Place des Arts has an abundance of exceptional teachers on our music faculty who offer classes and private lessons for all ages during the day, after school, in the evening and on weekends. Our welcoming facility boasts well-equipped studios and performance spaces that enhance learning and encourage music making.

Nicole has been involved in musical endeavours for most of her life. She began piano lessons as a child and pursued piano performance in university, but always knew there was more out there to challenge and inspire.

This creative desire has manifested in several unique ways, including performing with a Balinese Gamelan, singing in a barbershop quartet, working and touring with incredible musicians such as Elvis Costello and Diana Krall and, more recently, designing curriculum for her latest passion, which is teaching baby sign language through music and play.

Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Piano Performance and a Master of Arts degree from UBC in Music Theory. She is a certified Music Together® instructor as well as a Baby Signing Time® instructor and has recently completed an American Sign Language (ASL) course at Douglas College. She is a full-time Mom and part-time teacher and is excited about the opportunity to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

www.fingerfun.ca

Geeta is a highly qualified professional musician who has been performing and teaching music in Vancouver, as well as around the world, for over 20 years. She has studied music at Douglas College in New Westminster, the University of British Columbia, and also privately in New York. She is well versed in a variety of musical styles, including everything from Classical and Jazz, to Latin, Funk, R&B and Broadway Show Tunes.

Geeta has performed with world renowned artists such as jazz trombonist Bill Watrous, the Juno award winning Brad Turner, Nickelback drummer Daniel Adair, rap star Kanye West, UK pop/rock sensation The Heavy, world famous historic big band The Glenn Miller Orchestra and many more. Geeta has a great deal of knowledge and passion for music that she hopes to share with the community.

Aleksandra received her bachelor’s degree in cello performance from The Academy of Music in Poland. She has performed in various orchestras and chamber groups and has given numerous solo performances throughout Europe, South Africa and North America.

Now living in Vancouver, Aleksandra is an active freelance musician with many of the region’s orchestras and chamber groups. She was the principal cellist for the BC Chamber Orchestra, Burnaby Symphony Orchestra and New Westminster Symphony Orchestra. Currently she is a principal cellist for the Vancouver Camerata and Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra and is a founding member of the Classical String Quartet.

Aleksandra has had over 20 years of teaching experience. Many of her students have made great achievements in RCM exams (highest marks in the province) and have received gold and silver medals in various music competitions.

Aleksandra received her bachelor’s degree in cello performance from The Academy of Music in Poland. She has performed in various orchestras and chamber groups and has given numerous solo performances throughout Europe, South Africa and North America.

Now living in Vancouver, Aleksandra is an active freelance musician with many of the region’s orchestras and chamber groups. She was the principal cellist for the BC Chamber Orchestra, Burnaby Symphony Orchestra and New Westminster Symphony Orchestra. Currently she is a principal cellist for the Vancouver Camerata and Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra and is a founding member of the Classical String Quartet.

Aleksandra has had over 20 years of teaching experience. Many of her students have made great achievements in RCM exams (highest marks in the province) and have received gold and silver medals in various music competitions.

Johanna received her bachelor’s degree from Vassar College (honours), her master’s degree in performance from the Manhattan School of Music (Andrew Goodman Prize for excellence in clarinet), and a stipend for further studies at Yale at Norfolk. Johanna began her career in New York City performing with groups such as Dance Theater of Harlem, Bel Canto Opera, the Brooklyn Philharmonia Chamber Orchestra, The Group for Contemporary Music, The Queens Symphony and The Queens Symphony Woodwind Quintet.

Johanna is an excellent diagnostician and a sensitive musician who analyzes and corrects performance issues and nurtures the musicality of her students. Responding to each student’s individual needs, goals and interests, she creates lesson plans that loosely follow the RCM syllabus. Under Johanna’s guidance, those students who choose to take exams or auditions do extremely well. Johanna stresses proper technique with her beginning students so they will have a strong foundation to build on.

In addition to teaching at Place des Arts, Johanna directs and performs with the Kits Classics & Worlds Beyond chamber music series at St. James Hall. She is a member of the Vancouver Inter-cultural Orchestra and has premiered pieces by many local composers.

Johanna can be heard on the soundtrack of Trawna tuh Belvul (National Film Board of Canada) and on the CDs, L’ivresse de la vitesse (Diffusion/ Media) and The Last Arrow (Dream on Productions). She also plays solo music for group meditations and private functions.

Geeta is a highly qualified professional musician who has been performing and teaching music in Vancouver, as well as around the world, for over 20 years. She has studied music at Douglas College in New Westminster, the University of British Columbia, and also privately in New York. She is well versed in a variety of musical styles, including everything from Classical and Jazz, to Latin, Funk, R&B and Broadway Show Tunes.

Geeta has performed with world renowned artists such as jazz trombonist Bill Watrous, the Juno award winning Brad Turner, Nickelback drummer Daniel Adair, rap star Kanye West, UK pop/rock sensation The Heavy, world famous historic big band The Glenn Miller Orchestra and many more. Geeta has a great deal of knowledge and passion for music that she hopes to share with the community.

Garth began his musical education as a child in school and church choirs. He began piano study at the age of nine. He graduated from the Brandon University School of Music in 1982 with a Bachelor of Music and from the UBC School of Music in 1989 with a Master of Arts in Music Theory.

Garth’s Master’s thesis was a comprehensive study of the extreme chromatic harmony in the early music of the 20th century Austrian composer Anton Webern. That study has been cited as a reference in an introductory essay, in an edition published in 2004 by Dr. Matthew Shaftel, on Webern’s early vocal music and also in a paper on chromatic harmony presented to the Society for Music Theory at a conference in Seattle in 2003.

Garth has a wide-ranging background in music having performed as a soloist and accompanist and in various ensembles in such diverse idioms as classical, jazz, rock, country, folk and musical theatre.

His professional activities have also included composing, arranging and adjudicating. Garth began teaching full-time in 1983, working for Yamaha Music Canada in Winnipeg and for the Winnipeg School Division, teaching both piano and guitar. He has been teaching at Place des Arts since 1985 and at the Delta Community Music School since 1987.

Jason has a Bachelor of Music in Performance from the University of Victoria where he grew up playing in the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra and a variety of Jazz, Blues, Rock, Punk and Ska bands.

Since finishing his degree and moving to Vancouver in 1996, he has played, recorded, and toured internationally with many groups of note. He is the musical director for Uzume Taiko, a drum set soloist with OLAM and percussion section leader for the Band of the Fifteenth Field Regiment RCA.

Jason has a great deal of experience playing for musical theatre productions. These include Cabaret, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Oklahoma, The Wiz, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Oliver Twist, Urinetown and several award winning independent productions.

Jason has also played drum set and percussion in a multitude of west coast funk, rock, blues, punk, and ska bands, notably DOA, the Hounds of Buskerville, The Colorifics, The Harpoons and the Juno award winning bluesman Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne.

Jason has studied with some of the world’s great masters, and has taught drum set, hand drums, percussion and taiko to people of all ages locally, nationally, and internationally.

Jason’s other love is martial arts, and he has his Sandan (third degree black belt) in Shotokan Karate-do and travels regularly to Japan with his Sensei to study Budo.

Frank was trained privately by Mr. Faust Pinto. Frank has extensive experience as a live performer in many different musical styles and has written music for television (the CKVU news theme), theatre, film as well as pop tunes. Frank aims to give his students a well-rounded ability on their instrument which will allow them to enjoy playing in whatever style(s) they choose.

Rosalie (Rosie) Carver is a member of the BC Registered Music Teachers Association (BCRMTA). She joined the association in 1997 after receiving her Associate for the Royal Conservatory of Toronto (ARCT) diploma. Three years prior to that, she was a member of the Student Teachers Auxiliary to the BCRMTA.

Rosie uses a positive approach to teaching. Her lessons focus on posture, intonation, timing, dynamics, dexterity and a beautiful tone. Rosie believes that with proper training and musical awareness, a student can venture into classical, baroque, romantic, contemporary, fiddle, gospel, jazz or whichever style they choose. Many of her students have achieved high marks for their examinations including silver medals for the highest marks in BC.

Rosie is the associate director with the Vancouver Corelli Strings (VCS) under the direction of Ona Cropper. She began her affiliation with the VCS at the age of 10 after two years of studying with Ona. She worked her way up the ranks to the position of concert master and has been featured as a soloist at many concerts throughout the years. She was also a member of the Vancouver Junior Philharmonic String Orchestra under the direction of Douglas Stewart.

Rosie has been a member of the Celtic group Blackthorn for over 20 years. In that time, she recorded four albums with them which include a number of her own compositions. Rosie also performed and recorded with The Carpenter’s SonSquid Jiggers, Sunshine and You, The Streels, The Halifax Wharf Rats and Triskellion.

Rosie has attended fiddle workshops, including one with the well –known Irish fiddler Kevin Burke, and plays in sessions regularly in Vancouver. She runs her own fiddle workshops throughout the Lower Mainland as well as through the Georgia Strait Guitar Workshop and The Moveable Music School.

Visit Rosie’s website here.

Rosalie (Rosie) Carver is a member of the BC Registered Music Teachers Association (BCRMTA). She joined the association in 1997 after receiving her Associate for the Royal Conservatory of Toronto (ARCT) diploma. Three years prior to that, she was a member of the Student Teachers Auxiliary to the BCRMTA.

Rosie uses a positive approach to teaching. Her lessons focus on posture, intonation, timing, dynamics, dexterity and a beautiful tone. Rosie believes that with proper training and musical awareness, a student can venture into classical, baroque, romantic, contemporary, fiddle, gospel, jazz or whichever style they choose. Many of her students have achieved high marks for their examinations including silver medals for the highest marks in BC.

Rosie is the associate director with the Vancouver Corelli Strings (VCS) under the direction of Ona Cropper. She began her affiliation with the VCS at the age of 10 after two years of studying with Ona. She worked her way up the ranks to the position of concert master and has been featured as a soloist at many concerts throughout the years. She was also a member of the Vancouver Junior Philharmonic String Orchestra under the direction of Douglas Stewart.

Rosie has been a member of the Celtic group Blackthorn for over 20 years. In that time, she recorded four albums with them which include a number of her own compositions. Rosie also performed and recorded with The Carpenter’s SonSquid Jiggers, Sunshine and You, The Streels, The Halifax Wharf Rats and Triskellion.

Rosie has attended fiddle workshops, including one with the well –known Irish fiddler Kevin Burke, and plays in sessions regularly in Vancouver. She runs her own fiddle workshops throughout the Lower Mainland as well as through the Georgia Strait Guitar Workshop and The Moveable Music School.

Visit Rosie’s website here.

Rosalie (Rosie) Carver is a member of the BC Registered Music Teachers Association (BCRMTA). She joined the association in 1997 after receiving her Associate for the Royal Conservatory of Toronto (ARCT) diploma. Three years prior to that, she was a member of the Student Teachers Auxiliary to the BCRMTA.

Rosie uses a positive approach to teaching. Her lessons focus on posture, intonation, timing, dynamics, dexterity and a beautiful tone. Rosie believes that with proper training and musical awareness, a student can venture into classical, baroque, romantic, contemporary, fiddle, gospel, jazz or whichever style they choose. Many of her students have achieved high marks for their examinations including silver medals for the highest marks in BC.

Rosie is the associate director with the Vancouver Corelli Strings (VCS) under the direction of Ona Cropper. She began her affiliation with the VCS at the age of 10 after two years of studying with Ona. She worked her way up the ranks to the position of concert master and has been featured as a soloist at many concerts throughout the years. She was also a member of the Vancouver Junior Philharmonic String Orchestra under the direction of Douglas Stewart.

Rosie has been a member of the Celtic group Blackthorn for over 20 years. In that time, she recorded four albums with them which include a number of her own compositions. Rosie also performed and recorded with The Carpenter’s SonSquid Jiggers, Sunshine and You, The Streels, The Halifax Wharf Rats and Triskellion.

Rosie has attended fiddle workshops, including one with the well –known Irish fiddler Kevin Burke, and plays in sessions regularly in Vancouver. She runs her own fiddle workshops throughout the Lower Mainland as well as through the Georgia Strait Guitar Workshop and The Moveable Music School.

Visit Rosie’s website here.

Rosalie (Rosie) Carver is a member of the BC Registered Music Teachers Association (BCRMTA). She joined the association in 1997 after receiving her Associate for the Royal Conservatory of Toronto (ARCT) diploma. Three years prior to that, she was a member of the Student Teachers Auxiliary to the BCRMTA.

Rosie uses a positive approach to teaching. Her lessons focus on posture, intonation, timing, dynamics, dexterity and a beautiful tone. Rosie believes that with proper training and musical awareness, a student can venture into classical, baroque, romantic, contemporary, fiddle, gospel, jazz or whichever style they choose. Many of her students have achieved high marks for their examinations including silver medals for the highest marks in BC.

Rosie is the associate director with the Vancouver Corelli Strings (VCS) under the direction of Ona Cropper. She began her affiliation with the VCS at the age of 10 after two years of studying with Ona. She worked her way up the ranks to the position of concert master and has been featured as a soloist at many concerts throughout the years. She was also a member of the Vancouver Junior Philharmonic String Orchestra under the direction of Douglas Stewart.

Rosie has been a member of the Celtic group Blackthorn for over 20 years. In that time, she recorded four albums with them which include a number of her own compositions. Rosie also performed and recorded with The Carpenter’s SonSquid Jiggers, Sunshine and You, The Streels, The Halifax Wharf Rats and Triskellion.

Rosie has attended fiddle workshops, including one with the well –known Irish fiddler Kevin Burke, and plays in sessions regularly in Vancouver. She runs her own fiddle workshops throughout the Lower Mainland as well as through the Georgia Strait Guitar Workshop and The Moveable Music School.

Visit Rosie’s website here.

Geeta is a highly qualified professional musician who has been performing and teaching music in Vancouver, as well as around the world, for over 20 years. She has studied music at Douglas College in New Westminster, the University of British Columbia, and also privately in New York. She is well versed in a variety of musical styles, including everything from Classical and Jazz, to Latin, Funk, R&B and Broadway Show Tunes.

Geeta has performed with world renowned artists such as jazz trombonist Bill Watrous, the Juno award winning Brad Turner, Nickelback drummer Daniel Adair, rap star Kanye West, UK pop/rock sensation The Heavy, world famous historic big band The Glenn Miller Orchestra and many more. Geeta has a great deal of knowledge and passion for music that she hopes to share with the community.

Aouda holds a Master of Education degree in Arts Education from Simon Fraser University and a Bachelor of Performing Arts from Capilano University. She is a certified educator of RCM and a member of BC RMTA.

Two of her students were awarded the Gold Medal in Grade 7 Piano from the RCM for the highest exam mark achieved in BC and the Medal in Grade 2 Piano from the BC RMTA Vancouver branch for excellent achievement, respectively.

Her teaching philosophy is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for students to explore, learn and grow.

Lorell earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Calgary, has studied with the Royal Conservatory and attends workshops for RCM, Alfred Piano and Conservatory Canada whenever possible. She sang in choirs for 18 years, has played in bands and ensembles and has accompanied students for recitals as well as RCM exams.

She teaches classical and popular piano as well as  improv and encourages students to explore these areas of music. Whenever possible. Lorell encourages students to play in duets or small ensembles.

Lorell has also taught preschool music classes with an emphasis on fun but also on developing an ear for folk and classical music and also on listening and rhythmic skills.

She has been teaching piano for over 20 years and derives a great deal of satisfaction from watching students develop their musical skills as soloists as well as in ensemble arrangements.

Lorell earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Calgary, has studied with the Royal Conservatory and attends workshops for RCM, Alfred Piano and Conservatory Canada whenever possible. She sang in choirs for 18 years, has played in bands and ensembles and has accompanied students for recitals as well as RCM exams.

She teaches classical and popular piano as well as  improv and encourages students to explore these areas of music. Whenever possible. Lorell encourages students to play in duets or small ensembles.

Lorell has also taught preschool music classes with an emphasis on fun but also on developing an ear for folk and classical music and also on listening and rhythmic skills.

She has been teaching piano for over 20 years and derives a great deal of satisfaction from watching students develop their musical skills as soloists as well as in ensemble arrangements.

Jimmy is an extremely versatile modern guitarist who was born and raised in northern British Columbia. Although primarily self-taught, he moved to Vancouver in 2005 where he was offered a scholarship to study Contemporary Jazz Guitar at Vancouver Community College’s (VCC) School of Music. In June 2007, Jimmy was selected as valedictorian of his graduating diploma class.

In 2009, he earned a Bachelor of Applied Music Degree at VCC. While studying there, Jimmy received numerous scholarships and awards including the Dave Greenall Leadership Award, AJ Bay Memorial Scholarship and a National Millennium Excellence Award. He spent two years with the VCC Latin Jazz Ensemble and another two in the guitar chair of the VCC jazz fusion group Short Fuse.

As a member of Jarimba, Jimmy uses his wide range of influences to contribute to the exciting and eclectic sound of this Afro-funk/world fusion group that released their debut album in May 2008. Jimmy is also the Assistant Guitar Instructor at the Sarah MacLachlan Music Outreach and a private guitar/music theory teacher.

An experienced sideman, Jimmy has most recently been working with South African Munkie Ncapayi’s Nine and a Half Band, country singers Sandra Laratta and AJ Woodworth and Canadian jazz guitar great Stephen Fisk.

http://www.jimmybaldwin.ca/

Jimmy is an extremely versatile modern guitarist who was born and raised in northern British Columbia. Although primarily self-taught, he moved to Vancouver in 2005 where he was offered a scholarship to study Contemporary Jazz Guitar at Vancouver Community College’s (VCC) School of Music. In June 2007, Jimmy was selected as valedictorian of his graduating diploma class.

In 2009, he earned a Bachelor of Applied Music Degree at VCC. While studying there, Jimmy received numerous scholarships and awards including the Dave Greenall Leadership Award, AJ Bay Memorial Scholarship and a National Millennium Excellence Award. He spent two years with the VCC Latin Jazz Ensemble and another two in the guitar chair of the VCC jazz fusion group Short Fuse.

As a member of Jarimba, Jimmy uses his wide range of influences to contribute to the exciting and eclectic sound of this Afro-funk/world fusion group that released their debut album in May 2008. Jimmy is also the Assistant Guitar Instructor at the Sarah MacLachlan Music Outreach and a private guitar/music theory teacher.

An experienced sideman, Jimmy has most recently been working with South African Munkie Ncapayi’s Nine and a Half Band, country singers Sandra Laratta and AJ Woodworth and Canadian jazz guitar great Stephen Fisk.

http://www.jimmybaldwin.ca/

Frank was trained privately by Mr. Faust Pinto. Frank has extensive experience as a live performer in many different musical styles and has written music for television (the CKVU news theme), theatre, film as well as pop tunes. Frank aims to give his students a well-rounded ability on their instrument which will allow them to enjoy playing in whatever style(s) they choose.

Jimmy is an extremely versatile modern guitarist who was born and raised in northern British Columbia. Although primarily self-taught, he moved to Vancouver in 2005 where he was offered a scholarship to study Contemporary Jazz Guitar at Vancouver Community College’s (VCC) School of Music. In June 2007, Jimmy was selected as valedictorian of his graduating diploma class.

In 2009, he earned a Bachelor of Applied Music Degree at VCC. While studying there, Jimmy received numerous scholarships and awards including the Dave Greenall Leadership Award, AJ Bay Memorial Scholarship and a National Millennium Excellence Award. He spent two years with the VCC Latin Jazz Ensemble and another two in the guitar chair of the VCC jazz fusion group Short Fuse.

As a member of Jarimba, Jimmy uses his wide range of influences to contribute to the exciting and eclectic sound of this Afro-funk/world fusion group that released their debut album in May 2008. Jimmy is also the Assistant Guitar Instructor at the Sarah MacLachlan Music Outreach and a private guitar/music theory teacher.

An experienced sideman, Jimmy has most recently been working with South African Munkie Ncapayi’s Nine and a Half Band, country singers Sandra Laratta and AJ Woodworth and Canadian jazz guitar great Stephen Fisk.

http://www.jimmybaldwin.ca/

Jimmy is an extremely versatile modern guitarist who was born and raised in northern British Columbia. Although primarily self-taught, he moved to Vancouver in 2005 where he was offered a scholarship to study Contemporary Jazz Guitar at Vancouver Community College’s (VCC) School of Music. In June 2007, Jimmy was selected as valedictorian of his graduating diploma class.

In 2009, he earned a Bachelor of Applied Music Degree at VCC. While studying there, Jimmy received numerous scholarships and awards including the Dave Greenall Leadership Award, AJ Bay Memorial Scholarship and a National Millennium Excellence Award. He spent two years with the VCC Latin Jazz Ensemble and another two in the guitar chair of the VCC jazz fusion group Short Fuse.

As a member of Jarimba, Jimmy uses his wide range of influences to contribute to the exciting and eclectic sound of this Afro-funk/world fusion group that released their debut album in May 2008. Jimmy is also the Assistant Guitar Instructor at the Sarah MacLachlan Music Outreach and a private guitar/music theory teacher.

An experienced sideman, Jimmy has most recently been working with South African Munkie Ncapayi’s Nine and a Half Band, country singers Sandra Laratta and AJ Woodworth and Canadian jazz guitar great Stephen Fisk.

http://www.jimmybaldwin.ca/

Music Bio

Rebecca’s career as a musician and teacher has been both rich and varied. Her musical studies began in the classical realm with the clarinet, culminating in 1996 when she graduated with a master’s degree in performance and musicology from the University of Victoria.

Since then, she has focused her interest on Celtic music and improvisation on the harp, attending many Celtic harp workshops all over North America and Ireland, where she studied with such notables as Kim Robertson and Sharlene Wallace.

Rebecca’s approach to playing and teaching the harp draws on her classical background and combines it with her passion for Celtic music. Her teaching philosophy focuses on balancing disciplined technique with improvisation and creativity.

Rebecca regularly gives harp workshops at Place des Arts, which attract students from all over the province. She is active in the Vancouver folk music scene, performing around the Lower Mainland as both a soloist and with groups such as the Maenads and Triskellion.

Rebecca works as a freelance musician, playing at many special events; her audiences have included the President of Ireland and the International Bar Association. She has also applied her skills as a studio musician and has been featured on CD’s such as the Maenads and Orra Chan by Teresa Doyle. Rebecca keeps a busy schedule of teaching and performing, as well as studying Irish dance. Visit her website at www.dancingharp.com.

Visual Arts Bio

Rebecca Blair has been an active member of the arts community in Vancouver, which includes a decade of teaching at Place des Arts. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from University of Lethbridge and a Master of Arts from the University of Victoria. For nine years Rebecca taught drawing courses at Whatcom Community College in Washington State.

Rebecca’s art experiences have also taken her to Italy where she taught for a semester in Florence and attended a fresco restoration workshop in Altamura, Puglia. She has participated in several local art events such as the East Vancouver Cultural Crawl and art shows at Place des Arts. She attends the life drawing sessions at Vancouver’s Basic Inquiry studio.

Rebecca’s body of work focuses on watercolour landscapes and portraits in various media which is inspired by her travels both local and abroad. She is presently writing a book on the 17th-century Dutch artist, Jan Vermeer.

Jason has a Bachelor of Music in Performance from the University of Victoria where he grew up playing in the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra and a variety of Jazz, Blues, Rock, Punk and Ska bands.

Since finishing his degree and moving to Vancouver in 1996, he has played, recorded, and toured internationally with many groups of note. He is the musical director for Uzume Taiko, a drum set soloist with OLAM and percussion section leader for the Band of the Fifteenth Field Regiment RCA.

Jason has a great deal of experience playing for musical theatre productions. These include Cabaret, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Oklahoma, The Wiz, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Oliver Twist, Urinetown and several award winning independent productions.

Jason has also played drum set and percussion in a multitude of west coast funk, rock, blues, punk, and ska bands, notably DOA, the Hounds of Buskerville, The Colorifics, The Harpoons and the Juno award winning bluesman Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne.

Jason has studied with some of the world’s great masters, and has taught drum set, hand drums, percussion and taiko to people of all ages locally, nationally, and internationally.

Jason’s other love is martial arts, and he has his Sandan (third degree black belt) in Shotokan Karate-do and travels regularly to Japan with his Sensei to study Budo.

Katrina [Kat] Gillis began playing the piano at the age of 6 and has taken Royal Conservatory Piano up to Grade 10. She started singing at the age of 10 and discovered the fun and beauty of combining singing while playing the piano. She composed her first song at age 12! As a child, she competed locally and internationally in festivals in both voice and piano categories. This led her to combine her passions of piano and singing during post-secondary studies at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, where she studied Opera and Vocal Performance. Throughout university, Kat continued to play the piano by accompanying vocalists, playing in bands and acting as band director for school productions.

Upon moving to BC, Kat attended Malaspina University (now called Vancouver Island University) for Jazz Performance. It was then she started creating original compositions, working with bands as a backup singer and keyboard player and as Musical Director for various musical productions on the island. She has performed her original work around Vancouver.

Kat is excited to use her broad range of education and knowledge to share her passion for singing with her students at Place des Arts.

Katrina [Kat] Gillis began playing the piano at the age of 6 and has taken Royal Conservatory Piano up to Grade 10. She started singing at the age of 10 and discovered the fun and beauty of combining singing while playing the piano. She composed her first song at age 12! As a child, she competed locally and internationally in festivals in both voice and piano categories. This led her to combine her passions of piano and singing during post-secondary studies at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, where she studied Opera and Vocal Performance. Throughout university, Kat continued to play the piano by accompanying vocalists, playing in bands and acting as band director for school productions.

Upon moving to BC, Kat attended Malaspina University (now called Vancouver Island University) for Jazz Performance. It was then she started creating original compositions, working with bands as a backup singer and keyboard player and as Musical Director for various musical productions on the island. She has performed her original work around Vancouver.

Kat is excited to use her broad range of education and knowledge to share her passion for singing with her students at Place des Arts.

Jenneka began taking group music and piano lessons at the age of three. She later switched to private piano lessons with Darlene Brigidear, with whom she studied for 12 years.

Jenneka’s education includes Piano Teacher’s and Piano Performer’s Diplomas from the Royal Conservatory of Music and all levels of teacher training from Music for Young Children.

She has taught piano lessons for over 20 years and has been an MYC teacher since 2007.

Jenneka enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels and has prepared many students for piano festivals and exams. Her main goal as a teacher is to help each child develop their own lifelong love of music, and she feels the MYC program is a wonderful way to begin this journey.

Jenneka began taking group music and piano lessons at the age of three. She later switched to private piano lessons with Darlene Brigidear, with whom she studied for 12 years.

Jenneka’s education includes Piano Teacher’s and Piano Performer’s Diplomas from the Royal Conservatory of Music and all levels of teacher training from Music for Young Children.

She has taught piano lessons for over 20 years and has been an MYC teacher since 2007.

Jenneka enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels and has prepared many students for piano festivals and exams. Her main goal as a teacher is to help each child develop their own lifelong love of music, and she feels the MYC program is a wonderful way to begin this journey.

Jenneka began taking group music and piano lessons at the age of three. She later switched to private piano lessons with Darlene Brigidear, with whom she studied for 12 years.

Jenneka’s education includes Piano Teacher’s and Piano Performer’s Diplomas from the Royal Conservatory of Music and all levels of teacher training from Music for Young Children.

She has taught piano lessons for over 20 years and has been an MYC teacher since 2007.

Jenneka enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels and has prepared many students for piano festivals and exams. Her main goal as a teacher is to help each child develop their own lifelong love of music, and she feels the MYC program is a wonderful way to begin this journey.

Jenneka began taking group music and piano lessons at the age of three. She later switched to private piano lessons with Darlene Brigidear, with whom she studied for 12 years.

Jenneka’s education includes Piano Teacher’s and Piano Performer’s Diplomas from the Royal Conservatory of Music and all levels of teacher training from Music for Young Children.

She has taught piano lessons for over 20 years and has been an MYC teacher since 2007.

Jenneka enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels and has prepared many students for piano festivals and exams. Her main goal as a teacher is to help each child develop their own lifelong love of music, and she feels the MYC program is a wonderful way to begin this journey.

Jenneka began taking group music and piano lessons at the age of three. She later switched to private piano lessons with Darlene Brigidear, with whom she studied for 12 years.

Jenneka’s education includes Piano Teacher’s and Piano Performer’s Diplomas from the Royal Conservatory of Music and all levels of teacher training from Music for Young Children.

She has taught piano lessons for over 20 years and has been an MYC teacher since 2007.

Jenneka enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels and has prepared many students for piano festivals and exams. Her main goal as a teacher is to help each child develop their own lifelong love of music, and she feels the MYC program is a wonderful way to begin this journey.

Jenneka began taking group music and piano lessons at the age of three. She later switched to private piano lessons with Darlene Brigidear, with whom she studied for 12 years.

Jenneka’s education includes Piano Teacher’s and Piano Performer’s Diplomas from the Royal Conservatory of Music and all levels of teacher training from Music for Young Children.

She has taught piano lessons for over 20 years and has been an MYC teacher since 2007.

Jenneka enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels and has prepared many students for piano festivals and exams. Her main goal as a teacher is to help each child develop their own lifelong love of music, and she feels the MYC program is a wonderful way to begin this journey.

Jenneka began taking group music and piano lessons at the age of three. She later switched to private piano lessons with Darlene Brigidear, with whom she studied for 12 years.

Jenneka’s education includes Piano Teacher’s and Piano Performer’s Diplomas from the Royal Conservatory of Music and all levels of teacher training from Music for Young Children.

She has taught piano lessons for over 20 years and has been an MYC teacher since 2007.

Jenneka enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels and has prepared many students for piano festivals and exams. Her main goal as a teacher is to help each child develop their own lifelong love of music, and she feels the MYC program is a wonderful way to begin this journey.

Isaac earned a Bachelor of Music from the National University of Mexico and an Artist Piano Diploma from the Superior School of Music of the National Centre of the Arts, Mexico City. He also has his ARCT from the Royal Conservatory of Music and Licentiate Diploma from the British Columbia Conservatory of Music.

Isaac has received numerous awards, including 1st Place Piano Performance and 1st Place Academics medals from the University of Mexico and a silver medal from the RCM. An active performer, Isaac has been a featured soloist and accompanist in a wide range of styles and musical genres on TV and radio programs in Mexico.

Many of his students have won 1^st place in music festivals and earned high marks in music exams. Isaac is also an adjudicator for some music festivals.

Garth began his musical education as a child in school and church choirs. He began piano study at the age of nine. He graduated from the Brandon University School of Music in 1982 with a Bachelor of Music and from the UBC School of Music in 1989 with a Master of Arts in Music Theory.

Garth’s Master’s thesis was a comprehensive study of the extreme chromatic harmony in the early music of the 20th century Austrian composer Anton Webern. That study has been cited as a reference in an introductory essay, in an edition published in 2004 by Dr. Matthew Shaftel, on Webern’s early vocal music and also in a paper on chromatic harmony presented to the Society for Music Theory at a conference in Seattle in 2003.

Garth has a wide-ranging background in music having performed as a soloist and accompanist and in various ensembles in such diverse idioms as classical, jazz, rock, country, folk and musical theatre.

His professional activities have also included composing, arranging and adjudicating. Garth began teaching full-time in 1983, working for Yamaha Music Canada in Winnipeg and for the Winnipeg School Division, teaching both piano and guitar. He has been teaching at Place des Arts since 1985 and at the Delta Community Music School since 1987.

Music Bio

Rebecca’s career as a musician and teacher has been both rich and varied. Her musical studies began in the classical realm with the clarinet, culminating in 1996 when she graduated with a master’s degree in performance and musicology from the University of Victoria.

Since then, she has focused her interest on Celtic music and improvisation on the harp, attending many Celtic harp workshops all over North America and Ireland, where she studied with such notables as Kim Robertson and Sharlene Wallace.

Rebecca’s approach to playing and teaching the harp draws on her classical background and combines it with her passion for Celtic music. Her teaching philosophy focuses on balancing disciplined technique with improvisation and creativity.

Rebecca regularly gives harp workshops at Place des Arts, which attract students from all over the province. She is active in the Vancouver folk music scene, performing around the Lower Mainland as both a soloist and with groups such as the Maenads and Triskellion.

Rebecca works as a freelance musician, playing at many special events; her audiences have included the President of Ireland and the International Bar Association. She has also applied her skills as a studio musician and has been featured on CD’s such as the Maenads and Orra Chan by Teresa Doyle. Rebecca keeps a busy schedule of teaching and performing, as well as studying Irish dance. Visit her website at www.dancingharp.com.

Visual Arts Bio

Rebecca Blair has been an active member of the arts community in Vancouver, which includes a decade of teaching at Place des Arts. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from University of Lethbridge and a Master of Arts from the University of Victoria. For nine years Rebecca taught drawing courses at Whatcom Community College in Washington State.

Rebecca’s art experiences have also taken her to Italy where she taught for a semester in Florence and attended a fresco restoration workshop in Altamura, Puglia. She has participated in several local art events such as the East Vancouver Cultural Crawl and art shows at Place des Arts. She attends the life drawing sessions at Vancouver’s Basic Inquiry studio.

Rebecca’s body of work focuses on watercolour landscapes and portraits in various media which is inspired by her travels both local and abroad. She is presently writing a book on the 17th-century Dutch artist, Jan Vermeer.

Yurgen (fondly known as “Mr. I”) has taught at Place des Arts since 1981. He also teaches music at two Montessori preschools, instructing over 300 children per week. With a Diploma in Flute and Voice from VCC, he also has instruction in the Kodàly methodology from John Alfred Young and has attended summer programs on Kodàly pedagogy at the University of Calgary and the University of Washington. An accomplished guitarist, he also plays various other instruments and performs at many children’s concerts throughout the year. Visit his website at www.childmusicMRI.com for more info.

Yurgen (fondly known as “Mr. I”) has taught at Place des Arts since 1981. He also teaches music at two Montessori preschools, instructing over 300 children per week. With a Diploma in Flute and Voice from VCC, he also has instruction in the Kodàly methodology from John Alfred Young and has attended summer programs on Kodàly pedagogy at the University of Calgary and the University of Washington. An accomplished guitarist, he also plays various other instruments and performs at many children’s concerts throughout the year. Visit his website at www.childmusicMRI.com for more info.

Yurgen (fondly known as “Mr. I”) has taught at Place des Arts since 1981. He also teaches music at two Montessori preschools, instructing over 300 children per week. With a Diploma in Flute and Voice from VCC, he also has instruction in the Kodàly methodology from John Alfred Young and has attended summer programs on Kodàly pedagogy at the University of Calgary and the University of Washington. An accomplished guitarist, he also plays various other instruments and performs at many children’s concerts throughout the year. Visit his website at www.childmusicMRI.com for more info.

Britney began her musical journey singing in various concert and vocal jazz choirs. She continued her education earning a bachelor’s degree in performing arts and an associates degree in musical theatre. Britney now introduces musical instruments to her students and teaches basic music theory through song and movement. Britney has been teaching The Musical Rainbow program for three years at several preschools and day cares. She is very excited to share her knowledge with her students at Place des Arts!

Yurgen (fondly known as “Mr. I”) has taught at Place des Arts since 1981. He also teaches music at two Montessori preschools, instructing over 300 children per week. With a Diploma in Flute and Voice from VCC, he also has instruction in the Kodàly methodology from John Alfred Young and has attended summer programs on Kodàly pedagogy at the University of Calgary and the University of Washington. An accomplished guitarist, he also plays various other instruments and performs at many children’s concerts throughout the year. Visit his website at www.childmusicMRI.com for more info.

A graduate of Capilano University’s Bachelor of Music Therapy Program, Ryan Siverns has been a music teacher in the Tri-Cities for the last 5 years.  He has been trained and influenced by Place des Arts’s own Mr. I in teaching young children and incorporates a developmental and interpersonal perspective into his teaching.

Ryan is honoured to help develop a love of music in children (and adults) in the community and does so through leadership in church ministry, community events and family music education.

Yurgen (fondly known as “Mr. I”) has taught at Place des Arts since 1981. He also teaches music at two Montessori preschools, instructing over 300 children per week. With a Diploma in Flute and Voice from VCC, he also has instruction in the Kodàly methodology from John Alfred Young and has attended summer programs on Kodàly pedagogy at the University of Calgary and the University of Washington. An accomplished guitarist, he also plays various other instruments and performs at many children’s concerts throughout the year. Visit his website at www.childmusicMRI.com for more info.

Britney began her musical journey singing in various concert and vocal jazz choirs. She continued her education earning a bachelor’s degree in performing arts and an associates degree in musical theatre. Britney now introduces musical instruments to her students and teaches basic music theory through song and movement. Britney has been teaching The Musical Rainbow program for three years at several preschools and day cares. She is very excited to share her knowledge with her students at Place des Arts!

Frank was trained privately by Mr. Faust Pinto. Frank has extensive experience as a live performer in many different musical styles and has written music for television (the CKVU news theme), theatre, film as well as pop tunes. Frank aims to give his students a well-rounded ability on their instrument which will allow them to enjoy playing in whatever style(s) they choose.

Lorell earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Calgary, has studied with the Royal Conservatory and attends workshops for RCM, Alfred Piano and Conservatory Canada whenever possible. She sang in choirs for 18 years, has played in bands and ensembles and has accompanied students for recitals as well as RCM exams.

She teaches classical and popular piano as well as  improv and encourages students to explore these areas of music. Whenever possible. Lorell encourages students to play in duets or small ensembles.

Lorell has also taught preschool music classes with an emphasis on fun but also on developing an ear for folk and classical music and also on listening and rhythmic skills.

She has been teaching piano for over 20 years and derives a great deal of satisfaction from watching students develop their musical skills as soloists as well as in ensemble arrangements.

Isaac earned a Bachelor of Music from the National University of Mexico and an Artist Piano Diploma from the Superior School of Music of the National Centre of the Arts, Mexico City. He also has his ARCT from the Royal Conservatory of Music and Licentiate Diploma from the British Columbia Conservatory of Music.

Isaac has received numerous awards, including 1st Place Piano Performance and 1st Place Academics medals from the University of Mexico and a silver medal from the RCM. An active performer, Isaac has been a featured soloist and accompanist in a wide range of styles and musical genres on TV and radio programs in Mexico.

Many of his students have won 1^st place in music festivals and earned high marks in music exams. Isaac is also an adjudicator for some music festivals.

Irina earned a Master of Music from the Musical Institute of Uzbekistan and a Music Teacher Diploma from the Musical College of Uzbekistan. She is a member of the BC RMTA and has 25 years experience teaching students from beginner to advanced levels. Irina is the Director of the Association of Russian-Canadians choir, organizes the Vancouver International Russian Music Festival and is the Vice President of the Russian Music Teachers Association.

Maria Hwa Yeong Jung is an active vocal collaborative pianist from Toronto. Before her recent move to the Greater Vancouver area, Maria was a member of the University of Toronto Faculty of Music as a vocal coach and staff accompanist and accompanied the renowned Oriana Women’s Chorus and Acquired Taste Choir with conductor Mitchell Pady.

She was also a music director and repetiteur for the Summer Opera Lyric Theater for the productions of Handel’s Cesare and Marschner’s Der Vampyr.

Maria is a graduate of University of Toronto, where she earned her Master’s degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, and Bachelor’s degree in Music Education under the tutelage of Lydia Wong and Dr. James Parker.

Recently graduated from New England Conservatory of Music, she studied with Dr. Cameron Stowe and John Moriarty in the Collaborative Piano Graduate Diploma program.

Dina Kholina is a Ukrainian-Canadian pianist whose musical path started at age five. She completed 17 years of music education, and holds a Master’s degree in Music and Arts from the Ukrainian State Pedagogical University (Kiev, Ukraine).

Playing as an accompanist for various instruments and voice has expanded Dina’s teaching and performing experience. She is a prizewinner of the National Piano Players Competition (Lviv, 1992). In 2003 Dina relocated to Canada where she continues her musical career as a BC RMTA registered piano teacher, accompanist and piano performer. She is in high demand as a piano coach and accompanist for recitals and master classes, music festivals, exams and auditions (Kiwanis, Burnaby Clef Society, Richmond, SDMF, St. Thomas College, BCRTMA, RCM, VAM, UBC, VSO, Metropolitan Opera, Vancouver Chamber Choir, Burnaby Lyric Opera and others).

Dina had her first student at age 16, and since then teaching piano has become her passion. She believes that every child is unique, and with a positive and innovative approach everyone can enjoy playing the piano. Dina’s goal as a teacher is to promote classical music and the best traditions of the Russian piano school (Rachmaninoff, Rubinstein, Scriabin, Horowitz). Dina’s lessons focus on hand position, fingering, posture and quality of sound. She is eager to fill children’s hearts with the joy of music.

Christina received a master’s degree in teaching and composition from the Academy of Music in Gdansk, Poland. Her work experience in Poland includes performing and travelling with the Gdansk Philharmonic Opera.

Christina has been a music director and organist for several churches in Vancouver and is a Royal Conservatory of Music Affiliate Teacher. She is a founder, leader, producer, actor and singer of the Polish Cabaret: “Kropka nad i . . . .”

Christina regularly prepares students for music festival and RCM exams. She teaches a variety of styles, from classical to jazz. An active performer, accompanist and soloist, Christina constantly searches for new ways to nurture her students’ artistic development and is passionate about sharing her experience. She also never forgets to have fun and that progress takes time and requires patience.

Tina Nguyen was born and raised in Goettingen, Germany where she received her first piano lessons at the age of 7. As a youth, she participated in many competitions and won 1st prize in several categories.

Her first career path led her into the world of marketing but, feeling unsatisfied in her job, she decided to reconnect with her passion for music. After one year of intensive preparation, she passed the entrance exams at Robert Schumann University in Duesseldorf, Germany and, in 2015, finished her Bachelor of Music with focus on piano and early musical education. Her growth as a musician during these studies was rewarded with the possibility to further enhance her abilities by pursuing a Master’s degree in concert piano and chamber music. She graduated with honours in 2017.

Tina started teaching the piano as soon as she began studying music and quickly became attached to the craft. She enjoys sharing her love for music with people of all ages. She will always make sure to create a positive and enjoyable learning atmosphere and continuously adapt to her students’ individual needs.

Tina aims to make the principles of deliberate practice the very foundation of her students’ musical education as soon as possible. This ensures they can study the piano independently at home, while playing the music they love and enjoy.

For more information please visit: www.pianowithtina.com.

Garth began his musical education as a child in school and church choirs. He began piano study at the age of nine. He graduated from the Brandon University School of Music in 1982 with a Bachelor of Music and from the UBC School of Music in 1989 with a Master of Arts in Music Theory.

Garth’s Master’s thesis was a comprehensive study of the extreme chromatic harmony in the early music of the 20th century Austrian composer Anton Webern. That study has been cited as a reference in an introductory essay, in an edition published in 2004 by Dr. Matthew Shaftel, on Webern’s early vocal music and also in a paper on chromatic harmony presented to the Society for Music Theory at a conference in Seattle in 2003.

Garth has a wide-ranging background in music having performed as a soloist and accompanist and in various ensembles in such diverse idioms as classical, jazz, rock, country, folk and musical theatre.

His professional activities have also included composing, arranging and adjudicating. Garth began teaching full-time in 1983, working for Yamaha Music Canada in Winnipeg and for the Winnipeg School Division, teaching both piano and guitar. He has been teaching at Place des Arts since 1985 and at the Delta Community Music School since 1987.

Marjory began piano lessons at the age of four with her mother Margaret Purdy. She later continued her studies with Robin Wood, Winifred Scott Wood and William Goldenberg.

Marjory’s education includes Performer’s and Teacher’s Diplomas from the Royal Conservatory of Music and the Victoria Conservatory of Music; a Bachelor of Music from the University of Victoria; and a Master of Music and Performer’s Certificate from Northern Illinois University.

She also studied collaborative piano at the doctorate level with Martin Katz at the University of Michigan and participated in various summer programs and master classes in Canada, the United States, and Europe.

Marjory has been teaching for over 20 years. She adjudicates music festivals throughout British Columbia and is an examiner for Conservatory Canada. As a clinician, Marjory presents master classes and workshops on various topics to teachers, students and the public.

Marjory loves teaching all levels from the very young beginner to the advanced piano student. She considers the benefits of music education immeasurable for a child’s emotional, social and intellectual development.

In her teaching, Marjory encourages and challenges students, in partnership with parents, to strive towards excellence within a kind and supportive environment. She believes all children have an artist within, and she aspires to guide students on their journey of learning and discovery.

Marjory’s students are recipients of numerous awards from local festivals, the Registered Music Teachers, and Conservatory Canada; but what Marjory values most is watching students master the things they thought were impossible, and the privilege of sharing time with children as they grow up.

Violinist and pianist Sarab Shamoun is a passionate professional musician who graduated with a Teaching Diploma in Music and earned her Bachelor of Music Education from Al Baath University. She has more than 7 years of experience as a music teacher in public and private schools.

Her teaching philosophy is “Believing, Achieving and Serving.” As an educator, she feels that it is important that she is not just setting challenges for herself but also strive to be a positive role model for her students.

The importance of respect, reverence, patience, love and forgiveness has shaped her into the person she have become today. She felt it is her responsibility to teach students how to appreciate the positivity in life through music.

Karen has an ARCT in Piano Performance, a Bachelor of Sacred Music (major in piano performance, minor in voice) from Ambrose University College and Orff training. From 1996 – 2000 she was the music director at Tenth Avenue Church in Vancouver. In addition to teaching at Place des Arts, Karen has also taught group piano at Carillon Music in Burnaby, BC Conservatory of Music and in her home studio.

Karen seeks to foster a lifetime enjoyment of music through learning the fundamentals of many musical styles and by helping students accomplish musical goals through exams, student recitals and other performance opportunities.

Aouda holds a Master of Education degree in Arts Education from Simon Fraser University and a Bachelor of Performing Arts from Capilano University. She is a certified educator of RCM and a member of BC RMTA.

Two of her students were awarded the Gold Medal in Grade 7 Piano from the RCM for the highest exam mark achieved in BC and the Medal in Grade 2 Piano from the BC RMTA Vancouver branch for excellent achievement, respectively.

Her teaching philosophy is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for students to explore, learn and grow.

Benjamin began playing piano when he was five years old and is currently preparing for his grade nine piano exam at Place des Arts with Marjory Purdy.  He has achieved the top mark in BC for Piano 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8, as well as in Theory 1 and 2.

Benjamin enjoys working with children, as he has coached a youth basketball team and is a volunteer with the City of Coquitlam’s summer day camps for kids.  He also enjoys reading and sports, particularly soccer.  Benjamin enjoys the freedom and escape that music offers and cannot wait to pass on his knowledge and passion for music.

Emma started taking piano lessons at the age of seven with Marjory Purdy. Before that, she was part of the Musical Rainbow Program and the Rainbow Singers with Mr. I.

Emma is in grade 11 in the French Immersion Program at Dr. Charles Best Secondary School. She plays the trombone in both the concert and jazz bands at her school, sings in the choir and has been a peer tutor in trombone and in clarinet.

In 2016, Emma was the recipient of the Elva Maria Wiltsie Memorial Scholarship from Conservatory Canada.

Nader has studied piano with Marjory Purdy at Place des Arts for almost 10 years and is currently preparing to complete the grade 9 exam. He has been awarded Medals of Excellence from Conservatory Canada for the highest mark in British Columbia for both piano and theory. He has also received the Elliott Harty Scholarship in 2015, and the Leonore Peyton Memorial Award in 2016. Nader has also participated in many music festivals and masterclasses.

Nader is currently enrolled in university. He is excited to share his passion for music with other kids who, like himself, want simply to experience the joy of learning music.

Robin is currently studying for her performance diploma with Marjory Purdy at Place des Arts. She was awarded Place des Arts’ Scholarships in 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2012 and received the 2013 Adjudicator’s Choice award at the North Fraser Music Festival. Robin has also attended master classes with May Ling Kwok, who sits on the music faculty of the University of Victoria and Corey Hamm, a professor at the University of British Columbia. Robin wishes to share her piano experience and to inspire others to enjoy music.

Stefan Nazarevich has been both a student and a teacher at Place des Arts, studying piano with Marjory Purdy for 17 years. Additionally, Stefan has studied with renowned pianist and educator May Ling Kwok, and is completing a degree in “electroacoustic music composition and performance” with Sabrina Schroeder at the SFU School for Contemporary Arts. In 2018, Stefan was accepted into the Darmstadt Summer Festival, a two-week intensive workshop in Germany for electronic music. His artistic practice has led him to compose music for several contemporary dance artists in Vancouver, and to co-found the interdisciplinary artist collective olive theory projects with Shion Skye Carter. The collective has been artists-in-residence at What Lab Studio and Left of Main in Vancouver. Stefan’s dedication to his craft has earned him several Conservatory Canada medals of excellence, the Place des Arts Fern Bouvier Arts Legacy Award, the British Columbia Arts Council Scholarship Award and the Red FM Music Scholarship Award from Simon Fraser University. His goal as a teacher is to pass on the love of music to all of his students.

As the fearless front woman of a folk-rock band, a long-time music teacher and a passionate music producer, Kaitlin Deavy’s contagious energy and engaging teaching style will leave everyone with a musical spark in their hearts (and their ears!).

Kaitlin has worked with students aged 4-85 with the mission to inspire, entertain and educate those around her. She has won numerous songwriting competitions, performed at a variety of venues across the Lower Mainland and is currently completing a degree in music therapy at Douglas College.

Geeta is a highly qualified professional musician who has been performing and teaching music in Vancouver, as well as around the world, for over 20 years. She has studied music at Douglas College in New Westminster, the University of British Columbia, and also privately in New York. She is well versed in a variety of musical styles, including everything from Classical and Jazz, to Latin, Funk, R&B and Broadway Show Tunes.

Geeta has performed with world renowned artists such as jazz trombonist Bill Watrous, the Juno award winning Brad Turner, Nickelback drummer Daniel Adair, rap star Kanye West, UK pop/rock sensation The Heavy, world famous historic big band The Glenn Miller Orchestra and many more. Geeta has a great deal of knowledge and passion for music that she hopes to share with the community.

Marjory began piano lessons at the age of four with her mother Margaret Purdy. She later continued her studies with Robin Wood, Winifred Scott Wood and William Goldenberg.

Marjory’s education includes Performer’s and Teacher’s Diplomas from the Royal Conservatory of Music and the Victoria Conservatory of Music; a Bachelor of Music from the University of Victoria; and a Master of Music and Performer’s Certificate from Northern Illinois University.

She also studied collaborative piano at the doctorate level with Martin Katz at the University of Michigan and participated in various summer programs and master classes in Canada, the United States, and Europe.

Marjory has been teaching for over 20 years. She adjudicates music festivals throughout British Columbia and is an examiner for Conservatory Canada. As a clinician, Marjory presents master classes and workshops on various topics to teachers, students and the public.

Marjory loves teaching all levels from the very young beginner to the advanced piano student. She considers the benefits of music education immeasurable for a child’s emotional, social and intellectual development.

In her teaching, Marjory encourages and challenges students, in partnership with parents, to strive towards excellence within a kind and supportive environment. She believes all children have an artist within, and she aspires to guide students on their journey of learning and discovery.

Marjory’s students are recipients of numerous awards from local festivals, the Registered Music Teachers, and Conservatory Canada; but what Marjory values most is watching students master the things they thought were impossible, and the privilege of sharing time with children as they grow up.

Geeta is a highly qualified professional musician who has been performing and teaching music in Vancouver, as well as around the world, for over 20 years. She has studied music at Douglas College in New Westminster, the University of British Columbia, and also privately in New York. She is well versed in a variety of musical styles, including everything from Classical and Jazz, to Latin, Funk, R&B and Broadway Show Tunes.

Geeta has performed with world renowned artists such as jazz trombonist Bill Watrous, the Juno award winning Brad Turner, Nickelback drummer Daniel Adair, rap star Kanye West, UK pop/rock sensation The Heavy, world famous historic big band The Glenn Miller Orchestra and many more. Geeta has a great deal of knowledge and passion for music that she hopes to share with the community.

Frank was trained privately by Mr. Faust Pinto. Frank has extensive experience as a live performer in many different musical styles and has written music for television (the CKVU news theme), theatre, film as well as pop tunes. Frank aims to give his students a well-rounded ability on their instrument which will allow them to enjoy playing in whatever style(s) they choose.

Violinist and conductor Herbert Tsang earned his Master of Music degree from Boston University’s School of Music, where he continued his musical studies at the doctoral level. In addition, Herbert earned the Doctor of Worship Studies degree from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies. Herbert is currently the music director of the chamber orchestra SINFONIA MOSAIC and President of Church Music Ministry of Canada. Locally, he has performed with the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra and West Coast Symphony as a violinist and conducted the Vancouver Chamber Choir in performance.

With an avid interest in opera and musical theatre, Tsang was the musical director of the Fraser Valley Gilbert and Sullivan Society production of The Mikado and HMS Pinafore. In Europe, he conducted in a production of Le Nozze di Figaro at the East Slovakian State Opera House, Slovak Republic.

A prolific recording artist, Herbert has over 30 recordings produced under his musical direction. Tsang was selected as one of eight Tanglewood II Symposium Scholars in 2007. This international symposium brings together distinguished international scholars to cultivate a new understanding of music learning for the 21st Century. He has been on the music faculty of Place des Arts since 1995. Visit his website at www.herberttsang.com.

Meredith Bates is an award-winning violinist, improvisor and teacher. She grew up in Vancouver, B.C. and has been performing and competing since she was a teenager.

Meredith is a founding member of the celebrated ensembles Pugs and Crows (JUNO Award Winner 2013, JUNO Award Nominee 2016, Western Canadian Music Award Winner 2017, Galaxie Rising Star Award winner 2010, Polaris Longer List 2016), Gentle Party (Polaris Longer List 2017), ElkHorn, Peggy Lee’s Echo Painting, Tony Wilson’s Burn Down the Cornfield, Leah Abramson’s Lost Pod and Ford Pier’s Strength of Materials.

She has collaborated extensively with some of Canada’s most innovative musicians, including C.R. Avery, Laila Biali, Kim Barlow, Annie Lou, Matt Mayes, David Ward, The Fugitives, Mark Berube, Rodney Decroo, Chris Gestrin and Buck 65 and has performed alongside many varied musicians, from Rod Steward to Evan Parker.

Meredith has toured internationally with many bands and has played on over 100 recordings to date. Meredith has also been a core member of the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra first violin section for ten years and performs regularly with other civic and regional orchestras around B.C.

Meredith is a passionate music teacher, with certificates in both Orff-Schulwerk and The Suzuki Method. She has taught violin, viola and fiddle and coached ensembles for 20 years to students of all ages and abilities. She also has experience as a conductor, sectional leader, workshop instructor and small ensemble coach.

Meredith is a well-respected teacher whose students return year after year, gaining skill and musicality as they grow. She tailors her teaching to the various desires and needs of each student, with a strong focus on technique and posture, but, above all, finding joy in music and creativity.

Rosalie (Rosie) Carver is a member of the BC Registered Music Teachers Association (BCRMTA). She joined the association in 1997 after receiving her Associate for the Royal Conservatory of Toronto (ARCT) diploma. Three years prior to that, she was a member of the Student Teachers Auxiliary to the BCRMTA.

Rosie uses a positive approach to teaching. Her lessons focus on posture, intonation, timing, dynamics, dexterity and a beautiful tone. Rosie believes that with proper training and musical awareness, a student can venture into classical, baroque, romantic, contemporary, fiddle, gospel, jazz or whichever style they choose. Many of her students have achieved high marks for their examinations including silver medals for the highest marks in BC.

Rosie is the associate director with the Vancouver Corelli Strings (VCS) under the direction of Ona Cropper. She began her affiliation with the VCS at the age of 10 after two years of studying with Ona. She worked her way up the ranks to the position of concert master and has been featured as a soloist at many concerts throughout the years. She was also a member of the Vancouver Junior Philharmonic String Orchestra under the direction of Douglas Stewart.

Rosie has been a member of the Celtic group Blackthorn for over 20 years. In that time, she recorded four albums with them which include a number of her own compositions. Rosie also performed and recorded with The Carpenter’s SonSquid Jiggers, Sunshine and You, The Streels, The Halifax Wharf Rats and Triskellion.

Rosie has attended fiddle workshops, including one with the well –known Irish fiddler Kevin Burke, and plays in sessions regularly in Vancouver. She runs her own fiddle workshops throughout the Lower Mainland as well as through the Georgia Strait Guitar Workshop and The Moveable Music School.

Visit Rosie’s website here.

Violinist Joshua Dean is a dynamic artist who is passionate about performing, teaching and innovating. His modern teaching methods are synthesized from the latest ideas in education, neuro-science, psychology, physiology, as well as methods of great masters of violin playing such as Jascha Heifetz, David Oistrakh and Nathan Milstein. In the last ten years, he has traveled to Harvard University, the Juilliard School, and New York University to meet with top researchers and professors and to discuss ground-breaking ideas on violin playing and teaching. He believes that with proper guidance and attitude, every student can master the violin. He places great importance on how to listen to one’s own playing and how to practice at home.

Joshua holds a Master’s Degree from UBC where he studied violin and education. While doing his master’s degree, he was also a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Faculty of Music Education. He enjoys teaching young students aged 4 to 10, many of whom have won top prizes in local festivals and competitions. Since 2005, his students have achieved highest marks in the province of British Columbia at Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations in virtually all levels.

Joshua is also a top expert in antique string instruments and has been consulted by members of Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Opera, and the University of British Colombia School of Music. Aside from violin playing and teaching, he works as an independent appraiser of fine string instruments.

Anyone who is interested in violin lessons with Joshua is welcome to contact him through Place des Arts.

Genevieve MacKay is a working musician, educator, arts administrator and writer living in North Vancouver. She is a regular performer and avid teacher of viola and violin, which she has played with the Lions Gate Sinfonia, Plastic Acid Orchestra, Vancouver Chamber Choir, Vancouver Film Orchestra and many other ensembles.

Genevieve holds a BA (English Literature) and an MA (Ancient Culture, Religion, and Ethnicity) from UBC, where she also performed in the UBC Symphony Orchestra and the Early Music Ensemble. Her teaching philosophy is music should be fun and everyone can learn.

Florence earned a bachelor’s degree in violin performance in Seoul Korea, where she was a middle school music teacher before immigrating to Canada. She has over 20 years of teaching experience.

Florence started teaching at Place des Arts in the mid 1980’s. She has performed with the Vancouver Chamber Music Orchestra and is a member of the BC RMTA. Currently, she performs as a soloist and accompanies a church choir on the violin.

Florence’s students are consistently high-mark earners, including silver and gold award winners at RCM exams and music festivals. Florence teaches classical and gospel music (she is open to other suggestions) to children and adults of all ages. She believes students learn best in a fun and motivating environment where they are able to reach specific goals and appreciate music.

Derek Pang attended the Beijing Central Conservatory of Music, and earned his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the Eastman School of Music.

Derek has been a member of the Hong Kong Chamber Orchestra, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, the Eastman Philharmonic Orchestra, the Eastman Graduate Chamber Orchestra, the Whitewater Opera Company, the St. Martin Chamber Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Derek is a member of the BC RMTA.

Anne Stride received her training in music performance from Portland State University and has performed as an extra musician with the Vancouver, Victoria, Prince George, Kamloops and Okanagan Symphonies. She has been a member of the Canada West Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Canadiana.

She has also performed with the ITV (now Global) Orchestra in Edmonton, has played for local jingles, recording projects and television productions, and is an active chamber music performer.

Violinist and pianist Sarab Shamoun is a passionate professional musician who graduated with a Teaching Diploma in Music and earned her Bachelor of Music Education from Al Baath University. She has more than 7 years of experience as a music teacher in public and private schools.

Her teaching philosophy is “Believing, Achieving and Serving.” As an educator, she feels that it is important that she is not just setting challenges for herself but also strive to be a positive role model for her students.

The importance of respect, reverence, patience, love and forgiveness has shaped her into the person she have become today. She felt it is her responsibility to teach students how to appreciate the positivity in life through music.

Violinist and conductor Herbert Tsang earned his Master of Music degree from Boston University’s School of Music, where he continued his musical studies at the doctoral level. In addition, Herbert earned the Doctor of Worship Studies degree from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies. Herbert is currently the music director of the chamber orchestra SINFONIA MOSAIC and President of Church Music Ministry of Canada. Locally, he has performed with the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra and West Coast Symphony as a violinist and conducted the Vancouver Chamber Choir in performance.

With an avid interest in opera and musical theatre, Tsang was the musical director of the Fraser Valley Gilbert and Sullivan Society production of The Mikado and HMS Pinafore. In Europe, he conducted in a production of Le Nozze di Figaro at the East Slovakian State Opera House, Slovak Republic.

A prolific recording artist, Herbert has over 30 recordings produced under his musical direction. Tsang was selected as one of eight Tanglewood II Symposium Scholars in 2007. This international symposium brings together distinguished international scholars to cultivate a new understanding of music learning for the 21st Century. He has been on the music faculty of Place des Arts since 1995. Visit his website at www.herberttsang.com.

Megan is an award-winning writer and performer who has toured solo shows to sold-out houses across the Canadian Fringe Circuit since 2012. She has been called “an artistic achievement” by Vue Weekly and has been teaching singing and drama for over seven years.

Megan graduated from the Western University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Honors in Voice. She then obtained her MA in Musical Theatre from Mountview Academy in the United Kingdom. A teacher and a performer, Megan performs sketch, improv and stand-up comedy around Vancouver and believes in harnessing the power of play in all artistic endeavours.

Danielle Cyr, soprano, has an MMus from the University of Alberta in Vocal Performance as well as a BA in Music from Trinity Western University. Currently, Danielle is pursuing her Artist Diploma at the Vancouver Academy of Music. She has performed the role of Miss Jessel from Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw with the Accademia Europea Dell’Opera and Mrs. McLean from Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah with the Vancouver Academy of Music.

Danielle has also performed in scene excerpts as Rusalka in Dvořák’s Rusalka, Countess Almaviva in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, Erste Dame in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte and as Rosaline in Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II.

Danielle is a passionate performer and teacher whose love of singing and music inspires as well as empowers students throughout their vocal and artistic development.

Leanne has a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music from UBC in voice and opera performance.  Having taught for over 10 years, she is also a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).

Leanne recently completed studies at Shenandoah University (Virginia) Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) Institute, completing courses in Somatic Voicework – the Lovetri Method™ Levels I-III, and classes in Gospel music, Working with Injured Voices with Wendy LeBorgne (PhD., CCC-SLP) and Voice and Movement with Joan Melton.

She has sung in recitals, concerts and with Opera Appassionata, Opera NUOVA, Opera Breve and Vancouver Opera Chorus. She has also adjudicated at festivals around BC.

Leanne loves to share her love of singing; her teaching goals are to provide engaging classes which help students become lifelong singers who sing and make music to the best of their ability.

Lambroula Pappas has Bachelor of Music (Voice Performance) and Master of Music (Opera) degrees from the University of British Columbia. She is currently the head of the vocal department of the British Columbia Conservatory of Music, teaches at The Arts Connection and is proud to be on faculty at the outstanding summer art song program, Vancouver International Song Institute (VISI) and Young Artists Experience (YAE).

Acclaimed for her charisma and exquisite tone, soprano Lambroula Pappas has impressed and delighted audiences around the world. She possesses an extraordinary blend of shimmering voice, powerful stage presence and sparkling lyricism.

Ms. Pappas’ extensive performance and recording career includes her signature role as Gilda in Rigoletto which she played in 2008 at Stadttheater Bern, Switzerland and then again with Opera Saskatoon in Canada. She is a former member of the Atelier Lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal and has been acclaimed by audiences and critics for her performances as Marie in La Fille du Régiment, Despina in Cosi Fan Tutte, the title role in Amelia Goes to the Ball, Adina in L’Elisir d’Amore, the title role in Lucia di Lammermoor,and Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte.

Main stage, Ms. Pappas performed Giannetta in L’Elisir d’Amore, Papagena in Die Zauberflöte, and La Charmeuse in Thäis. Other significant performances include Adele in Die Fledermaus, Miss Silverpeal in The Impressario, Sandrina in La Finta Giardiniera,Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier, and Lucy in The Telephone.

As a concert soloist, Ms. Pappas has sung with symphony orchestras across Canada with highlights that include the likes of the Vancouver, Montreal, Orchestre Metropolitan, Victoria, and Quebec Symphonies; Festival Vancouver, Festival en Lumières, Festival de Lanaudière and Festival Lachine.

Internationally Ms. Pappas has appeared with Germany’s East West Symphony, Belgium’s Opéra de Wallonie, France’s Opéra d’Avignon, Spain’s Delegada Orquesta Sinfonica de Madrid, Orquesto Pablo Sarasate de Pamplona, Northwest Sinfonetta, Lake Union Civic Orchestra and New York’s Lincoln Centre at Alice Tully Hall.

Megan is an award-winning writer and performer who has toured solo shows to sold-out houses across the Canadian Fringe Circuit since 2012. She has been called “an artistic achievement” by Vue Weekly and has been teaching singing and drama for over seven years.

Megan graduated from the Western University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Honors in Voice. She then obtained her MA in Musical Theatre from Mountview Academy in the United Kingdom. A teacher and a performer, Megan performs sketch, improv and stand-up comedy around Vancouver and believes in harnessing the power of play in all artistic endeavours.