Fernando’s diverse musical career goes back to his high school days when he learned to play various woodwind instruments including the clarinet, bass clarinet, the all members of the sax family. In Grade 10, he picked up the trumpet as well but his teacher persuaded him to switch back to the clarinet family. Afterwards, Fernando was urged to pursue full-time studies at the prestigious Royal Conservatory of Music. There, during the 1980’s, he excelled in his studies under the teachings of his mentors including Paul Grice (clarinet), Robert Linzon (piano), Timothy Sullivan (harmony, counterpoint and composition), Josph Macerollo (history), Wes Wragget (electronic music). During this period, Fernando was very active, along his teachers and peers in trying to save the downtown branch of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto from being sold and moved to another location. They succeeded in their efforts.
In 1992, Fernando graduated from York University having studied composition with James Tenney. During these years, Fernando wrote many original compositions in all styles including a 10-minute background score used by a major advertising company, and dozens of arrangements of classical and popular pieces for band and keyboard ensembles. He used these in his extensive studio teachings in private music studios in the Scarborough area. Even with his extensive schedule, Fernando continued his studies in music education and graduated with a Bachelor degree in Education from the University of Toronto in 2002.
Over the years, Fernando’s love for teaching is reflected in the success of his students as many of them are currently on staff in music studios throughout the GTA. In short, Fernando’s passion continues to to be that of a truly dedicated piano and theory (all grades and subjects) to all age groups. “Music is meant for anyone and everyone…” will continue to be his motto. His classes are fun, creative, motivational and geared towards a life long musical learning.
Since 2000, Fernando resides in Markham with his family, his wife Susanna and his two kids Joshua and Josiah.
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.
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.
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.
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