Grace has completed her Level 10 Practical, Theory and Harmony Certificate in piano, with over twelve years of classical piano experience. As a former student of the Annex Academy of Music, Grace has learned the importance of the Annex’s teaching philosophy and has applied its values to her own lessons. She encourages students to enhance their musical journey by providing them with a concrete technical foundation while exploring their individual musical interests. Grace values providing students with a structured, yet engaging learning environment that augments her students’ creativity.

Linda Wang is a Toronto based vocalist and singer songwriter with a passion for piano based music. Having studied at Humber Polytechnic in their music program, she’s grown into her voice and encourages all her students to do the same. Most notably, she’s performed in many different genres of music throughout her career, such as in Gospel choirs, R&B ensembles, and jazz groups. With a passion for songwriting, she loves to teach young vocalists the importance of not only technique, but expressing your emotions through your art. She believes that each student can shine through their musical expression with the right training of technical foundations (reading music, ear training, understanding technique). Her priority is to meet every student where they are at, and growing together through lessons. 

Andrew Furlong has been active as a bass player and guitarist since 2005, first in Edmonton and, since 2012, in Toronto. In 2016 he completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Performance at the University of Toronto, following a 2010 Performance degree from Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton. Previous to these academic pursuits, Andrew spent many years learning by ear and teaching himself guitar and piano. All of this education has found a place in Andrew’s teaching method, which he has been sharing with students of all ages since 2008
 Andrew enjoys teaching all styles of music and is focused on helping students learn the music they are interested in playing, including rock, folk and pop styles, as well providing theoretical and technical knowledge as needed. As a teacher he aims to tailor lessons for each student, emphasizing the fun in music, while helping each student explore their own creativity and interests. As a performer, Andrew is active locally in Toronto and nationally with his co-led group Luscar, as well as improvising ensembles with some of the city’s best musicians, including Ken Aldcroft, Joe Sorbara, and Colin Fisher. In Summer 2016, Andrew was awarded first place in The Emerging Artist series at the Sudbury Jazz Festival for his duo with vocalist Laura Swankey.


LUSCAR.ORG

Kateryna is a Ukrainian pianist and piano teacher with a strong classical background and a passion for helping students discover the joy of making music.

She began studying piano at an early age and gave her first concert performance at the age of five in Kyiv. She went on to study at the renowned Lysenko Lyceum and later attended the Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine on a full scholarship.

From the age of eight, Kateryna received laureate awards in international piano competitions and performed regularly in concerts in Ukraine and Sweden. Her performance experience includes concerts at venues such as the Actor’s House and the House of Scientists in Kyiv, as well as numerous concert halls and churches.

With over 17 years of formal musical education, Kateryna has developed a deep understanding of both piano technique and musical interpretation. In her lessons, she aims to create a supportive and encouraging environment where students can build strong fundamentals, develop confidence, and express themselves through music.

Now based in Canada, Kateryna is excited to share her experience and love of music with a new generation of pianists.

David Ball is a Toronto-based drummer who has been performing professionally since 2018. An active presence throughout Toronto and the GTA, he has appeared at festivals including the TD Toronto Jazz Festival and Small World Music Festival, and has previously toured across Canada. Equally at home in jazz, pop, rock, folk, and other contemporary styles, David is a versatile performer known for his musicality, adaptability, and collaborative approach. David has also been teaching for the last seven years, to very young children and people in their sunset years. Through his years of teaching, David has developed thorough materials and numerous strategies to get students to progress in effective and efficient ways to achieve their goals. David strives to create a relaxed and safe learning environment, while still maintaining a high quality of study. 

Bennett Rouleau is a Toronto based Saxophonist and Composer. He is a recent graduate from the Jazz program at the University of Toronto, receiving a bachelor’s degree in saxophone performance. As a performer, Bennett’s musical background is varied, beginning with classical training on the violin and including experience in rock and pop as a keyboardist and guitarist as well as numerous jazz settings on the alto and tenor saxophone. As a saxophonist, Bennett is known to be an expressive and passionate improvisor. Compositionally, he pulls on a wide breadth of influences from classical and jazz music to the sounds of nature and the city, with the resulting approach being heavily focused on musical texture and timbre. His work as a film composer has been featured in several festivals across Canada. As a teacher, he believes a broad appreciation for music and a solid foundation of fundamentals is the key to fostering progress. Additionally, he believes a unique approach is necessary for every student and approaches his teaching with this adaptability in mind.

Duncan Wilson is a pianist, composer and bandleader based in Toronto, Ontario. Born and raised in Orillia, ON, Duncan moved to Toronto to study Jazz Performance at UofT’s esteemed music faculty. Even before graduating with his Bachelor of Music, Duncan launched an active performing career that sees him regularly sharing stages around Ontario with some of the biggest names in Canadian jazz. Since 2024, he has led his own trio that performs his original music and arrangements. Additionally, Duncan has extensively studied Brazilian drumming percussion, including travelling to Rio de Janeiro to study and perform with samba musicians.

Duncan loves sharing his passion for all kinds of music with students at all levels. He looks to encourage a curiosity about music in students and, in turn, provide them with the fundamentals and knowledge that will help fuel their growth.

Jacob Diamond is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist originating from Vaughan, Ontario. He holds a bachelor of music at York University, as well as certifications in RCM Guitar and Theory up to Level 5. Jacob offers private guitar, piano, bass, drum, and voice lessons, and his combination of academic and professional music experience allows him to teach traditional theory and technique through a contemporary lens. With Jacob, no two classes are the same, as he always incorporates each student’s personal music tastes into their lessons to ensure they stay engaging and relevant.

He has performed both as a solo artist and with various ensembles all throughout Southern Ontario, in communities including Toronto, Oshawa, Sarnia, London, Orangeville, Barrie, and Aurora. Alongside his work as a performer, Jacob has developed and delivered music programming in the Jane and Finch community to schools that were lacking music teachers on staff. He has also led music workshops for youth internship programs in various universities across Toronto, including York, and TMU.

Jennifer Pos is a pianist and trumpet player from New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. She was born missing her left hand, but that has not stopped her in pursuing her goals as a musician. She began playing piano when she was 8 years old and frequently participated in the New Glasgow Music Festival and Nova Scotia Honour Jazz throughout her childhood and adolescence. In 2015, she completed her Bachelor of Music degree at Humber College in Jazz Performance. She is equally adept at classical music, and earned her Grade 9 piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music with first class honors with distinction.

Jennifer’s teaching style has a strong emphasis on understanding the fundamentals of learning music and applying them in practical situations. She draws upon her 10 years of teaching experience to create the best lesson plan for each individual’s needs. Jennifer is well versed in classical music, jazz, rock, pop, and many other styles, which allows her to help students to learn music in a variety of genres. Her students have had success on their exams, in music festivals, and on their university auditions. Jennifer has experience teaching students with both mental and physical disabilities. Being an arm amputee who plays piano, she understands how to think outside the box and to be creative in order help any student succeed.

As a performer, Jennifer leads and writes music for Strike Scream Run, a jazz fusion band based in Toronto. Strike Scream Run released an EP in 2015 and can be found performing at a number of venues in Toronto and Hamilton, including Lee’s Palace, The Painted Lady, Junction City Music Hall, and The Doors Pub. In addition to Strike Scream Run, Jennifer be found playing with The Purcell Project, playing various jazz gigs, or working as an accompanist. Jennifer also played trumpet in the Medieval Times show, The Northman.

Also see:

www.jenniferposmusic.com

www.strikescreamrun.com

Kathleen O’Keeffe is a Toronto-based vocalist and composer from Ottawa, Ontario. She spent her early years and adolescence studying Royal Conservatory of Music piano and performing in community orchestras, musical theatre productions, and choirs, including the Ontario Youth Choir. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Voice Performance from the University of Toronto. Since graduating, Kathleen has continued songwriting and performing her compositions. She also collaborates with jazz and folk ensembles throughout Toronto, and remains an active singer in the city’s choral scene.

Kathleen has been teaching music lessons for four years and is currently completing her Masters of Teaching at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). As a music educator, Kathleen is passionate about planning lessons which reflect each students’ interests and curiosities. She encourages creativity while also providing a strong foundation in fundamental musical skills to help students grow both artistically and technically. 

A passionate teacher and performer, Jake has been playing music for 15 years. As a graduate of the University of Toronto’s Jazz Program, Jake studied with respected Toronto trumpeters Jim Lewis and Chase Sanborn, whose mentorship helped shape his sound, phrasing, and artistic voice. He is also an alumnus of JazzFM’s Youth Big Band, an experience that deepened his connection to Toronto’s jazz community. When not teaching, Jake can be found playing in some of Toronto’s premier venues like the Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar and the Pilot Tavern.

Proficient on the Piano, Trumpet, Drums and in Voice, Jake’s teaching philosophy centres on creating lessons that are tailored to the individual needs, goals, and learning styles of each student. He believes that effective teaching requires flexibility, patience, and an understanding of what motivates each learner. By adapting his approach to suit the student, Jake strives to create an engaging and supportive environment where students feel confident, challenged, and empowered to grow. Jake has been teaching for close to a decade and relishes any and every opportunity to share the joy of music with others.

Adam Mansfield is an honors graduate from Humber College’s Bachelor of Music program. During his studies, he had the privilege of learning from world-class drummers such as Marito Marques and Joaquin Hidalgo and was honored with the ‘Mark Kelso Award’ for exceptional talent in his first year. Adam’s deep passion for music and dedication to his craft have led him to perform alongside a diverse array of esteemed musicians, including Brownman Ali (Montreal Grand Prix de Jazz award winner), Nick Maclean (2023 Juno Nominee), Vasyl Popadiuk (world-touring violin virtuoso), Oleg Skrypka (Ukrainian punk rock icon), Dr. Aslan Gotov (renowned Canadian-Russian composer and arranger), and Josh Cohen (multi-award-winning electric bass virtuoso).

In addition to his steadfast commitment to his instrument and creative pursuits, Adam finds great joy in mentoring others in their drumming journey. Whether working with beginners or advanced students, he is enthusiastic about meeting them where they are and helping them achieve their goals, whether for casual enjoyment or a more dedicated practice.

Alyssa Giammaria is a vocalist and composer based in Toronto. Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Alyssa has been involved in the arts from when she was four. She grew up performing in musicals and studying Royal Conservatory of Music piano and voice until pursuing jazz at her hometown college, Mohawk. Since then she has studied at The New School in Manhattan and has recently completed her master’s of music at the University of Toronto. She released her debut EP, “Moments” in 2021 with a seven piece band of her own compositions and arrangements, and released her first full length album with her quintet, “In Time” in September 2023. 

Alyssa has been teaching voice, piano and theory lessons since 2017 and prioritizes encouraging students’ creativity while developing a technical foundation that is tailored to their individual interests.

Liz Anthonisen is a piano teacher and freelance musician with over 15 years of experience teaching and playing classical, jazz, rock, pop, and alternative styles. Liz holds a Bachelor of Music in Keyboard Studies from Humber College as well as an RCM Grade 8 Practical and Theory Certificate in piano. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in giving students a solid foundation in keyboard fundamentals (technique, rhythm, sight-reading, ear training and theory) while also giving each individual space to explore their own musical interests and goals. Liz enjoys taking the time to learn about students' musical interests and loves finding ways to incorporate their favourite songs, artists and styles into lessons.

What is it to remain sensitive in an increasingly distracted world?

Toronto-based artist Marshall Jacklin pries this question open with every note that leaves his mouth. Trained at York University as a pianist and vocalist, Jacklin has crafted a distinct sound that bridges the past, present, and future. Influences such as Ravel, Monk, Simone, Newman, DangerMouse, and Sparklehorse converge in Jacklin’s sonic universe. His approach merges classic songwriting and traditional arranging with modern production techniques—think string quartets over 808 beats, musique concrète blending with wavetable synthesis, and Harry Nilsson-inspired harmonies enveloping Carver-esque narrative lyricism.

 “I am primarily interested in what songs can be, in a belief that they can exist beyond emotional immediacy; the form can express complex stories with the same diversity of subject and nuance as film, literature, or painting,” Jacklin says.

Following two live recordings in the summer of 2023, Jacklin released his first official single under his own name on November 23rd, 2023. A complete reworking of the emo classic “Came Out Swinging” by The Wonder Years, the song was featured on blogs Surviving The Golden Age and Tinnitist, and received airplay on numerous Canadian college radio stations. His subsequent two singles, “Movement” and “Salt,” were both featured on Exclaim’s The Eh List and received press from Canadian Beats and Obscure Sound. Currently, he is putting the finishing touches on his debut EP, “Your Hands – From Mine,” scheduled for release in late 2024.

A complete artist, Jacklin writes, produces, performs, arranges, and records his material. He has graced stages across Canada, connecting audiences with his crushed-velvet tenor and keyboard virtuosity. During his formative years, he performed alongside rising Ontario acts like Aysanabee, Jeremie Albino, and Ten Kills The Pack, and has opened for indie legends Dizzy and Chastity as a member of the band Native Other. Recently, at The Listening Party—an event showcasing new music from emerging artists held at Toronto’s Phoenix Concert Theatre—Jacklin’s latest piece left the audience in awed silence.

If you feel a wish to remember the immense beauty and gravity of everyday living, this music is for you.

Melanie Pos comes from Pictou County, Nova Scotia. She grew up taking part in as many musical opportunities as possible, from playing percussion in school band, singing in musicals and music festivals, to the provincial choir and jazz programs.

While earning her Bachelor of Music Degree at Acadia University, Melanie’s studies focused on classical vocal performance. She performed in university recitals, operas, musicals and choirs while also studying music theory, history and furthering her piano skills. On top of coming from a family of music teachers, studying vocal pedagogy inspired her to teach and pass on her passion and knowledge to others.

Melanie specializes in classical voice and beginner piano. She also loves teaching and performing a variety of singing styles including musical theatre, jazz, pop and rock. She finds it incredibly rewarding to help others develop a strong foundation in healthy technique and understanding of music, to see them develop pride and confidence in reaching their goals. And having fun doing it!

Whether you want to learn how to play piano for the first time, to improve your karaoke skills, or you’re ready to prepare for public performances, music festivals or Royal Conservatory exams, Melanie will help you with a smile.

Peter Woodward is a keyboardist, composer, bandleader, and educator born in Cobourg, Ontario, and now based in Toronto. 

He is a versatile musician, with roots in jazz, classical, and popular music styles. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Humber Polytechnic's Jazz Program, and is an alumnus of the TafelMusik Baroque Institute and the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) program. 

He started with piano as a child but quickly took an interest in drums and percussion, and he soon made drumming his focus. He played with the La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra for 8 years, as well as playing with local rock/blues bands, pit bands, and jazz groups through the Humber Community Music Program.

He then began his bachelor's degree at Humber on the drums, but switched his major instrument to piano after his first year. Since 2021, he has made piano his primary instrument. 

Peter brings enthusiasm and his love of all things musical to his lessons. He encourages creativity and personal expression with his students and wants to make music be as fulfilling and enjoyable for others as it is for him. 

Robert Chapman is a guitarist from Hamilton, Ontario. As a teen, Robert completed his Grade 8 guitar studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music and also joined the Hamilton All Star Jazz Band, which awarded him a scholarship to attend Mohawk College’s music program. After graduating from Mohawk, he then completed his Bachelor’s of Music at Humber College in Toronto. Since graduating from school, Robert has been performing at many of Toronto’s premier jazz clubs, including The Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar, and The Jazz Bistro. He is also a member of the Brad Cheeseman Group, which won Montreal Jazz Festival’s coveted Grand Prix de Jazz in 2016. The band was also nominated for "Jazz Album of the Year (Solo)" at the 2018 JUNO Awards for their 2017 recording, The Tide Turns. Robert has been teaching guitar and piano lessons for over a decade. He has experience teaching many styles of music, including rock, pop, blues, jazz, and classical. The focus of his teaching is to provide a comfortable learning environment and have lessons that are geared towards each individual student’s learning style.

Shourya Jain is a vocal coach, piano teacher, live performer, and songwriter based in Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario. She has trained in a wide range of musical styles including Western Classical, Hindustani Classical, Western Pop, R&B, Rock, Musical Theatre, and Bollywood. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Music from Centennial College, Scarborough. As being a student of great gurus from both Indian and Western origins for about 17 years now, Shourya has immense knowledge in the field of music which she has been sharing through teaching. Shourya’s teaching approach focuses on discovering each student’s passion and tailoring her guidance to nurture it. Her curriculum emphasizes correct posture, warm-ups suited to individual skill levels, and building strong foundational skills such as scales, riffs and runs, music theory, and sight reading. She is committed to helping students develop confidence, song interpretation, stage presence, and live performance skills. Additionally, she offers specialized training in voice recording techniques when relevant to a student’s goals. Open to students of all ages and skill levels—from beginners to advanced—Shourya draws on her extensive experience studying under renowned teachers from both Western and Indian traditions. She aims to provide her students with the same high-quality, personalized teaching that has shaped her own musical journey. As a performer, Shourya has shared the stage with top-tier acts like the Mike Murray Group and Mekaal Hasan Band at iconic venues such as Tapestry Toronto, The Dakota Tavern, Drom Taberna, and the Registry Theatre in Kitchener. Her experience also includes performing with the Sansnom Ensemble at the prestigious NCPA in Mumbai. In addition to her live work, Shourya is also a freelancer who has collaborated with many musicians worldwide through online platforms, including working with music producers such as Zennic Pushkarna to blend her vocal and songwriting skills into novel, innovative tracks.

Teri Parker has been playing the piano for 28 years and completed her Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Toronto in Jazz Performance and her Master's in Composition at York University. Originally classically trained, Teri earned her Grade 10 classical piano and Grade 5 theory with the Royal Conservatory of Music with first class honors. She has participated in numerous workshops including the Roma Summer Jazz Workshop in 2015, Banff Winter Creative Music Residency in 2013 and School of Improvised Music Brooklyn in 2009. In 2014 and 2018 she received study grants from the Ontario Arts Council to take lessons in New York City and Italy with piano greats Aaron Goldberg, Sophia Rosoff, Fred Hersch, Guillermo Klein and Enrico Pieranunzi.

Teri draws on her twenty years of teaching experience to share her joy of music with others and enjoys the challenge of creating an individual program for each student. Her varied musical background allows her to provide solid guidance to students pursuing many genres such as jazz, classical, pop and rock. Her teaching approach spells success for her students: she has led winning piano groups in competitions and many of her students have achieved high marks on their exams. Teri is also in demand as an examiner and adjudicator at the Niagara Conservatory and Milton Academy of Music and as a clinician at public schools and colleges across Canada.

As a performer, Teri leads her own groups the Teri Parker Quartet and Free Spirits. Her quartet features all original music and Free Spirits performs the music of Mary Lou Williams and Geri Allen; both ensembles have performed at jazz clubs throughout Canada such as the Rex, Upstairs, Manhattan’s and festivals such as the TD Toronto and Halifax Jazz Festivals. With the Parker-Abbott Duo (2010-17) Teri released three albums; Gallery in 2011, The Wayfinders in 2014 and Elevation in 2016 - each garnering positive reviews from the press and extensive radioplay. Parker has received numerous grants from the Toronto Arts Council and Ontario Arts Council to compose music and record music for her groups, and most recently released her album In the Past with the TPQ (2017). In addition to leading her own groups, Teri is an active member of the Torono jazz scene and the keyboardist for the Radiohead tribute band Idioteque

Also See

TeriParkerMusic.com