Edmonton Highlands

BILL THAIN

Lesson Coordinator
780-479-1643
[email protected]

Aaron Matheson (Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Ukulele)

Online Lessons:

Aaron Matheson has taught private music lessons for 12 years. He is a graduate of the MacEwan University music program with a Bachelor of Music majoring in guitar performance. He is currently studying education at the University of Alberta. He studied jazz and contemporary guitar with Juno-nominated guitarist Jim Head, as well as composition with acclaimed contemporary Canadian composer Allan Gilliland. He performs regularly throughout Alberta and has played in opening slots for artists such as Coleman Hell, Krooked Kings, The Zolas, Scenic Route to Alaska, Busty and the Bass, and The Royal Foundry. He has toured across Western Canada and India. He teaches all skill levels and genres, but specializes in genres like rock, pop, jazz, blues, funk, folk, and R&B.
Aaron's rate is $29 per half hour.

Adam Lefaivre (Guitar)

Online Lessons:

Adam has taught guitar through Long & McQuade for several years, inspiring many students through private instruction, music camps, and adjudication. He teaches exclusively online, offering flexible and accessible lessons.

Adam has been playing guitar for most of his life, both as a solo performer and in various musical acts. He composes and produces regularly for his music project Bloom Filter, which has been heard internationally and across Canada on college radio. In 2021, he received a federal grant for Bloom Filter and collaborated with several world-class session musicians

Adam holds a Bachelor of Music in Audio from the University of Lethbridge, where he studied classical guitar, and completed a Master’s degree focused on music genre research. He continues to learn and write as much music as possible and loves to share that enthusiasm and excitement with his students.
Adam's rate is $25 per half hour. Online lessons only.

Alex Moxon (Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Banjo)

Online Lessons:

Alex has been teaching music for nearly two decades. He received a Bachelors of Music with highest honours in 2012 from Carleton University with a focus in jazz studies. Since then the Ottawa-raised guitarist has played with a who's who of local and national talent in all genres, including Juno-winning artist Kellylee Evans, The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, HILOTRONS, Miguel De Armas, Roddy Ellias, Shawnee Kish, Iskwē, Michael Greilsammer, Petr Cancura, SOCALLED, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Among others, he has opened for Brian Charette, Bernie Worrell, Michael Winograd, Mother Mother, Kevin Drew, and Brian Blade. An up and comer on the world jazz stage, his debut record as a leader, “Alex Moxon Quartet” has received international radio airplay and stellar reviews. He's played with the National Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces as well touring Broadway musicals Beautiful: The Carole King Story and Mean Girls.
Alex has experience teaching and performing in all major musical styles. He is happy to teach students of all ages and all experience levels. He has a flexible approach to teaching that addresses students' individual needs. He can also prep students for RCM Classical Guitar exams as well as university auditions for jazz studies.
Alex's rate is $31 per half hour.

Breanna Antosh (Clarinet, Flute, , Woodwinds)

Online Lessons:

Breanna is a classically trained musician who has been teaching privately since 2019. She moved to Edmonton from Langley, BC, to study at The King's University to earn a Bachelor of Music degree. She began her music career by playing in her school's concert band, and her love and passion for music grew from there, participating in multiple wind ensembles, musical productions, choirs, and jazz ensembles since then. She enjoys trying and learning new instruments in her spare time to continue expanding her musical knowledge. Breanna believes that music should be accessible for everyone, and she works to make lessons approachable and tailors them to each student's individual goals and skill levels.
Breanna's rate is $30 per half hour.

Cindy Gao (Piano, Theory)

Online Lessons:

Cindy is an RCM trained piano and theory level 1-5 music teacher. She currently holds Level 8 certification and is currently going after her grade 10 and ARCT performance and teaching certifications. She is highly experienced and has worked with students of all ages and skill levels up to grade 5 playing level. She likes working with students to improve their skills, recognition and appreciation for music and improving her students playing ability.
Cindy's rate is $28 per half hour.

Craig Doll (Drums)

Online Lessons:

Craig Doll is a professional freelance drummer and educator hailing from Edmonton, Alberta. From about the age of 8, Craig has been completely in love with playing the drums and that love has only deepened with time. With over 20 years experience playing the drums Craig has played many live shows from jazz, pop, rock, country, punk, folk, alternative, funk, and metal. Craig prides himself on always being a student of the drums and to never stop learning or improving. This philosophy has led him to study with the great’s: L.A. based drummer, Dave Elitch and New York based drummer, Carter McLean.”
Craig's rate is $32 per half hour.

Edward (Ed) Smith (Guitar, Piano, Bass Guitar)

Online Lessons:

Ed Smith has taught music lessons privately for over 14 years and has been an active member of the Edmonton music community for 21 years as a performer, studio musician and arranger. After earning a Bachelor of Music degree from St. Francis Xavier University (Antigonish, NS) in 2002,
Ed began to build his experience as a freelance musician and educator, performing in a variety of acts in Atlantic Canada, and also as a keyboardist on cruise ships with Holland America Line. He has gained a wealth of experience as a music educator since then and has also performed and recorded in Alberta with groups that cross a wide variety of genres, spanning rock, blues, jazz, country, and even salsa. Ed currently plays bass and keyboards in the Derina Harvey Band, a five-piece Celtic rock act based in Edmonton
Ed’s rate is $32 per half hour.

Isaiah Roemmele (Violin, Piano)

Online Lessons:

Isaiah Roemmele is currently finishing his fourth year of his Bachelor of Music performance degree at the University of Alberta. He is involved in the University String Orchestra and has performed as a first and second violinist with the Lethbridge Symphony. In 2014, Isaiah was the Regional Gold Medalist for receiving the highest mark in Alberta on his Grade 6 Royal Conservatory examination. Music has been a centering part of Isaiah’s life for many years, teaching piano and violin.
His favorite pastimes are playing the violin and piano, music composition, and piano improvisation. He has been teaching since 2018 and he enjoys working with all ages of students. Isaiah is happy to help people develop their musical lives, has taught students of all levels, and has most experience with classical violin and is happy to share his love for piano as well.
Isaiah's rate is $28 per half hour.

Jennie Emms (Violin)

Online Lessons:

Jennie Emms grew up in a musical family, She has been playing violin from a very age, competing in local Kiwanis Music Festivals as well as performing with both the Red Deer Youth and Senior Orchestra, and Burman University Symphony Orchestra. She has had the pleasure of performing in the pit bands of local musical productions such as Beauty and the Beast and Sweeney Todd. Before moving to Edmonton to attend the University of Alberta, Jennie had a small private music studio for beginner to intermediate violin students. Her passion for music stems from the ability to be able to show emotion and storytelling through music, and she hopes to pass that along to her students as well.
Jennie's rate is $28 per half hour.

Jon Guenter (Drums)

Online Lessons:

Jon is a freelance musician based in the city of Edmonton. A graduate of MacEwan University’s Bachelor of Music program. Majoring in Drum Set Performance, where he spent the majority of his studies focusing on improvisation. Throughout his studies, Jon has taken the role of bandleader, has played in a variety of styles, from rock to pop. While his focus lies in the genre of jazz, he is well-versed in many different styles, and has a passion for teaching music to students of all ages and abilities. Jon is a firm believer in examining the aspects of music from a variety of different angles, and believes this process is essential in the development of any musician. He has invested his time into understanding not only the theory that surrounds drums, but music theory as a whole. By learning music through mediums like theory, technique, listening, and instrument application, this provides students with the tools to both learn and understand music, allowing them a creative outlet that will translate into other areas of life. Jon understands each student learns their own way and at different speeds, but encourages students to spend a designated set of time each week to work on the materials discussed in class. Jon wants the best for his students and will strive to provide an environment that results in a positive experience for each student.
Jon’s rate is $30 per half hour.

Leili Rastad (Violin, Voice, Piano)

Online Lessons:

Leili is a dedicated producer and music teacher based in Edmonton, boasting years of teaching expertise primarily in singing, violin and piano. Leili started her music journey at the age of 10 with learning the violin and piano and currently, she is wrapping up her education from MacEwan University’s jazz and contemporary popular music program, majoring in vocals and music production. Beyond the academic realm, Leili’s down-to-earth demeanor fosters a supportive environment for her students, encouraging them to explore their own musical voices.
Leili's rate is $28 per half hour.

Meg LaRose (Voice, Piano)

Online Lessons:

Meg LaRose is a trained vocalist with twenty years of performing experience. Their training crosses a variety of genres ranging from classical and opera to contemporary music, such as jazz, rock and pop. They hold a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from MacEwan University. Most recently, Meg has completed their Master of Arts in Music and Culture at Carleton University in Ottawa. Their research at Carleton analyzed the relationship between voice and perceptions of gender by exploring the concept of transition. Meg loves all different kinds of music and is passionate about creating a learning environment where people feel safe to play, explore and achieve their individual goals for sounding.
Meg's rate is $28 per half hour.

Patrick MacIntyre (Drums)

Online Lessons:

Patrick MacIntyre is a lifelong musician with a passion for Drumset and Marching Snare. With roots in the Scottish Pipe Band world, he has competed and won at a professional level across North America and Europe.
A Bachelor of Music graduate from MacEwan University, Patrick continues to perform locally and internationally. In 2024, he earned a 1st Place Grade 2 Drumming Prize at the World Pipe Band Championships, where his band also placed 2nd Overall in the World.
He teaches students ages 8–18 with the Edmonton Youth Pipe Band Association and has performed with local jazz artists, big bands, Cikwes, and contributed music to the television series Crip Trip.
Patrick specializes in Pop, Indie, Alternative, Funk, and Rock, with a strong jazz foundation. He creates a safe, welcoming environment and continues to grow alongside his students.
Patrick's rate is $28 per half hour.

Ryan Simmons (Guitar, Drums)

Online Lessons:

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.

Tyson Pilling (Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele)

Online Lessons:

Tyson Pilling is a passionate music educator with over five years of experience teaching private lessons. He is a graduate of MacEwan University’s music program, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree with a minor in Music Education and he plans to continue his studies at the University of Alberta to pursue a Bachelor of Education degree.
Tyson has been playing guitar and bass from a young age and is well-versed in a range of musical styles, including acoustic fingerpicking, electric guitar, jazz, alternative, country, rock, and pop. He also has extensive live performance experience, having played in jazz bands, pit orchestras, percussion ensembles, party bands, and concert bands.
Tyson enjoys working with students of all ages and skill levels. He strongly believes there’s no bad time to learn the guitar. His teaching style focuses on encouragement, creativity, and helping students reach — and exceed — their personal musical goals in a supportive environment.
Tyson's rate is $28 per half hour.