Markham

aaron bales (Bass Guitar, Guitar, Ukulele)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Style: jazz, rock

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Aaron has been giving guitar lessons for over 15 years, currently in the Markham area. A student of rock/metal early in life, he soon progressed to study classical guitar through the Royal Conservatory of Music. Aaron then shifted his focus to Jazz and Jazz Fusion styles, and became an honours graduate in the Jazz Guitar program at Humber College.

After his studies, Aaron found a rewarding passion in teaching. Aaron loves teaching a variety of musical styles (Rock, Metal, Jazz, Classical, Blues, Funk, Pop, Folk, Song writing, Shred and Improvisation) and has seen success with students of all ages, from beginner to College/University preparation.

Some of Aaron's musical accolades include: In 2010, he was hired to demonstrate amps at winter NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants), and a few years later, he backed up Sarah Brightman on CTV Morning. With a vast array of styles under his belt and experience performing with numerous bands and ensembles, Aaron is eager to pass on and share his experience with students of all musical leanings.

Aaron's rate is $30.00/30min lesson.

abigail elisha (Voice, Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Saturday, Sunday

Abigail Elisha, an accomplished and passionate music educator, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the world of vocal and piano instruction. With a lifelong dedication to the art of music, she has cultivated a unique and dynamic approach to teaching that inspires students of all ages. She began her musical journey at a young age, demonstrating an early aptitude for both voice and piano. This innate talent was nurtured through years of formal training and a deep commitment to mastering the intricacies of these two distinct yet interconnected musical realms.

Abigail obtained her Associate Diploma in Music Performance & pedagogy from the Trinity College of Music, London in 2015 and has successfully completed ABRSM levels in Voice, Piano, and Music Theory. Additionally, she’s presently furthering her music education by studying Music Industry Arts and Performance at Centennial College. As a seasoned versatile performer, Abigail has graced numerous stages, with renowned choirs, ensembles and performed as a vocalist, pianist and accompanist.

With a rich performance background, she brings genuine understanding and passion for live musical expression to her teaching. Committed to creating a supportive learning environment, she tailors lessons to meet each student's unique needs, employing a versatile style that combines technical precision with a deep appreciation for the emotional dimensions of music. Beyond proficiency, Abigail instills in students a love for music, encouraging creativity and expressiveness. Through cultivating a lifelong passion for voice and piano, she empowers students for a musical journey beyond the classroom.

Abigail's rate is $28.00/30min lesson.

carlo bianchini (Guitar)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Style: jazz, rock

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Carlo has been instructing guitar, voice, and beginner piano lessons in Markham for over 25 years. With a caring personality and strong background in diverse styles (Rock, Classical, Pop, Jazz, Blues, etc.), he is dedicated to creating a fun and inspirational learning environment.

Vocally, Carlo has been trained privately in Bel Canto technique and Speech Level Singing made popular by Seth Riggs, who worked with such greats as Michael Jackson, Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Madonna. As a Singer/Songwriter, Carlo's original music has been heard on radio across Canada, the U.S., Europe, and the U.K., prompting tours and shows on stages such as The C.N.E. Bandshell, Molson Ampitheatre, and Canada's Wonderland.

Carlo has performed locally for The Unionville Jazz Festival, Markham's Music Festival, and Markham's 3rd Annual Gala For Giving event. Carlo has also been called upon to judge up and coming talent in acting, singing, and dancing, and was one of the judges for the World Championships of Performing Arts for which finals are held in Hollywood, California.

Carlo's rate is $30.00/30min lesson.

charis wong (Piano, Voice)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Style: classical

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Charis Wong is a recent graduate from the University of Toronto’s Voice program, with an Honours Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance. In 2016, she obtained her ARCT in Piano Performance studying under Dr. Michael Esch. She began teaching voice and piano lessons in Markham in 2013 and has since discovered a passion for helping young children and youth discover their own love for music.

Charis places a high priority on creating a safe environment for students to express themselves freely, as well as on developing a strong sense of discipline and confidence through music. Aside from teaching, Charis loves to perform! With COSI Connection she has performed roles such as Rose Maybud in the musical Ruddigore, and most recently performed the role of Galatea in Dean Burry’s one-act opera Il Giudizio di Pigmalione.

Charis' rate is $28.00/30min lesson.

daisy tam (Piano, Theory)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Style: classical

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday

Daisy Tam holds a Master of Arts in Music Theory and a Bachelor of Arts Honors Specialization in Music from The University of Western Ontario. In addition, she holds an ARCT Diploma in Piano Performance from The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM). Daisy is an RCM certified teacher in Markham for lessons in piano, theory, harmony, and music history and is a member of the RCM College of Examiners as a theory examiner. She has guided students to achieve outstanding examination results and recognitions, including the RCM National Gold Medal for Excellence in Theory. She is also dedicated to mentoring her students and leading them through transformative learning experiences.

Daisy's rate is $32.00/30min lesson.

dave kirby (Bass Guitar, Guitar, Ukulele)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Style: rock

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Thursday

Dave Kirby is a freelance professional guitarist from Toronto, Canada. Teaching has always been a big part of Dave’s professional life, and has been teaching for over 12 years. Over the span of his career, Dave has performed with many internationally recognized artists across a range of genres, from pop music with Johnny Orlando and Scott Helman, to country music with Madeline Merlo and Tebey.

Dave received his BMus from Humber College in Toronto in 2012. While he has lots of experience teaching beginners, Dave is also great at teaching intermediate students, as well as students who are preparing for University or College level auditions. Stylistically, Dave is strongest at teaching music theory, jazz, rock and pop, and country music.

Dave's rate is $28/30min lesson

edith suen (Piano, Theory)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Thursday, Sunday

Edith is passionate and dedicated in both piano teaching and performance. Her piano performance was described by adjudicators as “sensational”, “musical”, “virtuosic”, “with terrific energy”, “fantastic brilliance”, “with wonderful dexterity” etc. She had obtained numerous awards in regional and local piano competitions such as the Provincials Finals of the Ontario Music Festivals Association and Hong Kong Piano Open Competition organized by the Hong Kong Piano Music Association. In the 2000’s, Edith attained distinction in ATCL diploma recital piano by the Trinity College London as well as distinction in Grade 8 piano by the ABRSM examination board.

Edith had over 15 years of experience in teaching students ranging from young children to adults with different personalities, capabilities and needs. She focuses on helping her students to build balanced techniques so as to develop beautiful tone and dexterity, alongside with other skill set. She can always spot the unique strength in each student so as to inspire them with her devotion in piano performance. She trains her students to reach their peak functioning in actual recital by sharing her own experience in how to effectively cope with stage anxiety.

On the path of pursuing excellence, Edith shares the philosophy of the piano legend Mr. Menahem Pressler (1923 – 2023) that to be a teacher (as well as a musician), one has to “continuously learn in order to do it well, it does not stop with age…degrees…accolades, it doesn’t stop at all. Because the variety, the richness, the importance of music, is such that a lifetime really is not enough”. Therefore, Edith is further pursuing her music career through her study with exceptional pianists in Toronto.

Edith is also a lawyer and was called to the bar of Hong Kong in 2022 and had substantial prior work experience in luxury retail management industry where she displayed excellent interpersonal communication skills.

Edith's rate is $30.00/30min lesson.

elaine ng (Piano, Theory, Violin)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Elaine is a RCM certified teacher preparing students of all grades in violin, piano and theory examinations, music competitions and inspiring students in the enjoyment of music.  She is an active member of Ontario College of Teachers where she is licensed to teach students in various school boards across Ontario.  Furthermore, Elaine is a member of Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association and Canadian Federation of Music Teachers' Associations which she is licensed to teach and mentor students, specializing in music, to work and earn a music credit as part of the school program. 

Elaine holds a Bachelor of Music Honours and post-graduate Diploma in Music Performance from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Education from Brock University in which she advanced her teaching license to teach students who are gifted and with special needs.  Moreover, Elaine holds a certification in Teaching Online Courses from RCM reflecting on effective teaching methods, strategies and resources used to inspire, teach, mentor and assess students to be a well-rounded musicianship in both practical and theoretical aspects, offered in group and/or private lessons setting virtually.  Every year, many of Elaine's students are winners of music competitions and obtain high results from RCM examinations. 

Elaine is a songwriter and composes music in various forms on a regular basis.   Besides Elaine's love of music, she also developed an interest in nutrition and has recently been certified for nutrition.

Elaine's rate is $32.00/30min lesson.

eva ng (Cello, Piano, Theory, Violin)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Style: classical

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Eva is an RCM piano program graduate with extensive education in piano, violin, flute, cello, and theory. Obtaining her Bachelors Degree of Music at McMaster University and her ARCT at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Eva has the ability to instruct contemporary and all RCM levels. She has been giving lessons in the Markham area for over 20 years. In addition, Eva performs frequently at various venues for weddings, ceremonies, and festivals of all kinds.

Eva's rate is $32.00/30min lesson.

james warren morris (Clarinet, Composition, Flute, Woodwinds, Saxophone)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Saturday

James graduated from Humber College studying saxophone, flute, and clarinet, and has completed a Masters of Music from Berklee College of Music. He has been teaching lessons for over 7 years privately around the Markham region. He is freelance composer and performs at corporate events in the GTA. He loves to teach his students a variety of genres including jazz, classical, blues and contemporary. James believes in establishing a strong foundation for musical appreciation so that his students are able to perfect a variety of techniques as well as develop a lifelong connection with music.

James' rate is $30.00/30min lesson

jerritt craig (Bass Guitar, Guitar)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Wednesday, Sunday

Jerritt Craig is a bassist, guitarist and educator based out of the Durham Region. He is a well respected player within the Durham Music Community, currently apart of several projects such as the Marc Joseph Band, Rachel & Ayden, Nathan Carr Band.

Formerly a student at the prestigious Humber College of Music, Jerritt spent years honing his craft and styles of education to ensure excellent results with students. He is well versed in all styles of music, and particularly enjoys playing Rock, Funk, R&B, Prog, and Latin music.

Jerritt's rate is $29.00/30min lesson.

joelle wong (Piano, Voice)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Joelle Wong earned a bachelor of Music Education at the University of Toronto. She is an accomplished vocalist and pianist. She has had many years of experience teaching students of all ages, inspiring them to grow in their love for music. She majored in classical voice during her studies at U of T, and studied with Jean MacPhail, the founding President of the Ontario Chapter of NATS.

Under the brilliant tutelage of Dr. Michael Esch, she received her ARCT in piano performance diploma in 2019. Joelle is a recipient of numerous awards for her outstanding music career both in voice and piano, including the Reagan Greavette Memorial Award, which is the award for the most outstanding graduating vocalist in Arts Unionville, the Harald and Jean Bohne Scholarship and the Northup/ Lawson Scholarship for her academic and musical achievements in her undergraduate years in the University of Toronto.

Joelle studied cello for 4 years, playing both in a solo setting and orchestral setting. Besides cello, Joelle has experience playing the guitar, violin, clarinet and trumpet as part of her training as a music educator in U of T.

Joelle has also been a member of many choirs, including the prestigious Ontario Youth Choir. She also enjoys volunteering in music camps and working with young children. She is the children’s choir director in her local church, and leads and trains the choir.

Joelle's rate is $28.00/30min lesson.

kurt mcintosh (Clarinet, Flute, Sax, Woodwinds)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Style: jazz, rock

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Wednesday

Kurt is a Mohawk College graduate and also holds both a Bachelor of Music from Humber and a Bachelor of Education from York with a solid foundation in Saxophone, Clarinet, and Flute. Kurt has been teaching for over 20 years and is also a freelance musician who performs in large multicultural functions such as the Caribana and Harbour Front Island Soul Series.

In addition, he is recognized for his performances with The Mighty Sparrow, Beckett Rupee, and Kevin Little. Kurt is undoubtedly able to enhance studies in music genres including Jazz and Stage Band with any age at all levels.

Kurt's rate is $30.00/30min lesson.

lucy iacono (Viola, Violin)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Wednesday, Saturday

Lucy has been playing violin for over ten years now, both locally and at corporate events. Her roots stem from Classical Music through the Suzuki Method and fiddle music.

Lucy is now in her final year studying music at York University, where she delves into World Music/Fiddle, Balkan Music, and Jazz. She joined the Glendon Musical Ensemble in her first year and later became the General Manager where she continues to conduct and arrange musical pieces.
She continues to explore many creative ways of looking at and playing the violin!

Lucy's rate is $29.00/30 min lesson

margaret heney (Piano, Voice)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Wednesday

Margaret is a graduate of Mount Allison University’s Bachelor of Music program with concentrations in vocal performance and composition. She has taught piano, voice, theory, and Music for Young Children for 10 years, and is active as a freelance Soprano soloist and accompanist.

Margaret has been a Church Music director for the past 19 years, and is currently the Music Coordinator at Aurora United Church.  She loves working with students of all ages and abilities, and makes music instruction engaging and enjoyable!

Margaret's rate is $28.00/30min lesson

mathew zdanowicz (Guitar)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Style: jazz, rock

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Mathew has been teaching guitar lessons for over 20 years. In that time, he has had the privilege to work with many students and instill a love for the guitar. At an early age Mathew showed an interest in playing guitar and soon started lessons. After many years of guitar lessons Mathew joined his first band and through his late teens and early twenties he performed with the band all over southern Ontario and primarily the GTA. The band mostly played original music and worked hard to refine, record and release their first album.

Currently Mathew is located in Pickering and has a young family. He continues to enjoy passing on his knowledge and love for the guitar to people of all ages and skill levels.

Mathew's rate is $28.00/30min lesson

matthew dass (Drums)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Style: jazz, rock

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Wednesday, Thursday

Matthew is a graduate from Humber College with a Bachelor’s Degree in drum performance as well as a certificate in commercial jazz performance. He has been teaching drums for over 6 years and has been an independent musician for over 10 years. Matthew is an experienced live performer and session musician, having performed in various venues and studios across Ontario. He teaches many styles including, Rock, Pop, Funk, R&B, Jazz, Fusion, Reggae, Ska, Cuban, Brazilian and Afrobeat.

Matthew has experience teaching students of all ages and skill levels; from beginners as young as 3 years old to professionals. He has an in-depth knowledge of advanced musical concepts, complex time signatures, advanced improvisation, coordination, hand and foot techniques as well as drum recording techniques. Matthew prides himself on his ability to create individualized lesson plans to suit each student’s needs and learning style, allowing lessons to be fun and engaging while also helping students build a solid foundation in musicality and technical ability.

Matthew's Rate is $28.00/30min lesson

mike mcclelland (Drums)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday

Mike has over 35 years of professional teaching experience around Markham. He has a wealth of performance experience including the Downtown Jazz Festivals in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Montreux, Switzerland. Mike has performed with renowned artists Bob Fenton, Doug Riley, Shirley Eikhard, Bill Grove, Tommy Ambrose,and Salome Bey. He is an active member of the band Largely Unknown along with Don Thompson and Kathy Moses. Being well versed in all genres, Mike is able to teach basic to advanced percussion rudiments and techniques and is well known for making lessons enjoyable and fun.

Mike's rate is $30.00/30min lesson.

nigel maynard (Drums)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Friday, Saturday

Nigel completed the Jazz Studies program at Humber College and has an extensive teaching and touring background of over 10 years. He has experience working with advanced students for College and University audition preparation, assisting drummers to prepare for touring opportunities, and also enjoys working with beginners and hobbyists.

Nigel is passionate about teaching lessons in all styles including Rock, Funk, Jazz, Gospel, Fusion, Calypso, Reggae, Ska, Latin, African/Congolese,and Contemporary. As a teacher, he aims to inspire students and have them understand music as a form of art and expression.

Nigel's rate is $29.00/30 min lesson.

nima hamidi (Drums)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Wednesday, Sunday

Nima is an active performer, session player, and educator with over 10 years of professional experience. He's had the privilege of studying under esteemed drum masters like Jojo Mayer and Jost Nickel. He is a touring drummer for many Iranian and Canadian artists and fluent in jazz, rock, pop, Metal, and funk Genres. Nima is proficient in recording and music production and Performed as a drummer on hundreds of records spanning various genres.

Lessons with Nima will include how to read music, play by ear, and develop a strong theoretical background, while also building the confidence to be on the stage and play in front of the crowd.

Nima's Lesson Rate is $28.00/30 min lesson

noah leibel (Banjo, Bass Guitar, Guitar, Mandolin, Ukulele)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Saturday

Noah holds a Masters in Music from the University of Toledo in jazz performance, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University, a performance certificate from the Musicians Institute in California and also is an OCT certified teacher currently teaching for the York Region District School Board. Noah plays a wide variety of musical styles including Jazz, Blues, Country, Bluegrass, and Funk.

Noah gives lessons for Guitar, Bass, Banjo, Mandolin and Ukulele. He can be heard performing around Markham and the GTA at Corporate events in a variety of bands.

Noah's rate is $30.00/30min lesson.

paul buchinger (Guitar, Ukulele)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday

Paul has been teaching guitar lessons around Markham for over 18 years. With a patient and enthusiastic attitude towards teaching, he has assisted students of all ages, levels, and styles and inspires students with methods for proper technique and theory reading in Jazz, Rock, and Funk.

For the past few years Paul has taught students with materials suitable for just-for-playing, gigs, and theory.

Paul's rate is $31.00/30min lesson.

rebecca loo (Piano, Theory)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Rebecca is an accomplished teacher, musician, accompanist, arranger, clinician, choral conductor, pianist, organist and harpsichordist in the GTA. Having started her piano tutelage from the age of 3 1/2, she completed her ARCT for Piano Performance at the age of 16, and then a few years later completed her ARCT for Organ Performance (with Distinction - highest mark in Ontario). She also has Associateship Diplomas from the Royal Schools of Music (London, UK - ABRSM) and from the Royal Canadian College of Organists (ARCCO).

Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Music Degree (Theory, Composition) from the University of Toronto. As a performer, she has won prestigious awards in Music Festivals, National Competitions, received Scholarships, facilitated and participated in various Masterclasses in North America and Europe, and studied with distinguished artists. Rebecca has also been a RCM Piano/Organ Teacher for about 30 years, Ensemble Coordinator for numerous Music Festivals, Children’s Camp Director and Youth volunteer, Director of Music in various local churches for over 20 years, accompanist for orchestras, choirs, singers, auditioning students and solo instrumentalists.

She is grateful for the privilege to share her talents with Beginners and Advanced students alike, from children to adults. She enjoys different genres of music, including Baroque, Classical, Opera, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Pop, Rock and will teach a wide variety of styles according to the student’s interests, whether it is for preparation of a Royal Conservatory Exam or "just for fun"!

Rebecca is looking forward to the exciting opportunities to inspire and motivate future musicians yet to be discovered!

“Music gives a Soul to the Universe, Wings to the Mind, Flight to the Imagination, and Life to Everything.” - PLATO

Rebecca's rate is $30.00/30 min lesson

tiffanie samuels (Piano, Voice)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Tiffanie is a versatile singer and pianist who recently completed a Master of Music in Voice Performance at the University of Toronto. A graduate of Western University’s Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance with her Grade 10 Piano accreditation from RCM, she has been studying and exploring music her whole life.

Tiffanie also considers herself to be a “crossover artist.” Along with playing Gospel keys and singing at her church, she enjoys exploring Jazz, Blues, Pop/R&B, and Musical Theatre. The past few years of teaching have inspired Tiffanie to strive to help musicians develop a greater appreciation for music.

Using a wide range of genres and repertoire, she loves helping students achieve goals and improve fundamental skills by inspiring curiosity, creativity, perseverance, and confidence. Outside of teaching, Tiffanie is a swimmer, a dancer, and a former camp counsellor, and loves to employ movement and fun into all her lessons!

Tiffanie's rate is $28.00/30min lesson

wilfrid lee (Brass, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

With an undergraduate degree from McGill University, Wilfrid has extensive performing experience participating in L'orchestra Francophone Canadian, Toronto Wind Ensemble, North Bay Symphony and the Red Brass Quintet and can also be heard on various albums ranging from folk, classical to pop genres.

Wilfrid currently gives brass lessons in the Markham area, but his teaching experience stems back to 2001 conducting brass clinics and educating students from the elementary to university level. His students have gone on to pursue further musical endeavors such as university education and involvement in various orchestras.

Wilfrid's rate is $28.00/30min lesson