Our Teachers
Emma O'Gorman
Vocal | Guitar
Emma, a passionate singer-songwriter and dedicated singing teacher, found solace and empowerment in music from a young age, overcoming shyness through self-taught guitar playing and songwriting. Drawing inspiration from iconic Canadian artists like Joni Mitchell, Alanis Morissette, and Avril Lavigne, Emma has honed her craft over the years, specializing in music production and arrangement alongside her vocal instruction and songwriting coaching. With a deep understanding and enthusiasm for nurturing shy performers, Emma creates a supportive environment where students of all ages can explore and embrace the joy of live music.
Tom McDonald
Acoustic & Electric Guitar
Tom McDonald has been teaching guitar professionally for about 15 years. His main influences include Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimmy Page, Iron Maiden, Green Day, Foo Fighters, and Metallica. He plays in Ottawa recording band Big Jeezus Truck and has recorded 4 full length cd's. He also plays in a couple of bar bands around town. He was voted #1 influential Canadian rock guitarist in 2008 by Canadian Music magazine and #1 Canadian guitar instructor by the Canadian Conservatory of Music.
Evan Hutton
Guitar | Ukelele
Evan Hutton is a versatile guitar teacher originally from the East Coast of Canada, now based in Ottawa. With a degree in music and a passion for playing across a variety of genres, Evan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his teaching. He is skilled in everything from rock and jazz to folk and classical, and is dedicated to helping students of all levels develop their guitar skills. Evan’s teaching style emphasizes creativity, technique, and musical expression, ensuring that each student’s journey is both rewarding and enjoyable.
Kristine (Abby) Dehnert
Vocal
Abby has been trained in vocals since the age of six, and throughout her childhood has participated in numerous Kiwanis music festivals for choir, solo, and duet vocals, as well as local musical theatre productions in her hometown of Kingston, Ontario. Her experience mostly lies in musical theatre and classical, but her true passion lies in heavy metal, harsh vocals and more avant-garde vocal styles, having fronted punk and metal acts and being an active member of the local Ottawa hardcore scene.
Throughout her training, Abby has felt there hasn't been a sufficient way of teaching children & adults in a way that is both enriching and entertaining. With a curriculum that is based on strategic and psychological vocal techniques wrapped in a fun and interactive experience, Abby will equip students with the tools and skills to not only be successful in their vocal and acting journey, but to rise to the top and flourish above and beyond.
Tracy Sanmiya
Piano | Vocal
Tracy is a vocal and piano instructor who graduated of the University of Western Ontario (UWO) holding a Master’s in Communications and Journalism. She studied music privately, at both the Royal Conservatory for piano and voice, and Conservatory Canada for voice, placing in vocal competitions and performing with the UWO Chorale throughout London, Ontario with the university symphony. She has taught voice, piano, music theory and history for many years, and holds an Honours Diploma for Vocal Performance from the Cambrian College Music program.
Erica Rollins
Vocal
Erica Rollins is a passionate vocal teacher based in Ottawa, with a lifelong love for music. Singing since the age of 8, she has cultivated her skills across multiple instruments, including guitar, mandolin, and ukulele. Erica holds a degree in music and has spent years honing her craft, both as a performer and educator. Her diverse musical background and deep understanding of voice have made her a dedicated and inspiring teacher. Whether guiding students through vocal technique or fostering a love for music, Erica is committed to helping others find their unique sound and reach their musical potential.
Victoria Yankelvich
Christopher Wu
Piano | Saxophone | Clarinet
Piano | Violin
Piano
Jeremiah Shaver
Graduated in 1986 from State University of Arts ( Kharkov , Ukraine ). When studying there took part in Chamber Orchestras Festival in 1983 (First Prize). Started career as professional violinist in 1982. During 1985 was a member of State Opera and Ballet Theater orchestra. Since 2000 has been teaching students to play violin at Ottawa Conservatory of Music from introductory level to 10th Grade RCM and eight of them joined Ottawa Youth Orchestra.
Originally based in North Bay, Christopher moved from the small city life of Northern Ontario to Ottawa, where he currently studies B.A. Law at Carleton University. He holds several piano awards, including several Kiwanis Music Festival Awards, and a Canadian Music Competition Award. Christopher participated in several musical events in his youth, individually and throughout high school. As a registered teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music, Christopher specializes in preparing students for examinations with the RCM. With experience in playing in various bands at a young age and privately teaching students of all ages, Christopher has proven himself to be an amazing mentor and teacher and continues every day to strive for his best.
Jeremiah Shaver started playing the sax at age 12 having an affinity for swing music and the Sounds of the Glenn Miller Orchestra. By the age of 16 he completed his Saxophone studies and had moved on to playing the piano and several stringed instruments.