Larra
Guitar, Voice, Ukulele, Mandolin, Piano
Larra is the owner of Sweet Music Lessons and has enjoyed many years of introducing children and adults to the world of music. Larra trained privately with jazz vocal educator Lisa Martinelli and was an honours classical voice student with Loralie Kirkpatrick at the Royal Conservatory of Music, receiving her Grade 8 in Classical Voice. She also has piano training from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Larra began studying classical guitar at an early age and performing her original songs at local venues. Her debut music album “The World Disappears”, released under the name Larra Skye, became the #1 independent jazz album for HMV Canada in the year of its release. Her music has since appeared on national radio and television stations including the CBC and Jazz FM 91. She has performed in Canada and the U.S and her second album “Wishing Tree” was released in 2013 with Grammy-nominated producer Karen Kosowski. At present, Larra is teaching lessons exclusively at a private Christian school while she focuses on managing Sweet Music Lessons, performing her own music as well as playing trombone in a chamber orchestra.
Aliya
Piano, Double bass
Aliya began playing piano at seven years old in her home country of Kazakhstan and has continued ever since. She has a total of 10 years of classical piano training as well as a level 9 RCM certificate. In 2015, Aliya began teaching music to younger children of various ages. Additionally, she joined her high school jazz band where she played double bass for four years and had the opportunity to attend jazz clinics and workshops. She competed at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival several years in a row as part of a jazz ensemble. She also competed at the Upper Island Music Festival for several years winning gold and silver medals for numerous piano performances.
As a teacher, Aliya aims to build confidence and curiosity in her students. She believes in the value of music as a tool for developing creativity, discipline, and mindfulness.
Genevieve
Piano
Genevieve has been classically trained in piano since the age of 5, and has enjoyed many years studying, performing, and competing since. In addition to achieving level 9 RCM, she has received many accolades in piano including a Senior Piano award from the Annapolis Valley Music Festival at Acadia University. Her passion for music has taken her on to learn both guitar and trombone, as well as participate in musical theatre pit bands and concert ensembles. Genevieve knows the value of a personal musical journey, and loves to encourage students to be creative and mindful through exploring music that inspires them.
Peter
Guitar, Ukulele, Bass
Peter first picked up a guitar when he was 11 years old, and the instrument has played a prominent part in his life ever since. He was classically trained by Paul Ammirante and Ray Hickey Jr. through the Royal Conservatory of Music; from which he received his Grade 8 practical certification in classical guitar. He has played in Toronto punk and rock bands for over 10 years with whom he has toured Canada and the U.S.A. He has written songs and recorded several albums and EP’s. His musical style is versatile, encompassing heavier riffs and lighter tones.
Peter has been teaching guitar since 2005. Though rooted in fundamentals, he strongly encourages players to develop their own style, and recognizes the need for appropriate pacing and communication to ensure progress. He also stays up to date on all requirements for examinations with the RCM.
Zoia
Piano
Zoia was raised in Cyprus where she was classically trained in piano, completing both grade 8 theory and practical exams for ABRSM (equivalent to grade 10 RCM in Canada). Since moving to Canada, Zoia has continued to play piano, sing and play ukulele. She attended the lauded Rosedale Heights School of the Arts where she participated in various bands and ensembles. As a piano teacher, Zoia loves to create a positive and creative learning space, where she can motivate students to learn how to express themselves through music as well as provide technical knowledge and skills. Zoia is fluent in five languages.
Victor
Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, Drums
Victor is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and actor. He started piano at age 5, and went on to receive a Level 10 certificate in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Along the way Victor picked up drums, as well as guitar and bass in high school. Since then he has played in local punk bands, and spent 2018 performing and recording with free improv group American Standard Trio. Victor is an avid collaborator across many different styles, and continues to perform solo and in improvised ensembles at various jazz/experimental music events in the GTA. Having taught privately since 2013, he is passionate about sharing the joy and curiosity that comes with creating music. True to his own influences, he encourages his students to let go of preconceptions about the role of music in our lives and what it takes to make it.
May
Piano, Saxophone, Flute
May started playing piano at age 7, saxophone at 12 and flute at 20. She studied jazz at the Shobi Music College in Tokyo and continued to teach ensemble lessons and musical direction in Japan after graduation. Since moving to Toronto in 2016, May has played more than 500 gigs and performed on more than 30 recordings. Her current jazz trio “Redmarsh” performs at private parties, festivals and various music venues in the GTA and she continues to perform with world artists from many different cultures, from Brazilian to Nigerian. She recently released the new single for her personal project entitled Maysaxophone.