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 and a member of the legendary Canadian band Skydiggers, 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.

A warm, compassionate, and enthusiastic instructor, Carolina recently completed her degree in music from Humber College. Carolina has been a much-loved addition to our MJMS summer camp family and we are so pleased to have her bringing her joy and talent to students of all ages and abilities this studio year. Carolina teaches Voice, Ukulele, Guitar, Theory, and Piano.

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.

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, Drums and Songwriting.

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.

Originally from Vancouver Island, Erin completed his ARCT Pedagogy in Piano Diploma with the Royal Conservatory of Music in June 2024. Erin teaches with a fun, student-led approach; their passion is cultivating a lifelong love of music in all students using exposure to lead sheets, improvisation, music theory, ear skills, and sight reading across a variety wide variety of musical genres. We are thrilled to have Erin joining our MJMS community for the 2024-25 studio year! Erin teaches Piano and Theory.

Originally from a small town in 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, Guitar, Ukulele, Accordion, Singing, Songwriting, and Theory.

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 holds 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.

Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Maddy is a recent graduate of U of T’s Music Education program. She has spent much time writing and performing music in a variety of genres, settings, and communities. She has been lucky to learn not only from traditional instructors, but also from her peers and the musicians she has encountered within the Toronto music scene. Being involved in this unique combination of musical environments has helped shape Maddy into a versatile and open-minded teacher. Maddy teaches Piano, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Drums, Trombone, and Trumpet.

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.

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.

A graduate of Humber College's Bachelor of Music program, Simon 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.

A recent honours graduate of Humber College, Tymish is an award winning multi-instrumentalist, educator and composer from Toronto, Ontario. Tymish plays all styles of music all over the city, and enthusiasm for making and learning music is infectious. His knowledge of theory and improvisation allows him to meet students on their level, quickly engage with whatever genres they enjoy and foster a fun and healthy relationship with music. Tymish teaches Drums, Piano and Saxophone. 

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.

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.

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.

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 Masters graduate of York University’s Music program and an alumnus of Etobicoke School of the Arts, Jinu is a drummer and pianist who has been playing professionally in cities across Canada, the US, and India for the past 17 years. Jinu began performing at age 12 as a member of his father’s band and enjoys playing and teaching a wide variety of musical styles, including hip hip, pop, jazz, R&B, funk, and Indian music. Jinu loves collaborations of all kinds, records and composes music in his home studio, and co-leads the band Maji Musique. Jinu teaches Drums, Piano, Percussion, and Songwriting.

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.

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.

A 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 is dedicated to helping learners find their musical voice at any stage, and any age. Ray teaches Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, Songwriting, piano and Drums.

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.