Ryan Simmons (Guitar, Drums) Registration Request
Teaching Style: ,
Ryan is a multi-instrumentalist performer and educator who recently completed his studies in the Grant MacEwan University Bachelor of Music program as a guitar performance major.
Having grown up as a metal and rock musician who now focuses on jazz performance and composition, Ryan is a versatile musician who prides himself on adapting to students interests and ability. As a lifelong student, Ryan has been fortunate to study privately in New York City with acclaimed guitarist Max Light as well as with renowned Edmonton based educators such as Jim Head and Brett Hansen. In his lessons, Ryan ensures that a solid technical and theoretical ability is developed while doing so through learning music relevant to the student.
Ryan’s rate is $30 per half hour.
Ryan Van Poederooyen (Drums) Registration Request
Teaching Style: ,
Teaching Day(s): Monday, Wednesday
Ryan started teaching drums in 1998. His lessons have a linear structure helping students build on technical skills, and song learning. He tours professionally and records albums for the Canadian band, Imonolith and was a touring/studio drummer for Canadian artist Devin Townsend. He is a guest educator at Drumeo, and as session drummer has recorded albums for producers such as Chad Kroeger (Nickleback), Jay Van Poederooyen (Simple Plan, Chris Daughtrey) Brian Howes and others. Ryan's rate is $35.00 per half hour lesson.
Saba Yazdanpanah (Piano, Voice) Registration Request
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Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Saba has a deep passion for music and began her musical journey at the age of four. She loves performing, it has always been a very important and exciting part of her musical journey. Saba is a Singer-songwriter and classical pianist. Her singing proficiency lies in pop, jazz, blues, R&B, and Persian singing. Saba has experience in singing in various languages, such as French, Russian, Georgian, Indian, and Turkish.
Saba's training in piano started when she was nine, focusing on the classical repertoire under the guidance of great masters and musicians, and then university professors such as Gagik Babayan. She believes that the key to a lifetime of music learning and performing lies in connecting to students’ personal interests and discovering the true joy of playing and singing music that they love, while simultaneously fostering the quality and principles of playing and singing in them.
Through a supportive, energetic, and focused atmosphere, she helps musicians build confidence on stage and express themselves through music.
Saba’s rate is $31.00 per 30 min lesson
Sabrina Goupil (Voice) Registration Request
Teaching Style: pop,
Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Thursday
Sabrina is an Acadian artist with a powerful, authentic voice. Winner of the Performer category at the 2023 Gala de la chanson de Caraquet, she has already graced prestigious stages, sharing the spotlight with Lisa LeBlanc and Sandra Le Couteur. A true music enthusiast, she is dedicated both as a vocal coach and as a lifelong learner, currently studying piano. She is working on her debut original EP, a project set to showcase her creativity and further establish her presence in the dynamic landscape of Acadian music.
Saeid Makvandi (Guitar, Ukulele) Registration Request
Teaching Style: , ,
Teaching Day(s): Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Saeid Makvandi est un guitariste professionnel et un enseignant de musique expérimenté, ayant donné de nombreuses performances en Asie, en Europe et en Amérique du Nord. Il possède une vaste expérience dans l’enseignement de la guitare, tant dans des institutions académiques que dans des contextes privés. Passionné par l’éducation musicale, il adopte une approche créative et centrée sur l’élève. Il parle couramment le français,l'anglais le persan, et l’italien.
Sam Britton (Guitar, Bass Guitar, Voice, Composition, Ukulele) Registration Request
Teaching Style: rock, , , , ,
Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Sam is a multi-instrumentalist, performer, composer and producer with an interest in all styles of music. He attended the Jazz Studies program at the Vancouver Island University, graduating in 2013. Sam has been on touring since 2014 all over Canada with bands such as The Body Politic, and Indie-Pop sibling duo Flawed Hearts. Sam loves to keep his students interested and engaged, let him know what you want to learn and he'll make it happen. He is excited to share his passion for music with all ages and skill levels! His rate is $33 for 30 minutes.
Sam Patterson (Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin) Registration Request
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Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Sam began playing guitar in 1987 and shortly after high school enrolled in the Bachelor of Music program at St. Francis Xavier in Antigonish NS. He earned a Music Ed degree in 1996 and moved back to Saint John to pursue playing in various local bands as well as writing and recording original music. Sam has played extensively with the Steve Waylon Band, Candy Heart, Sidekick and The Mix. He's also been fortunate to back Canadian country recording artists Chris Cummings, Julian Austin and Joan Kennedy. Sam has produced two albums for Chipman native Steve Waylon and the two have enjoyed serveral trips to Switzerland promoting these recordings. Sam's rate per half hour is $27.00
Samuel Lessard (Guitar, Ukulele, Bass Guitar, Recording, Songwriting, Theory) Registration Request
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Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Thursday
I started teaching guitar and ukulele in 2020 at the École de musique à la portée des sons on the recommendation of one of my teachers at Cégep de Drummondville. I continue to believe that this start in teaching was an excellent choice, given that I'm someone who has always listened to others and enjoys helping people achieve their goals. Passing on my passion for music to others is, for me, a way of continuing to learn and a pleasure that is renewed with every session. By teaching, for example, I've been able to learn the rudiments of the ukulele, but I've also had to rediscover certain notions I'd learned during my music studies at Cégep de Drummondville a few years earlier. These notions are not only theoretical and practical, but also technical. I had the pleasure of bringing out my classical guitar exercises, pieces and techniques afin order to be able to teach it, and I still continue to increase my knowledge of my main instrument, which is the electric guitar, afin order to be able to accomplish my own goals and bring my students where they want to go.
I've had, and still have, the chance to perform on a regular basis all over Quebec, and have been doing so for just over 10 years now. These years on stage continue to teach me the importance of healthy communication and teamwork. Something I apply with great care in my classes. I am also able to bring and offrir the necessary tools to my students afin so that they are as comfortable as possible not only on their instrument, but also in performance situations on stage or in the studio.
Sandra Hettich (Fiddle, Violin, Viola) Registration Request
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Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Sandra has been teaching since 2012. She teaches classical as well as traditional (fiddle, various styles), but is open to any style that can be accommodated within the curriculum and the students’ current level. Her musical journey took her from classical training in Germany to playing traditional music after moving to Canada in 2001, where she developed a great love for Cape Breton and Appalachian Oldtime music. By now, fiddle playing and classical are both integral part of her musical life. Her rates are $26 per half-hour private lesson.
Sarah Boutin (Voice) Registration Request
Teaching Style: ,
Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Sarah is a Montreal-based singer heavily influenced by jazz, blues, and funk. She performs regularly on the Montreal jazz scene and has had the opportunity to study with legendary singers such as Ranee Lee and Camille Thurman at McGill University, where she is currently completing a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance. Having started voice lessons at the age of 6, she has had the opportunity to develop her vocal technique and mastery of various musical styles.
Rate: $27/half-hour
Speaks English and French
Scott Jolicoeur (Guitar) Registration Request
Teaching Style: ,
Teaching Day(s): Monday, Saturday
Scott Jolicoeur is a guitarist based out of Toronto, ON, who is quickly becoming one of Canada’s renowned classical guitarists. He has played and taught all styles of guitar, with specialization in classical guitar.
Scott has studied with many great guitarists including Dr. Ian Hodges in Winnipeg, as well as Jeffrey McFadden, Jorge Caballero and Rob Macdonald at the University of Toronto. While at the University of Toronto Scott also studied with Judicaël Perroy in France and René Izquierdo in Spain. From his studies, Scott has developed a well-refined method for teaching the classical guitar. Some of his previous students have completed examinations at the Royal Conservatory of Music, achieving Honours. Scott has participated in Competitions in Canada and the United States. As a teenager, he earned first place in the open division (ARCT and above), at the Ontario Music Festivals Association Provincial Competition.
Lately Scott teaches, plays music at events throughout Toronto and plays concerts in various cities. Scott Jolicoeur is a versatile young professional, who continues to perform and help students of all age groups reach their goals.
Scott's rate is $35.00 per half hour.
Scott MacDonald (Brass, Bass Clarinet, Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone, Theory, Woodwinds, Guitar) Registration Request
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Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
With over 25 years of teaching experience, multi-instrumentalist Scott is a highly experienced and passionate musician. Starting on guitar at age 12, his passion grew for music as he gained proficiency on brass and woodwind instruments through community bands. After completing a Bachelor of Music at Acadia University, Scott returned to his roots and worked as the music director/conductor and training officer of the Mersey Band. After studying at Western University in London, ON, earning a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance and Pedagogy, Scott worked as a soloist, chamber musician and conductor in southern Ontario for several years before returning to the Maritimes in 2023 to work as the Clarinet Teaching Artist at the Saint John Centre for SistemaNB. Scott teaches all woodwinds, brass, and guitar. Scott's rate per half hour is $28.00.
Sébastien Verret (Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Mandolin, Upright Bass, Merlin) Registration Request
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Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Fasciné par les groupes cultes tels que Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden ou The Beatles dès son enfance, c'est à l'âge de 17 ans que Sébastien fait l'acquisition de sa première basse électrique. Sa passion pour l'instrument se révèle rapidement, ce qui l'amène à rejoindre la concentration musique de l'école Jean-de-Brébeuf pour sa dernière année au secondaire, et à suivre des cours privés de manière assidue.
Quelques années plus tard, il décide d'étudier la basse électrique jazz et la contrebasse classique au Cégep de Sainte-Foy afin de poursuivre une carrière professionnelle en musique. Entre les études et l'enseignement, il performe également avec plusieurs orchestres de rock, métal, jazz et de chansons populaires, tant avec des compositions originales que des reprises. Il participe également à l'enregistrement de plusieurs albums, notamment avec les groupes Hatalom et The Flaying.
Son parcours l'a aussi mené à travailler comme disquaire durant plusieurs années, ce qui lui a permis de se découvrir une passion pour la musicologie et l'histoire de la musique. Ses horizons se sont ainsi élargis, et son intérêt pour de nombreux autres instruments, tel que la guitare, le ukulélé, le piano ou encore la mandoline, a pris naissance.
Bientôt de retour sur les bancs d'école afin de compléter un baccalauréat en interprétation jazz et pop, Sébastien partage maintenant sa passion et ses connaissances avec vous, pour vous aider à atteindre vos objectifs et à dépasser vos limites, tout en vous amusant et en cultivant vos intérêts.
Selena Liu (Cello) Registration Request
Teaching Style: ,
Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Selena is a classically trained cellist who has played in many local ensembles, orchestras and a variety of chamber groups. She has obtained a Bachelor of Music in Cello from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Currently, Selena is an elementary school music teacher. She believes students have their own ways of learning, and teaching in an engaging way will help students discover their love for music. Her rate is $32 per half hour.
Sergio Maraj (Voice, Guitar) Registration Request
Teaching Style: , ,
Teaching Day(s): Monday
Sergio has been studying voice anatomy and voice science for eight years, using proven methods of voice pedagogy from all over the world. Working alongside renowned instructors, he has a very wide scope of different approaches to help fix specific anatomical vocal habits and issues. Sergio actively performs, writes and arranges music not only for himself, but also for other vocalists. He continues to push the creative boundaries of music using music software, effects and samples.
His rate is $33 per half hour.
Serkan Suer (Drums, Percussion) Registration Request
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Teaching Day(s): Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Serkan is a session musician and a drum teacher in Halifax, NS. For over 25 years he has been playing and teaching percussion. He completed the Specialist Drummer Certification Program from Berklee College of Music in 2014. He has written 3 drum books which were published by Fundamental Changes, England: Rock Drumming for Beginners (2017), Drum Rudiments & Musical Application (2017) and 200 Paradiddle Exercises for Drums (2018). Over the last few years, he has been recording and performing with various artists such as Campbell & Johnston’s Band, Charlie A’court, Dan Doiron, Superfluid Collective and Tyler Mullendore. Since 2015, he has been representing Turkish Cymbals as an endorsing artist. He is offering drum lessons to students of any age and drumming experience (beginner, intermediate and advanced levels). Music is his passion, and teaching allows him to share his experience and expertise with aspiring drummers. He is $28 per half hour lesson.
Seye Popoola (Piano, Pre-School) Registration Request
Teaching Style: , ,
Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Seye Popoola has been teaching piano and theory for many years. He holds theory certificates with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and is working toward advanced levels with the Royal Conservatory of Music. He is a church organist and choir director. Seye has accompanied his church choir for performances and has accompanied his choir students who have achieved excellence in their examinations and competitions. He also plays the trumpet, violin and clarinet. Seye teaches piano at the Regina store. His rate is $28 per half-hour.
Group lessons available at discounted rates.
Shai Peer (Piano) Registration Request
Teaching Style: ,
Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Shai has taught privately since 2006 and has been performing since 1989, playing with Ronnie Hawkins, and as a member of the Weber Brothers Band. He has recorded multiple albums and performed on many cross country and international tours. Shai studied piano with Andre Burashko, Piano Pedagogy with U of T professor Marina Geringas, and continues his studies with York University Professor Frank Falco. He teaches Blues, Rock Jazz, Classical, Organ, Pop and Synthesizer to students of all ages and skill levels. His rate is $31 per half hour lesson.
Sharon Hynes (Piano) Registration Request
Teaching Style: classical,
Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Sharon offers piano lessons for all ages including a specialized curriculum for beginner adult students. Having her grade 9 RCM, she will set goals like RCM exams for the truly ambitious and offer morning, afternoon and evening lessons to suit various lifestyles. Sharon has played and toured in various bands of different genres for many years, has recorded 2 CDs with reggae band Pressure Drop and has been teaching since 1997. Sharon’s rate is $27 per half hour lesson.
Sharona Clarke (Piano, Voice) Registration Request
Teaching Style: classical, pop,
Teaching Day(s): Monday, Friday
Sharona calls herself a “classically-trained pop pianist”, possessing equal passion for classical music and a natural affinity for popular music. She is a singer-songwriter and performer, having played in bands and solo, produced albums and received nominations for music awards in her home province of Newfoundland (where she received her Bachelor of Music Education degree). She has over 30 years’ teaching experience and is RCM-certified for piano, meaning her students have produced Honors results in the leading piano exam system in Canada. Fun fact - she has composed and published twenty-five modern piano pieces which her students get to play! Her rate is $29 per half-hour lesson.
