Our Teachers
Michael Johnston (he/him)
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.
Kate MacLean (she/her)
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.
Abby David
An honours graduate of Humber College’s Music program, Abby David is a multi-instrumentalist who brings her exuberant personality and positivity to her teaching in genres ranging from classical to pop, R&B, and jazz. She has been teaching with MJMS since 2018. Abby teaches Piano, Singing, Songwriting, Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Ukulele, and Theory..
Philip Miles
Originally from Ottawa, since completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Contemporary Music at Humber College Phil has established himself as an original and diverse player in various musical communities in Toronto. Phil has taught with MJMS since 2015. His lessons are fun, engaging, and geared towards students’ own personal goals. Phil teaches Electric and Acoustic Guitar, Bass, and Piano.
Emmett O’Reilly (he/them)
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.
Emily Rose Persich
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 teaches Singing, Songwriting, Acoustic Guitar, Ukulele, Piano, and Theory.
Jake Schindler (he/him)
Originally from London, Ontario, Jake is a composer, multi-instrumentalist and educator. Jake holds a Music Education degree from Western University, and is interested in bringing together pop, folk and classical styles to create new music. Jake is a kind and encouraging instructor who is passionate about helping each student find their own unique musical voice. Jake teaches Drums, Piano, Voice, Guitar and Musical Theatre.
Viet Ho (he/him)
Viet is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter with a deep passion for music education and outreach. Graduating with a Bachelor’s of Music in Voice from Humber College, he continues to study classical piano. In lessons, Viet hopes to teach his students how to appreciate the process of learning, to become independent, self-motivated, and inspired musicians. Viet teaches Voice, Piano, Songwriting and Recording.
Patrick Dilkie (he/him)
Born and raised in Bolton, Ontario, Patrick considers his mandate as a teacher to share the joys of music-making and to enrich the lives of his students. He is fluent in many styles including jazz, rock, indie, folk and blues, and he is always interested in exploring new sounds. Patrick is a graduate of Humber College’s Bachelor of Music program and has taught with MJMS since 2014. Patrick teaches Piano, Singing, Songwriting, Theory, Ukulele, and Acoustic Guitar.
Naomi Higgins (she/them)
Originally from Muskoka, Naomi is a woodwind player, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, composer, and teacher. She graduated from the University of Toronto in 2017 with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance. Naomi has toured Ontario with musicals, across Canada with a big band, and throughout the world as a cruise ship musician. Naomi brings these experiences and more to each lesson to share her love of music with her students. We are so pleased to welcome her aboard at MJMS for the 2020-21 studio year. Naomi teaches Woodwinds, Piano, Ukulele, Trumpet, Recorder and Trombone.
Kento Stratford (he/him)
Originally from Kingston, Ontario, Kento holds a Bachelor’s degree in piano performance and composition from Queen’s University, as well as a Master’s degree in composition from the University of Toronto. His music has been performed by diverse artists and ensembles in Canada including the Kingston Symphony Orchestra and the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto. As a teacher, Kento’s primary focus is on fostering the joy and passion of music-making in his students. He tailors his instruction to suit the student's individual needs, interests, and personal goals. Kento teaches Piano, Composition, and Theory.
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Mario Allende
Born in Chile and raised in Canada, Mario has taught with MJMS since 2013. A gifted percussionist and drummer, he is currently completing a Doctorate in Ethnomusicology at York University. Mario has performed in Brazil, Colombia, Italy, Cuba and South Korea. Mario has taught music and latin culture workshops at the University of Alberta, Grant MacEwan Community College in Edmonton; the University of Calgary in Calgary; the Banff Centre for the Arts, and Memorial University in St. John’s.
Natalie Julien
Natalie grew up in Saskatoon, where she studied music from the age of 5. She is a graduate of the Randolph Academy, Canadian College of Performing Arts, and studied drama at the University of Saskatchewan.
Natalie has been fortunate enough to teach learners of all ages and abilities. She has a special gift with children and is passionate about seeing her students flourish and explore their self-expression. Natalie is an upbeat, energetic, patient and understanding teacher and we could not be more thrilled to have her joining us at MJMS for the 2021-22 studio year. Natalie teaches Voice and Piano.
Dan Davidson (he/him)
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.
Ryan MacDonald
Originally from Ottawa, Ryan MacDonald studied at York University and the University of Toronto. Ryan is inspired by soul, jazz, hiphop, electronic and world music. He uses his passion for music to connect with his students and help them reach their artistic goals. Ryan teaches Drums, Guitar, Bass and Piano.
Charles James
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.