Jiyeon graduated with Bachelor of Music with distinction from Queen’s University. She began her violin studies with Ray Dotoratos in New York, and continued her violin studies with Kyung ae Kim and Gisèle Dalbec. She is an enthusiastic chamber musician. Throughout her career, she has participated in many ensembles and orchestras, including Boheme Chamber Ensemble, Ars Nova Ensemble, Seoul Orchestra, and Tongyoung International Music Festival Ensemble. She also played as a member of Bohemian Soloists.
Jiyeon has been teaching since 2002. She has worked with students of all ages, and with her knowledge in Psychology, which she also holds degree in, she focuses on fun and leads her students to enjoy their music making.
Elliott has been playing piano since he was 4 years old. He has had a love for jazz even in his early years studying the Royal Conservatory of Music program.
During his high school years, he shared his love for jazz with audiences through various solo and ensemble performances. He was the pianist for the King City Secondary School Jazz Improv Combo Ensemble (invited in grade 8), a guest performer at Michelle Mele’s Inaugural Sunburst Festival, the Friday night pianist at Port Soire, Schomberg, ON and volunteered to play the piano at Hogan’s Inn Restaurant, King City, ON on Friday nights (grade 8).
Elliott never passes up the opportunity to play a piano, including airports and underground parking garages (yes, they can be found in Europe!).
Prior to the pandemic, Elliott provided weekly entertainment at a local retirement residence where he had a regular audience. Now that pandemic restrictions have lifted, he has returned and can be heard in the atrium every Sunday afternoon.
Elliott formed the 6 Feet Apart TRIO in the winter of 2020 and performed at the 2021 Toronto Undergraduate Jazz Festival and was the pianist in the Maddie Zeidenberg Jazz Band, also performers at the Toronto Undergraduate Jazz Festival in 2020. He was the pianist for the Toronto All Star Big Band in 2021-2022.
Elliott has studied under Amanda Tosoff, Richard Whiteman, Mark Eisenman, Adrean Farrugia. He is currently studying under Hannah Barstow in the Jazz Performance Program at the University of Toronto.
Robert graduated from Seneca at York University’s Independent Music Production Program. He teaches guitar as well as the rudiments of drums and bass. He had experience helping and organizing students into bands and oversaw their rehearsals and performances. He has played in many bands as a musician.
To listen to Robert’s compositions, please click here.
Helen started playing piano at the age of four. She began classical training in voice 17 years ago and continues to take lessons to this day. Helen has over 15 years of teaching experience. While she has prepared many students for Royal Conservatory of Music examinations and competitions, her passion is to inspire students to explore the power of sounds and to teach them how to play by ear. Her classes are designed to be fun and engaging. Helen will soon be studying the Sound Healing Associates Degree Program at the Globe Institute and intends on becoming a Sound Healer.
Besides music, Helen is also a certified holistic nutritionist and a juice fanatic.
Karina’s love for music began at the age of seven when she attended her first piano lesson. Karina graduated from Gnessin State Musical College and Gnessin Russian Academy of Music in Moscow. She is a piano teacher with 25 years of experience teaching and preparing students of all ages to complete Royal Conservatory examinations and compete in piano competitions all over the GTA. Many of her students have received first place in their respective competitions. Karina is very passionate about her students, making it her goal to instill the love for music and allow music to help students reach their goals and dreams.
Andrew began his violin study at ten in his hometown Hong Kong. He played in various performing groups in Hong Kong in his youth, and was appointed as the concertmaster of Hong Kong Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Andrew studied in the School of Music of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and graduated with Bachelor of Music (with High Honors) and Master of Music degrees in violin performance. He was awarded tuition waiver during his studies. He studied violin performance under Prof. Sherban Lupu, and chamber music under members of the Pacifica Quartet. He played in various performing groups in and outside school, and was appointed as the concertmaster of the University of Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra.
After graduation, Andrew joined Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the training orchestra of Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He was also selected in Civic Orchestra as a member of MusiCorps program, in which he performed with fellow Civic members in various elementary schools, high schools and parks in Chicago, and introducing different string instruments and explaining their performing methods to the students and audience.
Andrew went back to Hong Kong after leaving Civic Orchestra and taught violin in various secondary and primary schools, and in the Music Office. He also performed in several orchestras including the Pan Asia Symphony Orchestra, the Hong Kong Strings, and the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong. Andrew relocated to Canada in August 2022 and is now excited to continue his music career here!
Hadara started taking piano lessons at the age of 5, and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Education in Music from the Jerusalem Academy of Music. For 13 years, Hadara worked as a piano teacher at Forte Music School in Oak Ridges, where she enjoyed sharing her passion for music with students of all ages. Throughout the years, Hadara proudly watched her students grow and develop their musical skills, participate in recitals, and excel at RCM exams. Since 2010, Hadara has also been working as a piano accompanist for the Evergreen Choir in Aurora, under the direction of Dr. Richard Heinzle.
Irina received her Bachelor’s in Music with Honours in Piano pedagogy at Moscow College of Music with further graduate studies at Saratov State Conservatory, earning her Master’s degree in piano pedagogy.
Irina has been teaching piano for all ages and levels for over 25 years and very passionate about sharing her knowledge with her students. Irina’s teaching approach to motivate and inspire her students helping them to reach their potential and achieve an excellent results on RCM exams
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Simon first discovered the joy of playing the violin at the age of 9. Under the tutelage of maestro Thomas Wang, Simon was considered a late starter by many, but quickly mastered the necessary skills and became one of the youngest members of the Hong Kong Youth Symphony Orchestra at the time. He subsequently became Concertmaster for the same orchestra and other ones as well.
At the age of 16, Simon organized his own chamber group “Bachanini” and won many awards at the Hong Kong School Music and Speech Festival. He was also one of the youngest violinists to have obtained the L.R.S.M. certification from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in England.
After arriving in Canada, he had studied under many master violinists, including the late professor Eugene Kash of the Royal Conservatory of Music. Simon has been a member of several music organizations in Canada, including the York Symphony Orchestra.
RCM Silver & Gold Medalists:
2013 – Student received Gr 1 RCM Gold Medal in violin for the highest examination grades in Ontario
Davina holds an ARCT in Piano Performance. She also studied piano pedagogy with Mrs. Marina Geringas at the Royal Conservatory of Music, and the Orff Method with Mrs. Margaret Huggett.
Davina is a co-founder of the Music Clubhouse and Music Adventure programs. She loves teaching children and puts great emphasis in making her lessons fun and enjoyable. She also serves as organist at her local church.
Kristal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a major in clarinet at the University of Toronto. She studied clarinet with Stephen Pierre and now studies with Richard Thomson. Presently, she is also an ARCT piano performance candidate, studying under Glenn Gould School instructor, Lang-Ning Liu.
Kristal began her musical studies with piano lessons at the age of 5, and has since developed an appreciation for music. As a piano accompanist, she has played at churches, recitals and weddings. At the age of 11, she began to learn the clarinet and was a member of the 2017 and 2018 Ontario Provincial Honour Band.
In the summers of 2017 and 2018, Kristal was a teacher assistant at Pro Music’s summer camp. There, she was able to help many children discover music for the first time, such as playing their first notes on an instrument. It brings her so much joy to see children develop their passion and explore the world of music.
Kristal enjoys teaching a variety of musical styles, from classical to pop to contemporary Christian music. Furthermore, she uses many different approaches to teach students of all ages and backgrounds.
Finding his passion in music during the years at Diocesan Boys’ School, Lee rose to leadership in his alma mater’s school choirs, discovering his enthusiasm for education. In his chairmanship, he led the senior choirs to South Africa, participating in the 10th World Choir Games. The choirs obtained spectacular results, claiming 3 Gold Medals, 2 Champions, and landing the title as the 1st ranking Male Choir in the INTERKULTUR choir ranks.
Throughout his musical endeavor, Lee had taken the international stage in the USA, UK, South Africa, Japan, and South Korea. He has also represented Hong Kong in multiple international choir projects and performed at various events and platforms, including singing at the TED Talk and events by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Lee’s repertoire covers a variety of music genres, including but not limited to Classical, Broadway, and Pop.
Feel free to check out Lee’s song covers and original compositions in the links below:
Click here to check out Lee’s cover YouTube channel.
Click here to check out Lee’s original compositions.
David graduated from Centennial College, with Music Industry And Arts Performance Advanced Diploma. He has been playing acoustic and electric guitar for 17 years, in many genres including: blues, folk, pop, rock, R&B, finger-style, etc. Besides, he composes, arranges, records and performs.
Some of his works on YouTube:
• Arrangement: https://youtu.be/WmR3KuFQiTw
• Recording: https://youtu.be/K-hWgJiMsAY
• Performance: https://youtu.be/lZ_dHvmUxZs
As a guitar teacher, David is always patient and inspire students with tasteful music. Study materials and handouts are well prepared before classes, but also he’s glad to work on the music that students are interested as well.
Sidney has been playing music for the majority of her life starting at the age of four when she first picked up the guitar and began music lessons. From there she developed a love for singing and song writing which continued to grow as she continued her music education. She pursued this passion for singing and song writing at Carleton University where she studied within their singer-songwriter program, which she has recently graduated from with her BA in Music. Sidney is a firm believer in the power and importance of music education within the school system and is currently completing her Bachelor of Education to become a music teacher within the public system.
Alexandra teaches piano and music theory students of all ages, incorporating instrumental technique and interpretation, as well as elements of general musicianship and ear training. Her participation in numerous musical events, recitals and festivals earned her rewards and recognition. She holds the Bachelor of Music from University of Toronto and also Bachelor in Education from York University. She is an Ontario Certified Teacher. Her academic background and teaching experience allow her to select and use instructional methods that fit pupil’s individual abilities and levels, and meet their needs and interests. In her lessons, she focuses on all aspects of playing: proper position, technique, sound production, articulation, etc. She prepares students for exams, competition and recitals. She encourages young musician to use every opportunity to perform as a very important part of studying the art of playing an instrument and for achieving self-confidence. She is driven to help students achieve their very best.
Tatyana has 20 years of experience as a teacher and an accompanist. She possesses strong knowledge of classical, romantic and modern music that she has successfully instructed students of various age groups. Her professional studies started in the Sayat-Nova State Music School after which she was accepted in the Arno Babadjanian State Music College. She continued her studies in the Armenian State Pedagogical University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music with specialization as a Choir Director. In 1989, Tatyana received her Bachelor and Masters Degree in Yerevan State University with specialization in Piano Performance. She also received qualification to teach music at the college and university level. She remained teaching university students and conducting extensive research of Methods in Music Pedagogy for public school systems. She commuted to and from Gertzen’s University and St. Petersburg where she participated in conferences and gained extensive knowledge in various disciplines of Pedagogy. Currently, Tatyana works as a Piano Instructor and Accompanist as well as adjudicates at festivals and competitions. Tatyana is very passionate about working with students and sharing her knowledge of music. Many of her students achieved great results and have gone on to receive ARCT diplomas. Tatyana has worked at many churches where she has accompanied choirs and musical ensembles.
Jerson Munoz is a Toronto trombonist who has graduated from Humber College with a Bachelor of Music. He has studied privately with Kelsley Grant and had masterclasses with Al Kay. During his time at Humber, Jerson was a part of the Mark Promane Big Band, the Latin Big Band, the Brass Choir, and the Trombone Ensemble.
Throughout his career, Jerson has also been a part of the Toronto All-Star Big Band, the Metro Big Band, and the Big City Big Band as the lead trombone and soloist. He has also done recordings with his quintet and has also performed on recordings for various artists.
In the spring of 2007, Jerson had the opportunity to travel and play in Budapest, Oradea, Prague and Vienna with his high school jazz band and concert band. He has also played at various festivals and events in Toronto, such as the Beaches International Jazz Festival and Corso Italia, weddings, and functions.
Aside from performing, he has worked doing live sound engineering for Humber and MusicFest Canada.
Jerson is currently freelancing and is on the faculty for Pro-Music Conservatory of Music in Richmond Hill as a coordinator and trombone instructor.
At the age of 5, Guzal started learning piano with M.Sultanova, who graduated from Moscow State Conservatory in the class of Prof. D.Bashkirov.
Guzal studied 11 years at Uspensky Music School for Gifted Children and graduated with BA and MA in Piano Pedagogy from Tashkent State Conservatory.
Guzal had an opportunity to complete her internship in Moscow State Conservatory, where attended classes of M.Voskresensky.
Guzal gave her first private lesson at the age of 19. After receiving her diplomas, she returned to Uspensky School where she worked until 2010.
In the meantime she worked also as an accompanist in Tashkent State Conservatory and Institute of Theatre & Arts and had the opportunity to stay in UK (1996-1999) and France (2002-2007) where she continued to work as a piano teacher.
Her extensive experience includes teaching piano to children of various ages, preparing them for piano examinations and recitals, accompanying the school’s choir, vocalists and violin players during repetitions and various performances. Throughout her work experience in Toronto, Guzal was proud to see her students progress and improve their piano skills, win or get good results at piano contests such as Kiwanis, North York and CCC Music Festivals.
Jason’s musical background consists of an ARCT in piano performance and a Master of Music specializing in music technology and digital media from the University of Toronto. He has a decade of experience teaching piano and music to students of all ages and of diverse backgrounds and special needs.
As a music teacher, he genuinely believes that the primary role is to inspire passion in students by exposing them to music’s expressive powers, how deeply entrenched music is within culture and the human psyche, and how emotionally and intellectually rewarding it can be to make music. With that as a foundation, he proceeds to teaching technical proficiency and exploring a repertoire of interest.
As a composer and audio engineer, his work focuses on the intersection of digital media, electronic synthesis, and acoustic sound recording. He has produced music and sound effects for a variety of projects, from indie films and video games to internet ads to web series. He has also produced and engineered a number of small-ensemble jazz and classical studio recordings.
Website: http://www.jasonhmng.ca
Oxana Podoliak has been teaching woodwinds for over 25 years. She began her music education at Lviv State College of Music with further graduate studies at Lviv State Music Academy, earning her degree in Performance and Pedagogy. With a background in solo, chamber music and orchestral playing, Oxana’s passion for wind instruments has seen her engaged over the years in multiple performances.
Currently, Oxana is giving flute, clarinet and saxophone lessons to students of all RCM levels and ARCT in and around the Toronto area. Among her students, many of them are Regional RCM Gold Medal receipents and winners of local and provincial music festivals. Some of them got accepted to the music program in universities.
Maggie graduated from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours). Also, she holds ATCL level of the Trinity College London in Recital in Piano.
She has been teaching piano for over 20 years and had been successfully sent her students for the piano exams at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Most of her students have passed with merit and distinction in the examination.
Thanks for her passion, well-rounded approach of techniques and musicality, her students received outstanding awards in music competitions.
Adele embarked on her musical endeavor when she acquired her ARCT in piano performance. With a Bachelor of Music in Piano at the University of Toronto, Adele sets out to establish herself as a piano teacher. “Curiosity is Key.” Adele has always believed that learning should be a balance between fun and discipline. Aside from teaching, Adele has had numerous collaborative experiences as a pianist, including accompanying for the Wind Ensemble at University of Toronto.
At the age of 5, Edith started learning piano with her first piano teacher, who encouraged her to participate in music festivals and masterclasses. Edith had since then obtained numerous awards in local and regional piano competitions. In the 2000’s, she attained distinction in Grade 8 by the ABRSM examination board and distinction in ATCL diploma (recital in solo piano) by the Trinity College London. Edith had vast experience in teaching kids and adolescent with different personalities and capabilities. She always strives to inspire her students with her passion in piano performance. She trains her students to reach their peak functioning in actual recital by sharing her personal experience in how to effectively cope with stage anxiety.
Edith shares the philosophy of the piano legend Mr. Menahem Pressler (1923 – 2023) that to be a teacher and a musician, one has to “continuously learn in order to do it well, it does not stop with age…degrees…accolades, it doesn’t stop at all. Because the variety, the richness, the importance of music, is such that a lifetime really is not enough”. Therefore, Edith is further pursuing her music career through her study with an exceptional teacher in Toronto.
Edith is also licensed to practice law in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and had substantial work experience in luxury retail management and the legal sector.
Cara composed her first song at the age of 5 (Busy-Dizzy Day) and her first piano piece when she was 11 years old (Lunchtime). Since Lunchtime, she has further explored piano composition. In 2015, she completed a Bachelor of Music degree with a History/Theory specialization from the University of Toronto. Cara then completed a Master of Music degree in Music Technology and Digital Media at the same school, in 2019. Throughout these years, she wrote works for piano, voice, choir, violin, brass quintet, and more. Currently, she is working on her first musical, From Straw to Gold, based on the tale of Rumpelstiltskin. Cara enjoys teaching children, and has instructed them in piano, theory, history, vocal, and composition.
Website: https://caratorsmusic.com