TORONTO GUITAR SCHOOL - Key Persons
Trained as a classical violinist, Toronto musician Alex Cheung is continuing his journey through many different musical styles and genres. He performs folk, Celtic, pop/rock, country, jazz, R&B and classical music and is proficient in improvisation and string arrangement. Alex teaches violin, chamber music and music theory at his private studio as well as at University Settlement Music & Arts School in Toronto and at Yip's Music and Montessori School in Thornhill and Markham. In the summer, Alex runs a strings camp for young students at Yip's in Markham and teaches at Lakefield Music Camp for adults.
Alex loves performing live. He has entertained audiences from intimate venues such as Free Times Cafe and C'est What in Toronto to large stages of the Montreal Jazz Festival. He fiddles in the Celtic/East Coast band Up All Night and over the years has collaborated with many artists and bands, including Julie Crochetiere, the late Kenny Maclean, the BIG SOUND (Motown), bluegrass/roots band Often Running and acoustic 80's band the McFlies. In 2006, Alex entered the "Shock the Monkey" Remix Competition hosted by Realworld Records and earned an honourable mention by Peter Gabriel.
Recognized for her energy, musicality, and charisma, French Canadian-born conductor, Alexandra Bourque, has been working on the musical scene in North America since 2015. She was the Music Director and Conductor of the Toronto Community Orchestra from 2017-21 (2017-18, 20-21) and was teaching Strings and Band at Branksome Hall in Toronto from 2018-21. For the 2022-23 school year, Ms. Bourque was the Orchestra Director at Forsyth Country Day school in Lewisville, NC. She holds a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Education from McGill University with distinction, and a Master in Music Performance (conducting) from the University of Toronto.
Ms. Bourque worked as the assistant conductor of the University of Toronto Wind Ensemble from 2015-2017 where she also founded and conducted the University of Toronto Brass Ensemble. In 2016, she was also chosen to work with Orchestra Toronto as their assistant conductor for one of their concerts.
Ms. Bourque is known for her versatility in the musical world. As a violinist and conductor, her experience extends to both wind bands and ensembles, as well as symphonic orchestras. Prior to attending the University of Toronto, Ms. Bourque was the assistant choir director for the DOXA Choir in Terrebonne from 2012-2014, the assistant conductor for the Cercle Philharmonique de St-Jean in 2014-2015, and the student conductor for the 2014 Denis Wick Canadian Wind Orchestra. Ms. Bourque has had the opportunity to conduct the McGill Wind Symphony, the McGill Beethoven Orchestra, the Ensemble à Vents de Sherbrooke (EVS), the Royal 22e Regiment, the Orchestre à Vents Non Identifié (OVNI), and the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
She has participated in music symposiums across Canada and has been chosen by the University of Michigan and the New England Conservatory in Boston for their summer conducting programs in 2016. She has studied under Maestros Uri Mayer, Alexis Haüser, Alain Cazes, Dr. Jerry Luckhardt, Dr. Rob Taylor, Dr. Michael Haithcock, Dr. Charles Peltz, and Mr. Frank Battisti.
Ms. Bourque is also recognized as an acclaimed pedagogue in the musical scene. She has been teaching violin at the University of Toronto, the Collège Régina Assumpta, Le Jardin des Violons, and in her private studio. She has also been working as a music specialist for many French and English school boards in the province of Quebec. She was the Senior School Music Teacher at Holy Trinity School in Richmond Hill for the 2017-2018 academic year.
She is the recipient of five scholarships from McGill University, and the Al Mercury Scholarship from the University of Toronto. Most recently, she received the prestigious Women's Musical Club of Toronto Foundation Graduate Fellowship for the 2016-2017 academic year.
Job Titles:
- Drums and Rock Band Instructor
Andrew Scott is a touring/recording drummer and percussionist based out of Toronto. He graduated from the University of North Texas with an undergraduate degree in Jazz Studies in 2014. During his degree he studied with world renowned drum set instructor Ed Soph.
Andrew's sense of time, taste and his professional attitude affords him the opportunity to play with many great artists across a multitude of musical genres.
Recently entering the world of remote recording, Andrew has played drums for artists around the world in Russia, Chile, Spain, Mexico, Australia, England,and across North America.
Job Titles:
- Mandolin, Ukulele and Piano Instructor
Brazilian multi-instrumentalist André Valerio is in high demand as a guitarist, composer, and arranger. Andre's versatility has taken him around the world to perform in internationally recognized music festivals and venues in Canada, The U.S., Mexico, the Netherlands, the UK, and Brazil. His interest in music began at a very young age after listening to Brazil's most enduring musical genre, Bossa Nova. Inspired to compose and arrange since his teenage years, André took a strong interest in classical music and jazz among other styles, a passion that led him to learn his six instruments: acoustic guitar, piano, mandolin, cavaquinho, bass, and electric guitar.
André started his musical studies at twelve years of age with guitar professor William Gomes in his native city of Sao Paulo. Shortly after, Valério was admitted into one of Brazil's most prestigious music schools (EMESP) where he studied with the Brazilian guitarist virtuoso, Olmir Stocker. As part of his musical formation, André completed studies in performance, theory, harmony, counterpoint, and choral conducting in multiple institutions, and studied improvisation and piano with numerous internationally renowned professors. His passion for teaching and education led him to complete a Pedagogy degree in 2009 from the University of Guarulhos in São Paulo, where he acquired the knowledge to develop his extensive teaching techniques.
André completed his studies in guitar performance in 2017 at Canada's Jazz leading academy Humber College and has the distinction of winning the David Stillwell Arrangement Award twice. At Humber, André has studied with some of the most accomplished musicians in Canada such as Ted Quinlan, Geoff Young, Brian Dickinson, Pat Labarbera, Mark Promane, Nathan Hiltz, and more.
André leads Jazz, Brazilian, and Classical music ensembles that perform regularly around the city. His first album Chrysalis was released in 2017, it has ten songs composed and arranged by him. The album features some of Toronto's leading musicians such as Mark Promane on woodwinds. Chrysalis is available on multiple digital platforms such as Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, and Google Play.
André is also part of the group Tio Chorinho, the only ensemble in Canada dedicated to performing choro music, the "New Orleans jazz of Brazil." Exciting, intimate, nostalgic, and virtuosic, choro is an infectious urban-folk style whose universal appeal belies its musical complexity. The group's debut CD received two nominations from the 2016 Canadian Folk Music Awards. The second album has original songs composed and arranged by Andre Valerio.
Job Titles:
- Bass, Ukelele and Improv Instructor
Benjamin Bullett Mortlock is a session musician, musical director, and educator. Having studied under and lectured alongside world-renowned musicians and lecturers qualified from Berklee College of music, Musicians Institute, and more, Ben has developed his own level of professionalism delivering consistent, high-quality.
Job Titles:
- Drums and Band Instructor
With extensive Live Performance & International Touring experience with major label artist(s), Bernard Julien embraced Pop music at an early age, as well Rock, Funk, R&B, & Jazz. This led to a strong hybrid approach to drums / percussion involving both the acoustic and electronic drums. Growing up in New York City's hyper competitive music scene, at 19 years old Bernard (and friends) won a National Competition held by global Music Publisher SESAC & was immediately thrust into the professional world. He has 10 years experience of Touring Arenas, Festivals, TV appearances, & teaching in person. Now calling Toronto his long term home, Bernard champions speaking fluently in the language of music, along with reading & writing it.
This is accomplished through a tailored approach that respects the many different ways people process information, as well as encouraging contextual learning through songs. He takes audio, visual, & tactile learners on an engaging fun journey with customizable exercises including Drumless tracks, rhythm exploration, & time breakdowns. Bernard strongly believes that all skill levels and genres can benefit from a hands on approach that seamlessly blends these methods to assist you in achieving your musical goals.
Bryn Scott-Grimes is a professional musician and educator with a BA in Music from York University. Since he first began singing and playing guitar in his early teens, Bryn has been an avid songwriter and composer with a refreshing sensibility, incorporating elements of folk, rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, world music and Broadway music into his compositions.
Bryn has released 4 solo albums, including his latest-Room on Ossington-where he wrote, produced and played all of the instruments. Bryn is also half of the award-winning duo Taylor & Bryn and harmonica sideman for singer-songwriter Anna Gutmanis, whose music of love and protest is played on radio stations across Canada, the United States and Australia.
After graduating with Honours in 2012, Bryn found himself naturally attracted to music education. In 2016, Bryn was featured as the lead educator in the documentary Me & My Harmonica, which relays the compelling story of a man's dream to bring harmony, happiness and peace through his music. Bryn has also launched a harmonica-centric program at the Pickering Library for children ages 8-12.
Camila is a music composer, guitarist and educator. She has been playing and performing for almost 13 years, has played in several projects, including rock bands and contemporary music festivals, and has written soundtracks for short films and animation films. In 2013, she started working on a music degree (Composition for Audiovisual Media); she began teaching by her second year. A few years later, Camila also began pursuing a Bachelor Degree in Education, so that she could also work as a secondary school teacher.
Camila has also worked extensively as a solo artist, and has a significant and dedicated fan base on social media. Due partly to this visibility, in 2018 Ibanez Guitars made Camila part of their family, granting her the opportunity to be one of the first women from South America to be part of their Artists' Catalogue. Recently she also got the support of Yamaha Canada to be part of their Influencers fan base. She enjoys teaching rock, jazz, pop, modern metal and much more. Camila always aims to improve her students' self-confidence; this way, she can encourage them to be curious and creative.
Job Titles:
- Engineer
- Producer
- Senior Engineer
- Mixing, Production and Live Sound Instructor
Carlin Nicholson is a Canadian mixing/mastering engineer, producer, and songwriter based out of Toronto, Ontario. He has been a studio owner for 25 years, working as a professional sound engineer and musician - he co-founded XM award-winning and Polaris Prize-nominated Arts & Crafts band, ZEUS. Trained at world-renowned Revolution Studio in Toronto, Carlin has worked on a multitude of albums and musical projects, including award-winning and nominated artists. Carlin blends his passion for analogue sound with modern digital tools, employing different techniques and various pieces of outboard equipment to suit the unique nature of each project.
Pliability and an approachable demeanour are at the forefront of every project Carlin works on. He takes time to understand the unique desires and tastes for how an artist or group wants their material to sound and be presented. He believes that even if an individual does not necessarily speak the technical language that professional engineers use, this does not make their opinion any less credible and does not diminish its significance towards making their product the best it can be. After all, the musical experience is a feeling that we are all attuned to in our own unique way; enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Carlos del Junco first picked up a harmonica in 1972 and got a taste of playing in front of a live audience at a student talent night, jamming on a couple Leadbelly tunes with his high school math teacher. While his first interests were definitely rooted in the blues, studying players like Paul Butterfield, Little Walter, James Cotton, he was also attracted to more progressive players like Lee Oskar and perhaps one of the most unsung heroes in his mind, David Burgin. Eventually after 15 years of playing, Carlos studied with Howard Levy for 4 years in a row when at Augusta Heritage Centre in West Virginia for the Blues and Swing week back in the late 1980's. He also received a grant to study with Levy privately for 2 months in 1995.
His first love has always been blues. To sum up his playing "style" as a "harmonica voice", he would describe it as a marriage between early David Burgin and Howard Levy: a blues attitude with a jazzy sensibility. So, definitely a more progressive voice. His 7 full band recordings to date delve into all types of "roots music" which encompasses many styles of blues, jazz, New Orleans second line grooves, Latin, Ska, folk, "world music".
Carlos has over 30 years experience teaching both private and group music lessons, including workshops and master classes throughout Canada, Europe and the U.S. and online sessions worldwide.
Chris Chinchilla is a professional singer, singing teacher, live performance coach, bandleader, vocal harmony arranger, and music Theory tutor. He has worked as a full-time professional singer his entire adult life, and has recorded hundreds of master recordings as a studio session singer, and for TV/film soundtracks.
Chris has extensive live performing experience as a Lead Vocalist in hundreds of premier venues throughout the GTA, and has completed a dozen National tours of Canada/US performing in concert venues for many hundreds of thousands of people. He has sung with many bands, groups, and 8-piece bands; for corporate functions, original and cover-band club gigs, solo concerts, large public events, theatrical shows, and private events. As a freelance Lead Singer, Chris has sung virtually every style of music professionally; Top 40 Pop, R&B, Rock, Jazz, Funk, Prog-Rock, Big Band, Retro, R&R classics, Musical Theatre, ‘a cappella' SATB Vocal Quartets, Choral and lyric-Classical. He's worked with many highly trained musicians, as well as highly skilled ‘untrained natural' singers who ‘sing by-ear', so appreciates the best of both worlds.
Chris has trained at the Banff School of Fine Arts (full scholarship), StFX University Jazz Program, Royal Conservatory, and has formal training with some of the top singing-voice teachers in Canada/US, Speech-level Singing, also many workshops and seminars. He grew up as a competitive lead/soloist trumpet player, playing Big Band, Jazz and Classical trumpet, winning National and Provincial competitions, also playing keyboards, percussion and other instruments.
As a Bandleader, Vocal Arranger, and vocal contractor, he has lead many bands and groups, currently running an ‘a cappella' singing group, which he books for live events and in TV/film. He also works as an Actor, a Speaker, and as a collaborative songwriter in recording projects.
Chris has a calling as a private singing teacher, in-studio vocal coach, and Live Performance coach, working with aspiring singers to established pro's, from film actors and athletes, to award winning recording artists. He works very carefully with singers to discover their own natural voice, expressed in their own unique style. Highly dedicated to his singers, he even offers 24/7 remote support if needed. He's helped singers land paying gigs in working cover bands, original bands, paying solo guitar/voice and Duo gigs, track shows, and succeed in highly competitive singing competitions.
His students have won admission through audition to numerous Commercial, Jazz and Classical University Vocal programs, Performing Arts high schools, with many students scoring from 100% to the high 90's on their singing tests. As a music Theory tutor, he coaches students through University Level Jazz Theory, RCM Advanced Rudiments, and Harmony. He works with clients on self-tape videos, recordings, harmony singing, stage presence, vocal Riffs, Range, ear-training, sight-singing, mic and monitor technique, On-Camera singing, overcoming stage-fright, live show staging, and all aspects of singing performance.
Chris co-designed the vocal exercises in the App ‘Voice Training - Learn To Sing' which has over 5 million downloads, with his YouTube tutorial videos at 1.2 million views. He has a mission to bring the fun of great singing to the general public through private teaching, Apps, Workshops and Masterclasses. He's currently recording his own vocals in-studio in Toronto, and also doing in-studio vocal coaching for emerging Artist's recording projects.
Job Titles:
- Piano and Organ Instructor
Colin Tucker is a cellist, pianist, and organist who holds a PhD from the University at Buffalo (SUNY), an MPhil from the University of Huddersfield, and a BM summa cum laude from the University of Michigan in music. As a performer, Colin has appeared at leading venues locally (Nuit Blanche, U of T) and internationally (Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, Stanford University, Bemis Center for Contemporary Art, Fridman Gallery, Memorial Art Gallery-University of Rochester), and worked as pianist and organist at Faith United Church of Christ in Amherst, NY. Prior to joining Mint Music, Colin taught piano, musicianship, and music theory at the University at Buffalo, and maintained a private piano studio in Buffalo, NY.
Job Titles:
- Member of Lawrence Gowan
- Recording and Mixing Instructor
Danny J. Ricardo, a.k.a. ‘Danny J', is a Toronto native who started his Rock n' Roll journey at the age of 13. Danny attended Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton C.S.S and graduated top of his class with an "Excellent Achievement Award" in music. He continued his post-secondary education at Humber College where he studied Jazz. After a short year, Danny decided to study Audio Engineering at Trebas Institute for the Recording Arts and received a Diploma in Audio Engineering.
Upon graduating, Danny quickly made a reputation for himself, not only as a guitarist but a composer as well. In 2004, Danny collaborated with actress/singer Cassie Steele, known for her role as "Abby" on CTV's The L.A. Complex and as "Manny" on the hit show Degrassi The Next Generation. The debut album "How Much for Happy" had a cross Canada tour in support of singer Keshia Chante. In 2006 it was featured during Canadian Music week and received a gold certification in Canada.
In 2009 ‘JUSTUS', one of Danny's long-time music projects came to fruition. In February of 2010, JUSTUS won 1st prize in a band contest called "4 The Rekord". In April of that year, they also qualified for TIMA, the Toronto Independent Music Awards for "Best Live Act". 2011 they hit the studio with producer/engineer Joel Kazmi (Sum 41) and released their debut EP "Don't Surrender" in May of 2012. "Back In" the band's single, was received extremely well and was featured on CBC radio. Q107'S Dominik Diamond says "JUSTUS…good band, good tunes and great musicians".
In 2010, Danny became a member of Lawrence Gowan's (Styx), legendary solo band GOWAN. Also on the roster are Todd Sucherman (Styx) Taylor Mills (Brian Wilson) Peter Nunn (Honeymoon Suite) and Terrence Gowan (Gowan). In May of 2010, Gowan performed two sold-out shows celebrating the 25th year anniversary of the multi-platinum album "Strange Animal".
Job Titles:
- Bass and Ukulele Instructor
Dave Kirby is a freelance professional guitarist from Toronto, Canada. Teaching has always been a big part of Dave's professional life, and he has been teaching professionally for over twelve 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.
Over the years, Dave has taught students ranging in age from six years old to retirees, and 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.
Job Titles:
- Songwriting, Recording and Mixing Instructor
Diego Madariaga is a Chilean songwriter, music producer, multi-instrumentalist and educator. His journey studying electric guitar and writing songs started 21 years ago.
Diego's educational background has included the study of multiple instruments, music composition, studio recording techniques, post-production, music industry and business management. As an artist, Diego has written and produced with singers from all around the globe and performed in different venues in Chile and Australia. You can find him in digital music platforms as "Diego Mar". As an educator, Diego has been teaching for nearly a decade. Through private lessons and workshops, his focus is on high quality education that motivates and inspires students of all ages.
Diego's educational methods include holistic activities that incorporate body awareness, creativity, communication, music theory, music instrument interpretation, art appreciation, collaboration, self development and goal setting. He is committed to creating personalised study programs that keep the student engaged and practising regularly. And for students that want to follow a professional music career, Diego's extensive music industry knowledge can easily be incorporated into lessons.
Diego's mission is to get the best of his students. Always encouraging, supporting and guiding his students to discover the wonderful benefits of music.
Gabriel Quenneville-Bélair is a French Canadian pianist. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance with Lydia Artymiw from the University of Minnesota and a Master's Degree with Richard Raymond from the Conservatoire de Musique de Montréal. He worked as a Piano Teaching Assistant for the University of Minnesota from 2013 to 2016.
In recent seasons, Gabriel has performed Tchaikovsky's Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor with KSO, HHO, OSI, OPMEM and the University of Minnesota Orchestra as the winner of the 2016 University of Minnesota Concerto Competition. Noteworthy invitations include a performance at Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall, NYC, a recital and masterclass for the Musicians' Association of Tai'an, China and a lecture-recital on Russian Piano Repertoire for the Minneapolis Music Teacher Association in Minnesota. Gabriel has also garnered prestigious awards including the Centennial Fellowship at the University of Minnesota, numerous scholarships from the Orford Art Center and the Gilles-Gauthier Scholarship for Best Academic Profile of the Conservatoire de Musique de Montréal. He is the 2016 Prizewinner of the Claude F. Lefebvre Scholarship of the Fondation de Soutien aux Arts de Laval.
Gabriel has premiered numerous works by living composers such as a Prelude by Sean Clarke, written especially for him to perform. His dedication to exploring a truly modern repertoire of the piano establishes him as a passionate defender of contemporary music. Gabriel's first solo piano album, a compilation of Canadian, Russian, Norwegian, and French music, was released in May 2018 and is available on iTunes and Amazon.
Job Titles:
- Classical Guitar Instructor
Accomplished classical guitarist, music composer and arranger Gaby Al-Botros nurtures his passion for guitar by playing Flamenco, Jazz, Celtic, Folk, and Middle Eastern music. Throughout the span of his impressive career he has performed solo concerts, baroque ensembles, orchestras, with a focus on guitar ensembles. Creating a unique and fascinating fusion influenced by distinctive Middle Eastern melodies, Gaby has composed for solo guitar, guitar quartet, string quartet, and many other chamber ensembles.
Notable past performances include Vivaldi's Concerto in G major with the Damascus Baroque Soloists and the Concierto Andaluz by Joaquín Rodrigo with the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his classical music concerts, Gaby has performed with the Oud master Naseer Shamma and the virtuoso Brazilian guitarist Celso Machado. Working in the world music genre, he also arranged and recorded several compositions with the great Syrian composer and oud player Husam Numan.
In 2016, Gaby made his conducting debut with a performance of his own arrangement of Joaquín Rodrigo's Fantasia para un gentilhombre featuring soloist Susan McDonald and a guitar orchestra. The Damascus Guitar Quartet, of which Gaby was a founding member, has paved the way for other musicians in Syria to form guitar ensembles. Gaby continued this work by co-founding the Orontes Quartet and this has helped to highlight the possibilities of the guitar as a concert instrument. The Orontes Quartet released their first album "The Clock" in 2016, which was recorded during the war in Syria, under sirens and bomb blasts. In 2019, the quartet received a fellowship grant from the Artist Protection Fund, a New York-based program that supports threatened artists around the world. They were hosted by the University of Victoria for one year during which they worked with Dr. Alexander Dunn. The quartet toured across Canada with over 30 concerts, including the Alberta Winter Games 2019 opening ceremony, and was featured in The Globe and Mail.
When not performing, Gaby is a guitar and music theory teacher who believes that a solid foundation in effective performance and musical communication should be a teacher's first priority. As a guitar teacher and coordinator at Solhi Alwadi music school and a guitar teacher assistant at the Higher Institute of Music, Gaby was in high demand. Gaby worked as a teaching assistant for the renowned U.S. classical guitarist and composer Susan McDonald at the YES Academy in Lebanon. During his stay in Lebanon, Gaby developed a guitar curriculum for Syrian refugee students at Jusoor NGO.
Musician and educator Glen Alan has been actively involved in the Toronto music and recording scene for more that 20 years. As a voice, piano, ukulele, guitar, songwriting and theory teacher Glen has helped thousands of individuals from children to adults sing, play and write songs more effectively. Over the years Glen has produced and led various seminars and master classes on songwriting, music theory, voice, microphone technique, music business and studio recording for clients of Mint Music (formerly Find A Way) - a music company Glen Alan founded in 1996.
Glen began playing the piano when he was 7 years old and after that learned the ukulele and played acoustic bass in his father's school ukulele band when he was a young teenager. Glen's father who was an accomplished organist and choir director had Glen sing in church choirs from an early age until his early 20's. Later, Glen double majored in voice and alto saxophone in high school and was the bass singer and also helped manage and run the critically acclaimed No Nonsense a cappella Quartet. Later, Glen taught himself to play guitar when he attended Humber College in 1993. Glen began his first formal guitar lessons in 1996 and quickly began composing and performing with the guitar in the years that followed.
Since founding Mint Music and the Toronto Guitar School Glen has taught many private lessons and group classes in guitar and ukulele. Glen brings a wealth of over 20 years teaching experience, passion and fun to every class he teaches.
Holding an Honours Diploma in Vocal Performance from Humber College and a Grade 8 RCM Piano Certification with Honours, Glen has over 25 years performance and studio experience working with well known artists such as Keifer Sutherland (Star of acclaimed Television Series 24), Natalie MacMaster, Brian Dickinson, Jackie Richardson, Sterling Jarvis (Lion King), Mark Dubois, Chris Birkett, Don Ross, Paul Delong (Earth, Wind and Fire), Steve Hunter, Denis Keldie and Melinda Shankar (Star of Degrassi - The Next Generation)
Job Titles:
- Electric and Acoustic Bass Instructor
Graham Smith enjoys a busy and varied freelance career as a double bassist, electric bassist, composer, and educator. He has more than two decades of performing and recording experience in diverse settings from orchestral and chamber to jazz, musical theatre, and contemporary popular and world music styles. As a composer, Graham's interests are broad, spanning the neo-baroque to twelve-tone technique and contemporary jazz.
Music education forms the backbone of Graham's musical life. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, he welcomes students of all levels and all ages. On faculty at Branksome Hall's Music Conservatory since 2017, he also maintains his own teaching studio in central Toronto. Graham offers instruction on the double bass and electric bass, and in all areas of music theory and composition. Former students have gone on to study music at prestigious institutions such as Berklee College of Music in Boston and the University of Toronto. Graham is also a faculty member at National Music Camp of Canada as double bass and composition instructor.
Graham received his PhD in Composition and Musicology from York University and was awarded a prestigious SSHRC Graduate Scholarship for his dissertation research. He also holds an MA from York, and a BMus from Queen's University. Graham resides in Toronto's Christie Pits neighbourhood with his spouse, cellist Erika Nielsen. For more information, please visit grahamsmithphd.com.
Job Titles:
- Guitar and Ukulele Instructor
Award winning bassist and multi-instrumentalist Jack-James Lemaire has been playing and performing for over 17 years in the Toronto and Montreal music scenes. Known for his ability to be a "musical chameleon," Jack has played and performed with musical groups in a variety of genres, including pop, folk, jazz, punk and more.
Born in southern Quebec, Jack attended CEGEP Vanier in Montreal where he received a DEP in Professional Music and Song-writing Techniques. His passion for theory and performing brought him to Toronto to attend Humber College where he received a Bachelor's of Music. During his time at Humber, he studied under Mike Downes, Pat Kilbride, and Rik Emmett, to name a few. He was in the top profile bands three of his four years at Humber and eventually was awarded the opportunity to tour and perform in Mexico with Hilario Duran.
Jack's ability to adapt to any musical environment has given him a robust career. His work with Toronto folk artist, Jeremy Voltz has won awards from Folk Ontario, Indie Gathering International Film Festival and Open World Toronto Film Festival. He has performed at Toronto Beaches Jazz Fest, SpringTide and has opened for The Arkells. He currently plays for some of the top wedding groups in Toronto as well as renowned fusion groups, Mike Murray and Yiannis Kapoulas, and up and coming local artists, Jeremy Voltz and pop act Lyzzie.
With over 7 years of teaching experience, Jack's compassionate and individualised approach to teaching emphasises his student's unique learning styles and interests. Though primarily a bassist, Jack is an extremely competent guitarist and has led a number of guitar courses and rock bands with the school. An expert in beginner guitar instruction, he believes that learning should always be an enjoyable experience that uplifts students and promotes a sense of accomplishment. Out of the many group guitar courses and private lessons Jack has instructed at the school, his students always appreciate his positive and thoughtful approach to learning.
Job Titles:
- Vocals and Guitar Instructor
Jaclyn has been performing professionally for over 15 years and has performed in various theatre shows, bands, and corporate functions all over Ontario.
Over the past 5 years, Jaclyn has been focussing her training with the world renowned Ken Tamplin, who has released over 40 records, has multiple credits in film and tv and is known for his wide range and rock sound. Jaclyn is now a moderator in the Ken Tamplin Vocal Academy forums, helping to answer questions and give feedback on student demonstrations.
As a vocal teacher, Jaclyn's focus is to grow the voice to its full potential. Teaching proper use of diaphragmatic breathing, support and resonance, Jaclyn works with her students to develop a strong, healthy and sustainable voice. She also works with her students on developing their ear and pitch through scales and various exercises. Through these exercises, students will develop agility and elasticity in the voice, while at the same time growing their range.
Jaclyn's goal is to make you fall in love with your instrument, so that you can take the skills you've learned and use them in a way to best express yourself as an artist. She believes in a fun, light-hearted approach with lessons that suit each student and their individual needs.
James Sawyer is an accomplished guitar player and guitar teacher based out of Toronto. He studied Classical Guitar at the Eli Kassner Guitar Academy. His teacher Eli was a pivotal figure in establishing classical guitar in Toronto, founding the Guitar Society of Toronto in 1956. Eli also was responsible for creating the guitar program at the University of Toronto and The Royal Conservatory of Music in 1959 and started the University of Toronto Guitar Ensemble in 1978. His teacher Eli also studied under the great virtuoso classical guitarist, Andrés Segovia. James also took lessons from electric guitarist Glen Drover, a lead guitarist that played for the major metal band Megadeth.
James has been in many bands over the years, playing such styles as Rock and Metal, Jazz Fusion and Neoclassical Fusion. He has taught guitar now both privately and in music stores and music schools since 1989, teaching beginner to advanced guitar. James brings more than 30 years of teaching experience with energy and fun to every class he instructs. He has helped thousands of students from children to adults play the guitar more effectively. Through the years he has developed ways to help students make improvements in their playing ability while at the same time expanding their knowledge and understanding of music theory, making it fun and easy for them to learn.
James has continued to work with people of all ages and experience levels and has also made life-long friendships with his students. He now mainly teaches rock and popular guitar encompassing all the different genres and types such as the '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s to present day, specializing in Rock & Metal, and all facets of Lead Guitar playing techniques. James also plays Drums and Bass Guitar and has been doing setups and repairs for guitars and basses for over 30 years. The Toronto Guitar School is pleased to now offer James's skills in setups and repairs to our students and clients. James also works part-time at Remenyi House of Music as a Guitar Sales Person, so is a great resource for anyone who needs advice or has any questions about guitars.
Jamie Quiring is an accomplished professional pianist and keyboardist with over 10 years of international experience. He has performed all over the world in many styles and genres, from classical to pop music. Jamie completed his RCM Piano Grade 10 (Honours) in 2002 as well as his RCM Theory II (Honours with Distinction). He also has his certificate of Jazz Performance from Mount Royal University College (2009). Alongside performing, Jamie has extensive teaching experience in both the studio environment and private lessons. From classical to jazz to pop to rock, Jamie has the versatility to teach many styles and methods, depending on the individual needs of the student.
Job Titles:
- Piano and Keyboard Instructor
Jinu Isac is a drummer and pianist who has been playing professionally in cities across Canada, USA, and India for the past 17 years. He began playing Indian fusion and jazz music from a young age, and has since been playing jazz fusion, hip-hop, jazz, pop, Indian music, R&B, and funk with various bands such as: Slamborghinitheband, Nezqwik, The Delhi Express, Ravi Naimpally's band, Snaggle, TheIsacBand, Rinsethealgorithm, The Abeng, and the Spicy Jam.
Jinu studied jazz at the Humber College Community Music Program, where he studied with Harold Mayburn, Kirk MacDonald, Lorne Lofsky, and many more. He also attended the Etobicoke School of the Arts, and has studied music at Humber College, completing a Bachelor's of Music. Jinu enjoys teaching music of all genres, and likes to find music that is of interest to his students and that challenges them to be their best.
Job Titles:
- Voice, Ukulele and Songwriting Instructor
Joanna is an award-winning singer-songwriter and performer who teaches students from around the country. She has been on the Canadian music scene for fifteen years, playing multiple instruments, recording her own music, and competing in shows. A true music artist, she is releasing her debut album soon.
She received a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Business and a minor in Interpersonal Communication from the University of Waterloo. She also holds post-graduate certificates in Music, Music Industry, Business and Community Music.
She creates custom lessons for each student based on their level, goals and experience. In the first lesson she likes to get to know her students and their interests so she can better teach them.
Students may have the opportunity to perform through preparation with Joanna when they advance. Her approach is to challenge students to be their best and be themselves. She brings positivity and humor into her studio and encourages students to think creatively.
She helps students work on songs, technique, warmups, performance, ear training, demo recording, and lyric writing in inspiring ways. She plays all styles of music - Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop, R&B, Blues, Jazz, Classical - and can help you do the same. When students look for a new teacher, Joanna is the teacher they go to. She looks forward to learning more about you!
Toronto-based bass player, Joshua Sofian, began his bass playing career when he was 14 years old, after falling in love with all of the low notes and dominant parts in various musical settings. Although R&B, soul, jazz, and pop would be his main genres nowadays, Joshua also has experience playing in rock bands as well as worship teams.
Growing up in an international community in Beijing, China, Joshua Sofian got the opportunity to play in violin and viola in the school orchestra, guitar and bass in the jazz band/combo, and be the driving force of the Return to the Forbidden Planet musical's pit band in his senior year. In addition to playing at school, Joshua also played guitar and bass in the worship team of one of the largest international churches in Beijing, Capital Community Church. Being the youngest one on the team, Joshua had the opportunity to grow up learning and playing with professional musicians on the team, including pop star, Hao Ge. Growing up playing with professionals allowed Joshua to set goals and develop the skills and knowledge required to play in a professionally. At age 14, he started teaching guitar, which then led to teaching bass at age 17.
After moving to Toronto, ON in 2016, Joshua Sofian joined an indie/alternative rock band called Newcomer after meeting some friends at a music club at the University of Toronto. The band recorded an album called ‘Joys' and played many shows in Toronto venues such as The Horseshoe Tavern, Lee's Palace, and The Opera House.
Newcomer received rave reviews from listeners and journalists, and even won a Battle of the Bands. In 2019, Joshua resigned from the band seeking other opportunities to expand his bass playing abilities as well as to teach.
Julian Taylor is a charismatic front man, prolific songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who masterfully re-combines and updates the many vintage sounds that inspire him, to create bold, innovative songs. A unique Canadian artist, Julian's outgoing and engaging personality immediately makes you feel at ease. His charming demeanor and deep-rooted musicality allow him to connect with audiences at both a musical and soul level in a profound way. A calm person offstage, Taylor morphs into an intense, almost shamanistic presence onstage. Toronto poet Robert Priest calls him "the kind of artist forever in the zone, the voice limitless, the songs full of feeling and memorable hooks."
After achieving nationwide success in Canada leading his former band Staggered Crossing, Taylor assembled the Julian Taylor Band, an eight-man funk, soul and roll revue. Reflecting their hometown's rich musical tapestry, these accomplished Toronto-based musicians are fluent in virtually every genre and embody the same sort of passion and tenacity as Taylor himself.
JTB's debut album Tech Noir (2014) reached #1 on campus radio Top 30 charts in Canada and garnered feature coverage in the Toronto Star. The ambitious double-album follow-up, Desert Star (2016), included "Set Me Free," which spent eight weeks on the CBC Radio 2 Top 20, peaking at #2. The late Frank Gutch Jr. said, in No Depression, "I would pick Desert Star as Album of the Year based upon versatility alone." Taylor has also placed his songs in such globally broadcast TV shows as Kim's Convenience and Elementary, and JTB has impressed audiences at such venues as the Festival d'été de Québec and the Toronto Urban Roots Festival (TURF).
Kendra Grittani started playing cello at age four. She completed her Masters in cello performance at McGill University with accomplished symphonic/chamber musician and cello professor Elizabeth Dolin.
Kendra has performed with various orchestras including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the McGill Symphony Orchestra, the McGill Opera Orchestra, the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony, the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Canada.
Kyle Nethersole is a performing musician, music producer, and music teacher. His passion for all things musical led him to explore myriad contemporary styles and genres, including jazz, rock, metal, hip-hop, electronic, and many more. Kyle hopes to share the joy of music with all of his students through the central tenets of curiosity, practice, and creativity!
Job Titles:
- Vocal and Piano Instructor
Laura is a Toronto-based musician and instructor. She graduated with a diploma in Vocal Jazz Performance from Humber College, as well as completing Grade 9 Piano and Grade 8 Voice through The Royal Conservatory of Music.
As an instructor, Laura has a holistic approach to teaching. She mentors students in technique, artistry, theory, composition and improvisation. Her students have been admitted to post-secondary programs at Berklee College of Music, Humber College, Wilfred Laurier University, Metalworks Institute and University of Ottawa. One of her students received a gold medal for achieving excellence from The Royal Conservatory of Music.
In addition to performing in clubs and festivals around Toronto and the GTA, Laura has performed as a top-rated Piano Bar Entertainer with Carnival Cruise Line. She was named "Favourite Discovery Artist" in a poll by SkyJazz radio in 2015.
"Laura is a constant, steady, reliable mentor who sits beside you with a mission to help you find your true voice. She is one of those rare instructors who has the capacity to help a student reach their highest potential while still ensuring the process is fun." - Smudgie, former student
"Drawing inspirations from soul, jazz, gospel, blues and rock, I could listen to Laura sing her heart out for hours." - Brandon Robbins, Listen Local Toronto
"Laura did an excellent job of facilitating a fun, interactive atmosphere. I thought she was the best of the piano bar performers that I've seen." - guest, Carnival Cruise Line
Job Titles:
- Classical Guitar Instructor
- Founder of the Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival
Founder of the Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival, Luis Angel Medina is an avid performer and teacher across North America. He was the recipient of the Silver Medal from the 2017 Vancouver International Music Competition and holds a Masters degree from the University of Georgia in Athens. Luis' career has given him the opportunity to perform in many cities in Europe, China and across North America.
Luis was born in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico and began his formal studies in music theory and ear training at the age of fourteen when he enrolled in the Music Diploma Program at the University of Guadalajara. Upon completion of his studies, he then moved to Vancouver, Canada, where he began another Diploma at Capilano University, winning numerous awards and scholarships during his tenure. Luis completed his Bachelors of Music in Guitar performance at the University of British Columbia where he was part of the Dean's List every year during his studies.
Travelling overseas, Luis pursued his Masters degree at the University of Georgia in Athens under the mentorship and guidance of acclaimed Canadian guitarist Dr. Daniel Bolshoy where he also taught as an Assistant Guitar Instructor. Upon graduation, he was awarded the Director's Excellence Award which recognizes students for excellence in musicianship, scholarship, leadership, and service, also passing his final oral examinations with distinctions. During his time at the University, Luis also taught guitar classes for non-music university students and provided individual guidance to other students pursuing a Bachelors in Guitar Performance at UGA.
Luis is currently enrolled in the Doctoral in Musical Arts at the University of Toronto, where he continues to promote the guitar through public events that lead to the spread of music in the larger community. Recently, he was featured in the International City Music Talents concert held at the prestigious Playhouse Theatre in Vancouver. Luis has made appearances as a soloist, performing Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco's first guitar concerto with A Little Night Music Orchestra and on other occasions has also been invited to play for the Tri-Cities Guitar Society in Washington, USA with his duet partner Alec Pearson, head of the guitar department at the University of British Columbia. He has been featured in some of the most prestigious guitar societies in Canada, such as the Vancouver, Calgary, Regina and Toronto guitar societies. Luis is also very active across Canada directing guitar ensembles, at various festivals teaching and performing. Luis' aims are to inspire others by sharing his love for music and to bring classical guitar to the larger community.
Luis is a passionate and engaging instructor with over 30 students who have won numerous first and second place awards in various local music competitions as well as nominations for provincial music festivals. He has been awarded top prizes in local competitions and has been selected to compete for the provincial level at the Kiwanis Music Festival. He has also prepared students for all levels of the Royal Conservatory of Music certificate program in addition to entrance exams and auditions for College and University Level Music Programs. Luis is an experienced and dedicated music teacher who is highly regarded by his students for his systematic and innovative approach. His emphasis on the discipline of daily practice and commitment to excellence consistently delivers impressive results.
Job Titles:
- Production, Mixing, Recording and Sound Design Instructor
Mackenzie is a Toronto based music producer, performer, educator, sound designer and label owner whose futuristic, forward-thinking music blends abstract hip-hop, neo-soul, and electronic experimentation. His formal start in electronic music was through the DJ circuit in his hometown North Bay, Ontario. He received his diploma in Digital Music Production at Metalworks Institute and since graduating he's been thriving in the underground Toronto art scene. After signing with Darker Than Wax earlier in 2018 his debut album "Villanova Junction" released on October 26th, 2018 which gained rotational air play through Giles Peterson's radio show Worldwide FM and some Spotify editorial playlists. His sound design works with LP24 Audio has won multiple awards via Loopmasters and has been featured in Future Music Magazine, Music Tech, Plugin Boutique and other publications. At Toronto Guitar School he teaches Production, Mixing, Recording and Sound Design and specializes in Ableton, Pro Tools, Logic and Reason.
Job Titles:
- Recording Artist
- Ukulele, Oud and Recording Instructor
Composer, Guitarist and Recording Artist Majd Maary was born and raised in an artistic family in Syria. Majd began his guitar education under the tutelage of his father Nazih Maary, who taught him the basics of classical music and oriental guitar. In 2012, he received his first academic certificate in guitar performance for classical and flamenco style music, under the supervision of Professor Bassel Khalil at the Russian Cultural Center in Damascus. His love for the instrument pushed him to further his studies by attending the High Institute of Music in Syria, earning a Bachelor's in Performance.
Being surrounded by high-level musicians in the region inspired him to experiment and come up with new ideas and innovative approaches for playing the guitar. During his five years of studies in Damascus, Majd earned a scholarship to YES Academy Lebanon (American Fine Arts Foundation) for two years in a row under the supervision of Professor Susan McDonalds.
Eager to share his passion for performance with others, Majd began teaching guitar in his home town in 2011. Throughout his studies, he has worked in music schools in Syria and Lebanon and was the head of the department of guitar studies in Ecole d'arts et de musique in Lebanon for two years before he travelled to Canada.
During the span of his impressive career, Majd has participated in many festivals and recorded with various artists in Syria and Lebanon, including Sleman Al-Shalabi (Zahme album), Al-Basel Festival in Damascus and Quantas Lágrimas guitar and mezzo solo premiere recording as part of the album Remember the River.
Majd relocated to Toronto in 2021 and is working on his Masters degree in Music Business and Technology in Berklee College of Music along with his music composition studies under the supervision of his mentor, Shireen Abu-Khader, PhD. Majd is currently running the studio of Dozan World, where he also works as an executive administrator. He is employing his skills to create new compositions of his own as well as new arrangements.
Job Titles:
- Ukulele, Bass and Rock Band Instructor
Mark Ritter is a Toronto based guitarist, teacher and composer. He is a graduate of Humber College where he obtained a Bachelor of Music, majoring in guitar. Mark also holds an ARCT in guitar performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music. With over 10 years of experience teaching privately, Mark believes that learning music should be a multifaceted, organic process that includes components of technique, theory, composition, ear training and improvisation.
Originally from Nova Scotia, saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Mike Wark moved to Toronto where he received his B. Mus. and Diploma in Jazz Studies from Humber College. He has studied with Canadian and international saxophone greats like Pat LaBarbera, Kirk MacDonald and Kelly Jefferson as well as former T.S.O. flautist Virginia Markson. While at Humber he received awards in performing, jazz pedagogy and arranging/composing categories and had the opportunity to perform with world-renowned musicians such as Randy Brecker, Hilario Duran, Jane Bunnett, Steve Gadd, Vince Mendoza and Dave Liebman.
As a versatile musician, Mike has worked with Nova Sinfonia, Luis Mario Ochoa and Cimarron, NOJO, The Toronto Jazz Orchestra, songwriter Alejandro Escovedo, Persian/pop legend Sattar and children's entertainer-musician Fred Penner. He has performed throughout Canada, United States and Cuba, in bars and clubs, theaters and in a variety of international jazz, blues and world music festivals. He has performed in pit orchestras for Cats Mainstage Theatre Company ("Urinetown"), Scarborough Music Theatre ("Kiss of The Spider Woman", "Oklahoma!" and "Gypsy") and can be heard on JazzFM, BravoFACT, CBC Radio Live, TV jingles and several albums in a variety of musical styles.
Mike currently keeps busy composing and arranging music, teaching and performing with a variety of ensembles and is currently pursuing his Master's of Music at University of Toronto.
Negin is an Iranian pianist based in Toronto, ON. Her love for classical music started at the age of five after listening to an opera on TV. After feeling inspired, she started her journey as a pianist with full dedication under the supervision of Vahid Goli.
Negin moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at the age of fourteen for High school and was able to obtain the advanced certificate in piano performance from the Trinity College of London.
She then moved to Canada at the age of sixteen for further studies. She attended Brock University for her Bachelors degree in Piano Performance (Honours) and studied under the supervision of Dr. Erika Reiman and Dr. Karin Di Bella. During her time at Brock, she was a part of many piano masterclasses including with Canadian concert pianist David Jalbert and had the opportunity of playing at many private events such as with organist Cameron Carpenter.
Negin found a deep appreciation and love for collaborative piano in 2018 while completing her Bachelor's degree and recorded Alexander Glazunov's Concerto in E flat Major for Alto Saxophone for a woodwind competition and was a part of Brock University's Wind Ensemble performing the Pines of Rome by Ottorino Respighi and Children's March by Percy Grainger.
Oleksandra Fedyshyn is a violinist and composer with a Master's in Music degree from The Lviv National Music Academy, M. Lysenko (Lviv Conservatory, Ukraine). She performed as a member of symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles with concert tours in Europe (including performances with INSO Lviv Orchestra that featured flute soloist Sir James Galway and Leopolis Orchestra featuring guitar soloist Al Di Meola).
As a composer she received recognition as the laureate of The First International Pianists and Composers Competition "Farbotony" and Young Composers International Competition "Gradus ad Parnassum". Her compositions were performed at Lviv International Contemporary Music Festival "Contrasts", The Eights International Youth Music Forum (Kyiv, Ukraine) and Youth Music Festival "Music of Millennium" and were used in master classes for composers (the 21st IMCM Summer Course for Young Composers, Warsaw, Poland). Her scores can be seen at the library of The Gaudeamus Foundation
Oleksandra is also a songwriter with CD recordings ("The Boat" album). She has also played in chamber choirs. In Toronto Oleksandra continues to perform as a member of different music projects, bands, symphony orchestras and as a solo performer (including a Tag TV performance as violinist and composer), TEDx, Glenn Gould Studio, Casa Loma, Trinity-Saint Paul's United Church, Saint George's United Church, Living Arts Centre, Richmond Hill Centre for The Performing Arts, Markham Jazz Festival, Gallery 345, OAPN Showcase and more. She continues composing and performing her music, including compositions for videos and short movies. Besides her busy performing career, Oleksandra is a passionate music educator.
Paul has a Bachelor of Music Performance from the University of McGill. He can teach Classical, Jazz, Blues, Pop, and Rock. Paul uses gentle encouragement and many practice techniques and exercises to push his students to be the best they can be at their instruments. With his extensive musical knowledge and passionate instruction, he inspires his students by introducing them to new styles, teaching them how to express music beyond just playing notes, and most importantly how to actually have fun while practicing.
As an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, Paul spends his time as a pit musician when he is not teaching. Some of his theater credits include The Producers, Chicago, Annie, West Side Story, Mary Poppins, and Phantom of the Opera. He has performed alongside Grammy award-winning musician Cleo Laine, jazz legend Benny Golson, and has recorded for 8 time Academy Award winner Alan Menken.
Rhiannon Carter has been playing the violin since the age of four, studying under various artists such as Annalee Patipatanakoon, David Gilliam, Brandon Chui and Young-dai Park. Beginning her orchestral journey in 2006, Rhiannon has played in various orchestras which include the Mississauga Youth Orchestra (2006-2013), the Brampton Symphony Youth Orchestra (2008-2013), the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (2013-2017), the University of British Columbia Symphony (2017-2018) and currently the Wilfrid Laurier Symphony Orchestra.
Rhiannon was awarded with the 2013 Musician of the Year Award from the Mississauga Youth Orchestra and various MVP awards in various ensembles. She is very active within her community, playing in various outreach concerts with Largo Fasolka Quartet, which was formed during her studies at Wilfrid Laurier University.
In addition, Rhiannon has attended Le Domaine Forget International Music Academy, Saint-Irénée, QC (2014-2016) and performed at the Tuckamore Chamber Music Festival in St. John's Newfoundland (2018).
Outside of music, Rhiannon participated in the development and implementation of mentor programs to grade 9 students during her secondary education, running a weekend camp and preparing these students for the year they had ahead. Currently Rhiannon is continuing her studies in Violin Performance at Wilfrid Laurier University and developing her formidable skills as a chamber musician.
Along with his work as a performer, Sol is an experienced and compassionate teacher whose philosophy revolves around the idea that the best music is the music that you want to play. Sol emphasizes experimentation and ear-training as well as a solid technical foundation to help you reach your musical goals with ease. From Classical, Rock and Jazz, to Hindi and K-Pop, Sol's experience with highly varied styles allows him to help arrange and adapt the guitar to fit you!
As a firm believer in Music education for everyone, he has coordinated music education programs for students with special needs and has worked closely with The Easter Seals Society and the MukiBaum Foundation. A native of Windsor, Ontario, he has done undergraduate work at University of Windsor and York University. Sol also holds an A.R.C.T Diploma in Guitar Pedagogy from the Royal Conservatory of Music, where he studied with one of Canada's leading guitarists and composers, William Beauvais.