THE INSTRUCTORS OF KAOS MUSIC
If there is one thing which makes our school better than others it is our staff. Hand picked over the past 22 years, most of our instructors have been with us for many years and call Kaos their primary job. While uniquely different, each of our teaching staff share one very important quality, they are all wonderful people. We believe that all of the music education in the world means nothing if it can't be communicated to the student in a fun way. Music lessons are an elective activity for most which means it should be first and foremost, fun. It is with this in mind that we consistently produce high quality results from students who can enjoy music for the rest of their lives.
If there is one thing which makes our school better than others it is our staff. Hand picked over the past 22 years, most of our instructors have been with us for many years and call Kaos their primary job. While uniquely different, each of our teaching staff share one very important quality, they are all wonderful people. We believe that all of the music education in the world means nothing if it can't be communicated to the student in a fun way. Music lessons are an elective activity for most which means it should be first and foremost, fun. It is with this in mind that we consistently produce high quality results from students who can enjoy music for the rest of their lives.
Sheri is a veteran educator with over 19 years experience, most of which is with us here at Kaos. Sheri not only teaches a full schedule of private students, she is a fully certified Yamaha Music Education instructor as well as our school administrator. Sheri and colleague Yoanna Mesa have developed our early childhood education program using Yamaha’s Music Education System. When asked, Sheri would tell you that she gets the most joy out of her teaching when her students enjoy their lessons and leave feeling good about their accomplishments. When not working for us here, Sheri spends many hours volunteering in the community and relaxing with her husband Jon (also a talented piano player) and friends. She also enjoys a good hockey game and can always be found watching football on Grey Cup Sunday.
As a lifelong student of music, Stacey has accumulated a wealth of musical knowledge and performing experience. Her musical education began in 2003 at the Royal Conservatory of Music where she ultimately obtained her A.R.C.T in piano performance. She continued her musical journey at Humber College where she completed her Bachelor of Music - Piano in their prestigious Jazz Program. Along the way, Stacey has accumulated a wealth of teaching experience having worked as a piano/voice instructor for the past 6 years. As well, Stacey works diligently on her own music as a singer songwriter and performing musician in various musical acts in the GTA area. Her structured and organized approach to teaching combined with her delightful disposition make her a terrific addition to our staff.
Having studied piano for the better part of her life, Danielle joins our team of teachers with a considerable list of academic and teaching achievements. Having completed her A.R.C.T in Piano Performance she went on to earn a Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto. In addition, she has attended and completed the intensive Yamaha Training Program to become certified to teach the Yamaha Musical Education System for young children. Danielle has put that hard earned education to work in her teaching which she has been involved in for the past 7 years. So, from young to old and beginner to advanced, Danielle has the training and experience to help you get playing or take your playing to a new level.
Nicole is a pianist, vocalist, composer and teacher, with 19 years of musical experience, 9 of those in teaching. She achieved her A.R.C.T. in Piano Performance, and subsequently studied at the University of Toronto, with a major in Classical Piano Performance. While at U of T, Nicole sang with the Macmillan Singers, and performed with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. In addition to performing and recording, she has been composing songs for 15 years, and in 2001 received VideoFACT and PromoFACT awards. Nicole is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Contemporary Music at Humber College, with a major in Jazz Vocals, and is very happy to be joining us for another year of teaching.
Sarah Westbrook completed the A.R.C.T. in Piano Performance and a B Mus degree from Carleton University with Highest Honours under Verna Jacobson. In addition to teaching piano and music theory lessons for over ten years in the Ottawa community, she has three years of experience as a teaching assistant for second-year theoretical studies at Carleton University. She is also a devoted and experienced vocal, instrumental and choral accompanist. Sarah is the keyboardist for progressive pop/hard-rock band, Slyde, who performed at Ottawa Bluesfest in 2010 and 2011. Alongside her newly found love for loud rock music is her deep passion for J.S. Bach, Modern and Contemporary music. As a performer, she is continually exploring new means of expression. As a teacher, her goal is to help bring out a genuine expression from the student and for them to understand and love what they are learning.
After graduating from the Etobicoke School of the Arts, Piera went onto to complete an Honours Degree in Music, Voice Performance with a minor int Piano Performance from Wilfrid Laurier University. She also holds her Grade 10 RCM piano, Grade 9 RCM Voice as well as Grade 4 RCM Harmony and History. Along with teaching piano and voice for the past number of years, Piera has also been actively involved with the Canadian Opera Company assisting with their Youth Program. Now back in Toronto full time we are very pleased to have the opportunity to have Piera join our teaching team. Be it piano or voice her delightful disposition combined with her impressive credentials and teaching experience, Piera is just another great option here at KAOS.
Emily is a multi-instrumentalist having completed a Bachelor of Contemporary Music degree from Humber College. Adding to her 15 years of experience on piano, Emily primarily plays trombone, and has studied with and performed alongside many of the country’s greatest talents. Her eclectic musical taste has led to experience with the renowned Toronto All-Star Big Band, rock groups, an R&B band and even brass quintets, as well as performances with jazz greats including Benny Golson and Terence Blanchard. Along with her existing private students, Emily has recently become a Yamaha Certified Instructor and will be teaching many of our Junior Music Courses this fall.
Stacey has been a favourite here at KAOS for 5 years now. Teaching both private piano as well as our Yamaha group program Stacey keeps busy during her weekly time here at KAOS. While she does not teach voice, she has a beautiful voice which is often put to use in her lessons. Stacey has completed her RCM Grade 10 and is currently working towards completing her A.R.C.T. Stacey has also completed her Bachelor of Sacred Music, majoring in piano and songwriting. While classically trained, Stacey would consider herself a specialist in improvising and lead sheet style playing. Many of her students take advantage of these specialties in their individualized learning programs. Outside of KAOS Music, Stacey spends much or her time working on her original music which can be experienced at www.anastacemusic.com
Angie studied piano and voice through the Royal Conservatory. She later moved on to study opera at the Laurentian University in Sudbury under Sandra Faubare. One year later, she began a career as a singer / songwriter / producer releasing six albums, touring throughout the world, and winning awards such as Toronto Female Performer of the year 2007 and 2008 at the Independent Music Awards and Best Country Song in the Great American Song Contest 2012. Her teaching experience began when she was asked to host a performance / vocal workshop for the YWCA in 2008. She later began working with vocalists in a recording studio preparing them for excellence in their performance. Angie brings a wealth of knowledge, patience, enthusiasm not to mention a delightful disposition to the learning environment. www.angienussey.com
Everett obtained his bachelor of Music through the Humber College extended Bachelors Program and holds his Grade 8 RCM. Beyond his piano accomplishments Everett is an high level guitarist. He has worked as an educator in many different settings including music schools, dance schools and music theatre schools as music director. In and around Toronto, Everett can be found playing in many different jobbing bands where he plays guitar and sings. Everett joined our school during the ’07 year and has quickly become a valued and popular member of our teaching staff. In more recent years, Everett has become one of the main coaches in our Rock Band Experience Program.
Melissa joined our school in 2009. Melissa has complete her music degree in Jazz studies at Humber College where she had the opportunity to study under many of Canada’s greatest musicians. She has also attended York University where she also studied jazz. To add to her abilities, Melissa holds her grade 8 RCM piano and her grade 2 rudiments. She brings years of performance and teaching experience with her and combines it with her delightful personality to offer her students a fun filed lesson experience in either piano, sax, clarinet or flute. Even though Melissa is relatively new to our school she has quickly become a favorite among the students.
Alyssa brings a host of interesting talents and experience to her teaching here at KAOS Music. Musically, Alyssa holds her Bachelor of Music as well as her Diploma in Vocal Performance, Jazz Studies from Humber College. Additionally, she has recently completed her Bachelor of Education from York University. Along with years of music teaching experience, Alyssa has two years of school classroom experience gained during her teacher's college years. Beyond teaching, Alyssa has been involved with the Kiwanis Club working with their music and drama programs as well as time working as an Occupational Therapist Assistant for children. And if that weren't enough, her delightful and intuitive disposition help, in part, make her a wonderful music teacher.
Having completed her Grade 8 RCM in both piano and voice as well as her Grade 3 Harmony, Angela is now in the process of completing her Music Degree in Jazz Vocal Performance at the University of Toronto. Her many years of both performing and private teaching make her an ideal addition to our teaching staff this year. For both beginner and intermediate piano students as well as voice students of all levels and styles, Angela would be a great fit.
Frank has been playing guitar for longer then he'd care to admit and teaching for well over 20 years, most of that time for us. In fact, Frank was Kaos Music Centre's first ever guitar teacher starting with us in late 1989. Besides having years of playing experience, Frank attended Humber College taking part in their prestigious music program. Frank is a well known Blues guitarist in the Canadian music community and has many original CD's to his credit. As a teacher, Frank is well known for his enthusiasm and enjoys a loyal following of students. His specialty is The Blues and Frank has helped many students explore this age old genre in detail with great success.
Chris has been playing guitar for over 20 years and teaching for over 10 years. As a teenager, Chris studied rock, jazz, classical and theory at the Eli Kassner Guitar Academy in Toronto under renowned instructor Rob Campbell. He has recorded 3 CDs with his own band and has been labeled by the Toronto Sun “ a songwriting Charles Atlas” He continues to play live in Toronto with his own band and many others. Chris believes anyone should walk out from their first guitar lesson with three chords under their belt and a smile on their face. His approach emphasizes fun for the student, technique on the instrument and enthusiasm for music.
Ayron was born in Stratford, Ontario and grew up taking guitar and theory lessons in Kitchener. He has played guitar for 25 years and has taught for the past 7. He studied jazz guitar performance at Humber College and graduated in 1998. He has been a constant in the Toronto live music scene for over 15 years playing guitar, bass, mandolin, drums and accordion with the likes of Kevin Quain, Taxi Chain, The Mahones, Wild Strawberries and has been a sideman for dozens of singer/songwriters in this fair city. Ayron's incredibly positive approach to his work and life in general has earned him one the top spots in the hearts of our students.
Chris has been teaching guitar and bass since 2002. He enjoys teaching students of all ages and skill levels, and is comfortable with all styles from rock to jazz and fusion to blues. "My number one priority with every student is to make music fun for them". Chris earned a Bachelor of Music Degree (Summa Cum Laude) in Guitar Performance from the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston. He also holds a Diploma in Jazz Studies from Camosun College in Victoria B.C. His performance experience spans many years and many provinces. Having recently relocated to Toronto, we here at KAOS are happy to welcome such an accomplished player and instructor to our faculty.
Ryan has played guitar for as long as he can remember and taught it for the past 5 years. After completing his degree in Music Performance through the Humber College Jazz Program Ryan came to work for us as a sales person. His intense interest and knowledge of all things guitar equipment made him a fast friend to many KAOS customers and a valuable sales person. However, his undeniably great playing ability and his urge to share made him a natural prospect to teach. So, in recent years Ryan has become a multi talented employee here at KAOS teaching part of his time and working on our sales floor the rest of the time. His natural playing ability is a great asset when selling instruments and his equipment knowledge is a great asset in the classroom.
Heather started taking classical guitar training at the age of nine and discovered her true love, the Fender Stratocaster, by age 12, when she began to pursue her passion for the blues and rock & roll. She graduated from Cawthra Park's Regional Arts Program with honors before being accepted into the Humber College jazz program, where she completed a degree in contemporary applied music. Heather brings a young enthusiasm combined with a serious musical ability to her lessons. As a result, students young and old find their lessons fun and productive.
Justin is a fellow that wears many hats. While Justin mainly teaches bass for us here at Kaos, he is completely capable of teaching guitar and drums. Justin is truly one of our most versatile teachers. Aside from teaching full time for Kaos, Justin keeps a busy playing schedule. With no less then two original and two cover bands at any given time, Justin is playing essentially all of the time. Justin’s extremely easy going disposition is a great asset when it comes to providing his students a fun and relaxed learning environment. As with many of our teachers, their easy going outer dispositions are not to be mistaken for a serious commitment to learning.
Paul has been performing and teaching music since he played guitar in his high school Jazz band. Later he taught Jazz theory and performed regularly with the faculty of the first Jazz Diploma Program in Nova Scotia at St. F.X. University.
In 1999 Paul received a Professional Development Grant to study with Toronto jazz bassist Steve Wallace. Since then he has been active performing and teaching in Toronto and beyond. He has performed and recorded with the Jorge Miguel Flamenco Company, Sambacana, Geordie Haley's Everytime Band, Robert Michaels, jazz guitarist Roy Patterson and J.V. Dixon & Rhythm Changes. He was accepted into the University of Toronto Faculty of Education Teacher Training Program in 2006 and has been awarded a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts for composition. In 2007 he released his debut Brazilian Jazz CD "Rio Bossa".
Scott joined our staff in 2007 and has had great success ever since. Scott has been studying guitar for the past 20 years and currently holds his grade 10 RCM (practical). Scott is currently pursuing his guitar education at Humber College in their Jazz program studying under some of Canada’s most advanced teachers. While not studying or teaching, Scott spends much of his time producing various artists including himself.
Scott’s gentle and calm disposition make him an ideal teacher and we are happy to have him.
Colin Brisbois has been playing the guitar for 21 years and is internationally renowned for his rich musicianship and brilliant artistry. He has taught and performed professionally across Canada for the past 8 years while obtaining advanced degrees in classical guitar performance and pedagogy from Capilano University, the University of Toronto and the Royal Conservatory of Music. His extensive studies of the Classical and Flamenco guitar styles have been guided by world renowned performers and educators such as Stephen Boswell, Alexander Dunn, Jeffrey McFadden, Nicholas Goluses, Alejandro Valencia and Ruben Diaz. Colin is currently recording selections from his classical guitar repertoire, exploring the claw-hammer style of Chet Atkins and composing the first album of original material for his violin and guitar duo, Kico. His fun and outgoing disposition keeps his students laughing and learning. Colin has been teaching regularly at KAOS for the past two years and is well known and sought after as a teacher and performer.
Matthew joined our staff in 2008. He is currently studying guitar at Humber College with some of this countries most advance players and teachers. In his younger years, Matt studied piano for the better part of 8 years before taking up guitar. Before joining our staff, Matthew spent a number of years teaching privately as well as performing regularly with the Toronto All-Star Big Band. He currently performs regular around Ontario in any number of different types of bands including rock, funk, jazz and even a bit of country. Matthew brings a young perspective to our school and an unmistakeable enthusiasm.
After completing his degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from Humber College Nathan went on to keep a full schedule of performing and teaching accumulating years of valuable experience. Durning that time he also developed his fine woodworking skills and began working in the field of carpentry building custom wood products. Now splitting his time between his full time carpentry job and music Nathan brings his teaching talent to our school each and every Saturday.
Nathan Da Silva holds a Bachelor of Music Performance degree from Carleton University with Highest Honours, specializing in fusion, jazz and popular styles under guitarist Wayne Eagles. He is an experienced music educator, with seven years of private instruction in guitar and music theory (as well as introductory bass guitar and voice), and experience as a teaching assistant at Carleton for music theory, ear training and sight singing. In addition to teaching, Nathan is an active performing, touring and session musician, as a cover artist in Toronto and Ottawa, a sideman for numerous solo artists and bands, and as lead vocalist, guitarist, and manager/booking agent of his progressive pop/hard rock band, Slyde. When he's not songwriting, composing or transcribing music, Nathan likes to run track and field, and has an affinity for European heavy metal and Japanese video game music. As a teacher, Nathan provides students with a strong musical foundation around their interests and aspirations, offering musical knowledge, theory, proper technique, and strategies to build on their preferred styles and repertoire.
Jasmine joined our staff in 2006. Since then she has helped her students develop by providing a consistent approach of fun and interactive lessons. While small in stature, Jasmine more then makes up for it in her ability, her enthusiasm and dedication to all things music. We are happy to call Jasmine a member of our teaching staff. Jasmine is a honors graduate from the Humber College Bachelor of Music Program. She spends much of her time performing in various musical acts in and around Toronto in between teaching and being a new mom.
Marco is a drummer and percussionist with over 15 years of professional experience. Through classical piano training at a young age, Marco developed a delight for music and all things rhythmic. Further musical studies with the Royal Conservatory of Music, Etobicoke School of the Arts, and Humber College gave him the tools and experience necessary to excel in his field. Marco has earned a solid reputation that affords him opportunities to create music with many talented people and wonderful organizations. Highlights include custom drumming and sound design for corporate clients (CTV, TVO, Bravo, TTC), student productions at Ryerson University and the University of Toronto, and numerous club and festival dates throughout Ontario. As a teacher, Marco encourages all of his students to develop practical and applicable musical fundamentals. A strong emphasis is placed on keeping time, reading music, and having fun. When he is not teaching, performing or recording music, he likes to stay active, read books, and relax with his family.
Olivia studied at the University of Toronto in Classical Saxophone Performance with Dr. Wallace Halladay. She has played with numerous ensembles and groups while in Toronto. As a member of the Saxophone Quartet, (2010 winners of the Wind Ensemble Concerto Competition) they performed Michael Colgrass' Urban Requiem. While living in North Bay she was a participant in the Northern Ontario Music Festival Jazz and Concert Honour Bands, the Ontario Provincial Honours Band, the National Youth Band of Canada and the National Concert Band at MusicFest. She has participated in master classes with Serge Bertocchi (France), Jean-Michel Goury (France), Quasar Saxophone Quartet (UMontéal), Victor Herbiet (UOttawa) and Tim McAllister (Arizona State University). While Olivia is relatively new to us here at KAOS Music she is not new to teaching. Olivia's years of private clarinet and saxophone teaching as well as years of group ensemble teaching and playing experience leave her well equipped and ready to help the students here at KAOS get started or continue forward with their woodwind studies.