son and daughter to John’s student list. They too have found an increased level of interest in studying.

I have started working with John myself after reaching Grade 10 in RCM 25 years ago. I had often been frustrated by my inability to play without having sheet music in front of me. John has been teaching me to understand and recognize chord structure qualities and patterns in music that were simply never taught in a traditional program.

I am looking forward to continuing to broaden my knowledge with the goal of finally being able to sit down at a piano and just play whatever I want to - without sheet music."

Jan Kosick (Toronto)

"Thank you for your very generous contribution of expertise and resources to the production of television commercials for Ontario Nature - Federation of Ontario Naturalists. Your generous donation supports our ongoing efforts to protect and restore natural habitats in Ontario through research, education and conservation."

Andrea Kettle
Director of Development and Communications
for Ontario Nature

"I recently hired John Agius to play piano at a dinner party for thirty guests. John’s extensive repertoire enabled him to offer us a great deal of choice in the music played. We opted for a combination of standards and of John’s own compositions. Our guests were delighted with both the music and John’s company between sets. His fine playing added a real sparkle to the evening and I would recommend him to anyone looking for a great musician to entertain at any event."

Glenn Kosick

"John is one of the best teachers (of anything) that I have experienced. Like any great teacher, he really and truly cares that you learn. You can just feel it in him. He knows that every single human being learns differently and his brain works overtime trying to find the way that will work for you. It makes you want to learn too. He has a "hundred different tricks in his bag" to help you unlock all the blockages you will run into. If you retain only a few, you are miles ahead. If you get a chance to get John as your piano teacher - grab it, you will not regret it. I have tried others.... there is no comparison."

Greig Clark (Toronto)
(learning piano for the first time at age 50)

"We had John entertain at a Christmas Party for my management team and their spouses last year. He was a huge hit. He plays beautifully, of course, but as important, he interacts so well with all the guests. It made for a very memorable evening that all my people remember with smiles."

Greig and Carolyn Clark (Toronto)

"Clearly, John is an exceptionally gifted composer and a very talented performer. Not only is he able to touch people through his music but he also has the very special ability to connect in person to those around him. His caring energy is genuine and he shows intelligent awareness in his attention to detail. These qualities balanced with his healthy sense of humour translates into a warm rapport with both student and audience. I am very appreciative of his gift of music to my daughter Rachel and his giving so much of himself to my family."

Rui Belo (Trenton, Ontario)
Owner, Computer Aid Services

Thanks again to all who chose to be a reference for me. If I've had the pleasure of working with you and you'd like to add yourself as one of my references or just make a comment, please feel free to use the simple form below.