Guitar/Bass Instructors
Andy Pacheco
Andy is a music lover, at the age of 12 he moved to Canada from Bolivia, he started playing the electric guitar, followed by bass, keys and drums. Andy is currently studying Music Industry Arts at Fanshawe College and plans to continue his education in the University of Gloucestershire. His educational background includes learning guitar from BG Music Academy under the tutelage of Dragan Petrovic and he is a member of the System 12-Guitar Method by Ryan Roxie. In a performance aspect Andy has been a hired gun playing live shows with Soma Chhayya, Jammers Waffle House, Jazz Band and Our Lady of Mt Carmel. Andy loves producing up-and-coming artist, his first gig as a producer was to create Jennifer’s Cortez aka The Prof’s first EP. Andy has many hobbies, however, he is most passionate about the game of chess and playing tennis. His teaching goals include to share his passion towards music and motivate his students to make music and guitar a regular part of their lifestyle.
Andy Cloutier
Born in Toronto, Andy Cloutier began musical studies on the guitar at the age of 5. After many years of study and performing, he entered the University of Western Ontario, where he completed a bachelor of music degree, with honours specialization in music theory and composition. He has played in masterclasses and studied with many world renowned guitarists, including Pepe Romero, Manuel Barrueco, David Russell, Roland Dyens, the Assad brothers, and many more. He currently teaches young musicians in the London area, and is Organist and music director at St. Anne’s Parish in St. Thomas, Ontario.
Peter Karle
Armed with an eclectic taste in music and the experience to match, Peter Karle is excited to teach all styles that come his way. Throughout his undergraduate degree at the Don Wright Faculty of Music at Western University, Peter actively sought out diverse musical projects to hone his craft as a musician. Along with private classical guitar with Robert Kubica, Peter served as guitarist and rhythm section leader with the Western University Jazz Ensemble. Peter has also sought out conducting opportunities outside of the faculty to continue his spirit for giving music. Peter served at the 2014-25 Western Chamber Ensemble (orchestra division) as director under the tutelage of Alain Trudel. He also served as producer/ music director/conductor for Theatre Western’s Xanadu(2013) and Rent(2014) and Into the Woods(2015). Peter is currently performing as a leader/sideman and session player with various session groups around London.
Thiason Nguyen
Thiason is Vietnamese guitarist who has been pursuing a music career since the age of nine. He graduated from Vietnam National Academy of Music with a Bachelor in Guitar Performance Degree in 2020. During his study at the music academy, he has participated in many domestic and foreign competitions, including solo and ensemble. In 2014, he was one of three contestants to represent Vietnam to participate in the Tarrega International Classical Guitar Festival; Besides, he was awarded the One Asia Foundation Scholarship for being a student with outstanding academic achievements. In 2019, he established a band that produces original music products; after playing a lot of gigs around the city and owning a certain number of fans, his band was broadcast on the national television channel and recognized as one of the promising indie bands. However, in order to pursue his passion of becoming a professional musician, his desired to equip himself with a deeper knowledge of producing music. He decided to enroll in the Music Industry Arts program at Fanshawe College. His other goal is to spread his love of music to the next generations as a guitar teacher. Based of many years of experience in guitar performance, teaching, and organized art festivals, he understands students’ psychology and helps them develop their abilities based on creativity and applies diverse teaching methods.
Drum Instructors
Brian McHugh
Brian McHugh is a graduate of The Percussion Institute of Technology in Los Angeles, California, and The University of Western Ontario. Brian has maintained a busy recording and performing schedule over the years touring through Canada, U.S.A., Europe, and the Caribbean backing a variety of artists in many different styles. These artists include Fritz McIntyre (formerly of Simply Red), R&B great Grant Smith, Alan Frew (formerly of Glass Tiger), and many others. Brian is currently performing dates with his 8 piece band “Hollywood”.
Rod O’Brien
Rod is an accomplished solo, chamber and orchestral musician currently finishing a bachelor of music with an honours in education from Western University specializing in percussion. For over a decade, Rod has been performing and teaching in both drum set and classical/concert band settings which include the drummer for the Western University Jazz Ensemble and being the principal timpanist of local ensembles, London Youth Symphony, London Concert Band, and Encore… The Concert Band. Rod also has a seasoned background in keyboard percussion, music theory and history. Notable teachers include Dr. Jill Ball, head professor of percussion performance at Western University and D’Arcy Gray, principal timpanist for London Symphonia and former principal timpanist of Orchestra London Canada.
Piano Instructors
Tigran Saakyan
Tigran was born into an Armenian family in Moscow, Russia. His piano journey began at the Tchaikovsky Academic Music College at the Moscow State Conservatory and Gnesins Russian Academy of Music. Tigran was actively involved in Moscow’s concert life performing as a soloist and collaborative pianist. In 2010-2012 he took the opportunity to perform at international piano competitions in Italy (Citta di Barletta, First Prize and Special Prize), France (Opus Yvelines), and Armenia (Renaissance, Second Prize). In 2015, he went on to receive his Master of Music degree in piano performance from Brandon University. In 2016, he was the winner of the MRMTA piano competition in Winnipeg. In 2017, as winner of the Concerto Competition at Brandon University, Tigran performed the Rachmaninoff Second Concerto with the University Orchestra. In 2018, Tigran entered the faculty at Music and Play Canada in Calgary, Alberta with a full-time teaching position. While on faculty, he performed as a soloist and collaborative pianist in Canada, Russia, Mexico and the USA. In 2019, Tigran was invited to the 15th Pender Harbour Chamber Music Festival in BC where he performed with Canada’s leading musicians. Tigran became part of the Mountain View Festival in Calgary where he appeared in the series of concerts Isolation Point Project. Currently Tigran is studying at Western University working on the Doctoral of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance with Leslie Kinton.
Stephen Ingram
Stephen Ingram has been playing since age five and completed his RCM grade 10 before entering the University of Western to complete his Bachelor of Music Honours in Composition. His primary instrument for this degree was piano, taking lessons from acclaimed educator Gwen Beamish-Macmillan for four years. Much of Stephen’s musical work in London over the last few years has been centered around theatre. He has acted as music director, audition accompanist and rehearsal pianist for multiple shows spanning the last few years, as well having starred onstage in a multitude of musicals around London, Toronto and Montreal.
Jason Mile
Jason Mile is a composer-pianist with a Bachelor’s in Music from Western University and is set to complete his Master’s in Music Composition from McGill University. He has a keen interest in composition, improvisation, music pedagogy and piano technique. Jason has experience teaching a variety of age groups, both privately and in classroom settings, through his work as a teacher’s assistant, private piano instructor and volunteer tutor. He believes that it is essential to teach students not only how to play the piano, but also how music works, and so he incorporates music theory and improvisation into lessons whenever he can. As a composer, Jason tries to keep branching out into new genres, writing classical, pop, rock, jazz and electronic music. He has had his pieces performed in London, Toronto and Montreal and was awarded the SOCAN Young Composer’s Award for his piece “Southern Wind” for Flute and Electronics.
Nathanial Ninham
Born and raised in London, Nathaniel is now a final year Piano Performance Major at Western University. He currently studies under Dr. Brett Kingsbury for his Undergrad and after graduating in 2023 hopes to pursue a Masters in Performance or Collaborative Piano. His biggest musical love is for his favourite composers, Bach and Chopin, but performs a wide variety of styles in both solo and collaborative works. He is the 2021 recipient of the Larry and Susan Agranove Award and has performed in a variety of venues including weddings and as a collaborative pianist in various music festivals. On the side he also enjoys Film Studies, gaming, and playing trumpet in the Western Symphonic Band.
Belle Li
Belle Li is a piano major at the University of Western Ontario studying with Dr Brett Kingsbury. She has attained an ARCT Performers Diploma certified by the Royal Conservatory of Music. She previously hosted her own teacher’s recitals in Oakville and has since developed a love and passion for working with children and adults who wish to pursue learning the piano.
Jielin Luo
Jielin Luo has obtained her Master of Music in Piano Performance in New York, US. With the passion for performing and teaching, she has cultivated many young piano performers in North America and China. Having more than 11 years teaching experience, she is proficient in using games and interactive approaches in her music lessons. Many students love her humorous style and make progress. Some former students are now continuing their music journey in conservatories. She believes that, to keep students’ learning motivation, teachers should not just instruct students to be skillful performers but also lead them to appreciate the beauty of music. In 2020, Jielin was awarded the honor of “Excellent Teacher” by Asia Musicians Association for her contribution to piano teaching. As the recipient of Bachelor in applied Psychology, Jielin is also equipped with the application of psychology in educational context.
Strings Instructors
Julijana Tomicevic
Playing the violin for 18 years, Julijana has an active private studio of students ages 4 and up. She also assists at the El Sistema After School Music Program where she teaches elementary school children violin technique, posture, and music theory. Julijana instructs and supports children with special needs and finds great joy and passion in doing so. She has been a proud member of the London Youth Symphony (LYS) and is a current member of the London Community Orchestra (LCO) .
Sarah Botsford
Sarah Botsford is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music at Western University. She has been taught by Professor Annette Barbara Vogel and is currently under the tutelage of Nicolas Carlucci. Sarah has been teaching violin for the last 8 years and works to incorporate music history and theory into her instruction to facilitate understanding in all aspects of the instrument. Sarah has assisted the instruction of orchestras for young musicians such as those at BelCanto String Academy in Hamilton and was the concert master and soloist of their chamber music group. Sarah continues to perform frequently within the Western University and as a freelance musician within the London community.
Isaac Lee
Isaac Lee is currently is pursuing a Bachelor Of Music in Cello Performance at Western University. He has been taught by Bruce Richardson and Julia MacGregor and is currently under the tutelage of Professor Thomas Wiebe. During his high school years, Isaac has participated in Kiwanis Music Festivals for 4 years. On top of that, he also conducted jazz bands and plays the saxophone.
Leah Bondy
Leah began learning violin at age three at the Suzuki Strings School of Guelph, where she grew her love of music through various ensemble works as well as weekly one-on-one instruction. She realized very quickly that she thoroughly enjoyed teaching music and could often be found tutoring her younger siblings or teaching her friends a new song to sing. Around the age of 13 Leah realized that she wanted more music in her life, and started joining musicals and taking voice lessons., as well as keeping up with her violin studies. In 2019, Leah graduated with a Bachelor’s of music in Voice Performance from Western University. She continued to perform in various ensembles throughout school, including playing violin for Theatre Western.
Voice Instructors
Karianne Pasma
Soprano Karianne Pasma attained a Master of Music in Literature and Performance at the University of Western Ontario, where she studied with Patricia Green and Jackie Short. Karianne has performed in several public master classes including working with well known Canadian soprano, Wendy Nielsen. Most recently Karianne sang with London Pro Musica and Orchestra London as the soprano soloist in the Bach Magnificat. She has also performed the role of Angelica in Suor Angelica with Opera NUOVA, and the Sandman in UWOpera’s production of Too Many Sopranos, among other roles with Opera NUOVA and UWOpera.
Sarah Walsh
Sarah Walsh is a Master’s of Music student studying vocal performance at Western University. Sarah has been training vocally for nearly 12 years, during which she has gained vast experience performing classical voice, opera, and musical theatre. During her undergrad at Queen’s University, Sarah was a committed Teaching Assistant for Theory and Music History courses. She was also the Stage Manager and Costume Coordinator for the Queen’s Opera Ensemble. Notable awards include The Randall Marsh Award (2016), Kenneth G. Murray Volunteerism Award (2017), Don Wright Scholarship (2017), Queen’s Concerto/ Aria Competition 2nd place (2017) and 1st place (2018).
Danielle Cyr
Danielle Cyr. soprano, is a passionate performer and music instructor. Offering lessons in voice/piano, her love of singing and music inspires as well as empowers students throughout their vocal and artistic development. Originally from Vancouver, Danielle holds on MMus in Vocal Performance from the University of Alberta, an Artist Diploma from Western University, an Artist Diploma from the Vancouver Academy of Music, as well as a BA in Vocal Performance from Trinity Western University. She has performed in various summer programs including La Musica Lirica in Novafeltria, Italy, AEDO: Accademia Europea Dell’Opera in Lucca, Italy, COAA: Canadian Operatic Arts Academy, and VISI: Vancouver International Song Institute. Past operatic roles include Fourth Maid in Strauss’ Elektra, La Badessa in Puccini’s Suor Angelica, Dido in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, Erste Dame in Mozart’s Die Zauberflote, and Miss Jessel in Britten’s The Turn of the Screw.
Felix Stueckmann
Felix Stueckmann graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 2020 with a Bachelors degree in Music Performance (honours voice), appearing in 4 of UWO’s opera productions during his time there. A lifelong musician, he started piano at age 5 with Kathryn Tremills, and continued lessons until heading to university. He joined the Bach’s Children Choir at age 9 and as a teenage began instructing young students in music theory and sight reading. He eventually made the difficult choice to choose voice instead of piano as his principle at Western. He studied under the Canadian baritone James Westman. Felix is truly passionate about music and loves that he is able to pass that on to the next generation of singers and pianists.
Leah Bondy
In 2019, Leah graduated with a Bachelor’s of music in Voice Performance from Western University. Leah also began learning violin at age three at the Suzuki Strings School of Guelph, where she grew her love of music through various ensemble works as well as weekly one-on-one instruction. She realized very quickly that she thoroughly enjoyed teaching music and could often be found tutoring her younger siblings or teaching her friends a new song to sing. Around the age of 13 Leah realized that she wanted more music in her life, and started joining musicals and taking voice lessons., as well as keeping up with her violin studies. She continued to perform in various ensembles throughout school, including playing violin for Theatre Western.
Wind Instructors
Emily Rouse
Emily is a graduate of the Don Wright Faculty of Music with a Bachelor’s Degree in music with honours in Music Education. Emily provides instruction for the alto, tenor, baritone and soprano saxophones, flute, clarinet, oboe and recorder. Emily’s musical achievements have been performing with the National Youth Band of Canada for two years and performing as a semi-finalist in the Western University Concerto Competition. Emily is enjoying her 7th year of teaching, playing saxophone with Encore the Concert Band, singing as a cantor at her local parish of St Peter’s Basilica, and leading Lost at C- a community jazz ensemble which she co-founded.