Our People

With over 25 years of teaching experience, Michael is one of Toronto’s most in-demand private music instructors. An honours graduate in Music and English from the University of Guelph, Michael brings together classical technique, folk traditions, pop sensibilities and an unwavering ear for his students through a supportive, energetic and focused teaching style. Above all, Michael takes a learner-centered approach and works to build on his students’ existing musical interests and talents. Michael is the co-owner of MJMS. He teaches Piano, Singing, Songwriting, and Accordion.

Born in Peterborough Ontario, Angie moved to Toronto in 2007 for school and stayed in the city after graduating from Humber College with a Bachelor of music. With more than 12 years of teaching experience, Angie continues to mentor young musicians and performers as they begin their musical journey. Angie continues to deepen her connection with the music culture in the city and internationally and is a sought-after performer in the Toronto music scene. She believes that lessons should be a fun and a rewarding experience for all. Angie teaches Voice, Guitar, Ukulele, Piano and Songwriting.

Born and raised in Toronto, Gillian has a passion for pop, musical theatre, and classical music from every decade and all parts of the world. Gillian’s enthusiasm for her work has provided her with an inspiring breadth of experience, from working as a back up vocalist for a folk-rock band to singing with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Since graduating from the Queen’s University School of Music, Gillian has been dedicated to sharing her eclectic, joyful approach to learning with students of all ages. Gillian teaches Voice, Piano, and Theory

Born and raised in Toronto, Dan graduated from Humber College’s Bachelor of Music program where he majored in guitar. He is an experienced player of jazz, folk, and indie, but his passion for music extends across all genres. Dan is always excited to help his students cultivate their creativity, while showing that the musical journey is both fun and rewarding. He teaches Guitar, Piano, Theory, Songwriting, and Improvisation.

A graduate of Humber College's Bachelor of Music program, Simon Van Heyst has a deep love for songwriting. theory and performing. Simon creates a personalized approach to learning in a friendly and non-judgemental environment. He is an active member of Toronto's thriving rock scene, and is passionate about a wide variety of music styles. Simon teaches Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Voice and Songwriting.

Sienna is a graduate from Humber College’s Bachelor of Music program. She is an experienced songwriter and accomplished multi-instrumentalist. Sienna has studied music in many different capacities throughout her life, from private lessons to bands to the classroom, and is excited to create personalized lessons for each child to help them recognize and craft their own talent and musicianship. Sienna teaches Vocals, Songwriting, Guitar, Piano, Drums, Ukulele and Theory.

Joel Visentin started teaching with MJMS in 2010. Originally from Manitoba, and a graduate of the Humber Music program, Joel has worked with JUNO-Award winners Kelly Lee Evans and Splash & Boots, as well as Grammy nominee, Darryl Neudorf. Joel’s own band – JV’s Boogaloo Squad – has headlined at jazz festivals across North America. His original music has also been featured on “This American Life” and several CBC documentaries. We are so pleased to welcome Joel back to MJMS for the 2023-24 studio year. Joel teaches Piano, Voice and Songwriting.

Originally from Chatham, Ontario, Sarah is an award-winning singer/songwriter who brings a wealth of knowledge to her teaching practice. Sarah is an active member of the Toronto music scene, has released four records in the past decade, and collaborates with some of the most talented and cherished artists we know, including Charlotte Cornfield, Colleen Brown, Angie Hilts, and Tim O’Reilly. Sarah teaches Voice, Songwriting, Guitar and Piano.

An Honours graduate from Humber College’s Bachelor of Music program, Adam plays and teaches many styles of music including rock, jazz, funk, hip hop and various styles of latin music. He has performed and recorded alongside artists such as Brownman Ali Brownman Ali, Don Naduriak and Nick Maclean. He is excited to help support each individual’s unique path to reach their personal goals. Adam teaches Drums and percussion.

Originally from Mississauga, Nirvana’s musical journey began at age 10 when she began studying classical piano. With piano as a foundation, Nirvana went on to study both flute and saxophone, playing and performing with big bands across the GTA and earning her degree from Humber College’s Bachelor of Music program. Nirvana has been a member of the Etobicoke Jazz and the Toronto All-Star Big Band and she continues to collaborate with her mentors and peers in live shows throughout the city. Nirvana teaches Piano, Saxophone, Theory, and Composition.

A recent graduate of Humber College’s Bachelor of Music Program, Ray is a songwriter, teacher and performer in the Toronto area. Ray is dedicated to communicating musical ideas in an inspiring way, incorporating songwriting and improvising as creative tools for his students. He considers each lesson a positive space for growth, and helps learners find their musical voice at any stage, and any age. Ray teaches Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, Songwriting, Piano and Drums.

Devon was born in Vancouver and spent his formative years in Europe. He returned to Canada for university, and has called Toronto home for the past 17 years. A graduate of York University with a degree in Jazz Performance, Devon enjoys the spontaneity and energy of performing, but also loves immersing himself in the quiet solitude of songwriting. He has built his life around the joy of music making and has many years' experience sharing this joy through teaching music to students of all ages and skill levels. Devon teaches Guitar, Bass, Piano, Ukulele, and Songwriting.

Originally from Eastern Ontario, Lila moved to Toronto in 2018 to attend arts school as a Vocal and Musical Theatre major. As a young teenager, Lila founded her own musical theatre summer program in her hometown of Elphin, Ontario. She is the lead singer of Toronto indie-pop band Meteor Heist, and is currently earning a degree in Early Childhood Education. Lila specializes in vocal technique, vocal health, and performance, and loves to share her passion with students of all ages. She teaches Voice, Guitar, Ukulele, Piano, and Theory.

Nolan is a performer and composer born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario. He holds certificates from Humber College for Jazz Bass and Seneca College for Independent Music Production. In addition to teaching, Nolan has performed all across Canada; scored award-winning short films; and worked on a slew of genre-spanning recordings. His easy-going and encouraging personality allows students to enjoy cultivating their creativity and strive towards becoming the musician they would like to be. Nolan teaches Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Drums, Songwriting, Theory, and Piano.

Saba has a deep love and passion for music. Originally from Iran, she began her journey in music at age four, and by age 12 was studying with some of the great masters of classical piano. Saba is a self-taught singer and songwriter who learned her craft through studying the work of her favourite artists, including Adele, Sam Smith, Ella Fitzgerald, and Etta James. She has a wonderful connection with students of all ages and believes that the key to a lifetime of music learning lies in connecting to students’ personal interests, and discovering the true joy of playing and singing music that they love. Saba teaches Piano and Voice.

Born in Toronto, Adrian Thornton-Mark is a Drummer, Pianist and Percussionist who is currently completing the Bachelor of Music program at Humber College. Starting at age 4, Adrian has experience with performing and composing in many styles including Rock, Jazz, Classical, Pop, Latin and Metal. As an educator, Adrian aims to bring out every student’s unique musical expression through a fun and enthusiastic teaching style, and to create a positive environment for his lessons. Adrian teaches Drums, Piano and Percussion.

Bebe Leung is currently completing her degree in Piano Comprehensive Studies at the University of Toronto. A well-rounded musician accomplished on piano, voice and violin, Bebe is an experienced and passionate instructor with an interest in pop, classical and jazz. She believes that creativity, communication and flexibility are the keys to creating a comfortable environment in her lessons. Bebe is also is fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin. Bebe teaches Piano and Voice.

Originally from Brockville, Ontario, Matthew is currently completing his degree in jazz performance at the University of Toronto. Matthew studied classical piano in high school, completing RCM Level 10, and he is now working towards achieving the ARCT performance diploma. Matthew is excited to share his love of music with his students at MJMS. Matthew teaches Piano and Theory.

Rob's musical journey began in the renowned Regional Arts Program at Cawthra Park, where he honed his skills as a leader and collaborator in numerous bands and choirs. Now pursuing his education at York University, Rob continues to push his creative boundaries, embracing new musical ventures and fostering meaningful connections through his art. Rob teaches Woodwinds.

Hello everyone! My name is Jane, and I am thrilled to be joining the MJMS family working alongside Michael and Annie as administrative support. I’ve been fortunate enough to have known Michael and Annie for as long as I can remember, and my journey with MJMS began when they ran it out of their house on my street! Now, I’m so excited this has all come full circle and I’m able to help contribute to the growth and success of this wonderful music studio.

Karandeep is an active member of Toronto’s music community and a graduate of Humber College in Jazz Guitar. Karandeep has composed, performed and recorded in a wide range of genres from jazz, rock, pop, and indie to classical and experimental music; he is also an enthusiastic teacher and a valued collaborator, and we are so pleased to have him join us at MJMS this year. Karandeep believes that every lesson is a step in your musical journey and he is thrilled to be a part of it. Karandeep teaches Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, Piano, and Drums.

Having grown up in a musical household, Max has had a passion for music all of his life. He’s written and performed various styles of music, including rock, blues, jazz, funk and folk; and has played in numerous bands throughout Toronto. In his own words, “my musical capabilities come from both formal and informal settings; from classrooms and studios; from teachers and friends.” A graduate of Humber College, Max believes that teaching is of vital importance in order to create a better tomorrow, and that sharing music is a wonderful gift. Max teaches Guitar, Bass, Voice, Drums, Harmonica, Songwriting, and Ukulele.

Originally from a small town in Northeastern Nova Scotia, Kate has taught with MJMS since 2015. Her exuberant stage presence and contagious enthusiasm have found their way into her teaching style – Kate enjoys connecting with students and helping them to access their unique strengths in order to further their musical journey. Kate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Humber College. She teaches Drums, Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Ukulele, Accordion, Singing, Songwriting, and Theory.

Emmett’s kind and attentive teaching style mixes with his passion for music to provide a fun, productive atmosphere for students of all ages. He has studied classical trumpet & music education at the University of Toronto and received his teacher certification from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. His music is fast-paced, thoughtful punk rock, and he has taught with MJMS since 2019. Emmett teaches Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano, Singing, and Songwriting.

Lila is an enthusiastic and encouraging instructor who brings kindness and joy to every lesson. A student of music from a very young age, born right here in Roncesvalles, and an instructor with MJMS since 2020, Lila has an encyclopedic knowledge of pop music and a keen ear for new ideas. Lila teaches Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, and Singing.

Charles James is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who began with MJMS in 2011 as one of our first instructors. His musical versatility has allowed him to share the stage with acclaimed artists across a wide variety of genres. Charles takes great joy in creating a fun, focused, and engaging atmosphere, tailoring lessons to each student’s needs and goals. Charles teaches Piano, Guitar, Voice, Bass and Theory.

A graduate of Humber College’s Bachelor of Music program, Mitch has toured across France, the U.K, the U.S, Belgium and Canada opening for such bands as Kiss, Pearl Jam, Scorpions and the Glorious Sons. He currently plays with Juno winner JJ Wilde and has an extensive knowledge of Jazz, Rock, RnB, Hip Hop, Brazilian, Cuban and Electronic music. Mitch teaches Drums, Percussion, Guitar, and Voice.

Emily is an enthusiastic, kind and creative instructor who was born and raised in downtown Toronto. An accomplished neo-soul/pop singer and multi-instrumentalist, Emily is a graduate of Humber College’s Bachelor of Music Program. She has been teaching with MJMS since 2018. Emily was recently nominated for two Canadian Screen Awards for music that she wrote and recorded for the HBO show Sort Of. She divides her time between Toronto and LA and we are always thrilled to have her in as a supply teacher when she is in town. Emily teaches Singing, Songwriting, Acoustic Guitar, Ukulele, Piano, and Theory.