Meet Our Teachers
At Resound School of Music, we pride ourselves on our excellent teachers. We hire only the finest teachers available, accepting less than 5% of those who apply. All music teachers are vetted based on their experience, education, and most importantly, their ability to teach, not just play great music.
All Resound teachers possess a University-level education or equivalent, and are subject to a criminal record check as conducted and processed by the RCMP.
Arielle Ballance
Piano, Voice
Arielle Ballance is a classically trained Royal Conservatory pianist who also holds a diploma in Theatre Arts from MacEwan University. For over fifteen years she has passed along her love of music to students and professionals alike. Arielle aims to guide her students through her fun yet structured teaching approach. By fostering a kind, personable, and welcoming teaching environment, her students are able to find success in their individual paths and gain confidence in their instruments.
Ashley Gonzales
Piano, Voice
Meet Ashley Gonzales, a seasoned music educator and performing musician with over a decade of experience, holding degrees in Music Performance from both UBC and Capilano University. Experienced in preparing students for competitions, performances, and RCM examinations, Ashley ensures her students are well-equipped for success in various musical endeavours. Ashley’s philosophy is rooted in instilling a love of learning through music, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the art form.
Asma Akrami
Piano
My goal is to make music lessons fun, engaging, and enjoyable. My teaching approach focuses on developing strong technique, musical expression, and confidence. I believe every student can grow and succeed through patience, dedication, and a supportive learning environment. I encourage students to discover the emotion, story, and expression behind each piece.
Frances Ancheta
Voice
Frances Ancheta (she/her) has been singing and performing from a young age. In the past two decades, Frances has taken lessons for pop and classical styles while also finding her own voice in other genres such as R&B and musical theatre. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and techniques to ensure that shower singers, rising artists, and everyone in between, can sing with a healthy instrument.
Taya Anderson
Piano
Taya Anderson comes from a family of music educators and has been playing the piano since she was six years old. Piano lessons and her school’s music programs curated her love of music as an art form and as a safe place for self expression. Throughout her school years she has performed in bands playing trombone while also singing various parts in choirs ranging in genre from pop, jazz to classical. She is a classically trained pianist with certifications in both piano and music theory from The Royal Conservatory of Music…
Katrina Anthony
Piano
Katrina Anthony grew up in Foothills, Alberta, just south of Calgary. She began her musical journey at 7 years old, falling in love with the piano. She took lessons at Music Central in Okotoks, where she later started teaching when she was 15.
Katrina’s teaching approach focuses on helping students develop genuine love and passion for music, as she believes that is foundational long-term in the learning process.
Desirée Arthur
Voice, Piano
Desirée Arthur has a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Rocky Mountain College, majoring in Voice and a minor in Piano. Her musical career didn’t start in college but in fact when she was 2 years old. She has been performing her whole life from singing in church, playing cello in the orchestra to singing on stage at the Jack Singer Concert Hall, which has taken her all over Canada, parts of the US and all over Europe.
Eric Bates
Guitar, Piano
I grew up in a household of music educators learning piano before I discovered my love for guitar. Since 2015 I have worked hard and learned from the very best, including Frank Vignola, Gene Bertoncini, James Chirillo, Chris Eldridge, and Ron Samworth and Bill Coon more locally. This first hand knowledge will allow me to foster your improvement as a guitarist so that you can constantly be excelling at guitar, and music as a whole.
Lorenzo Cerveri
Guitar, Bass, Voice
Lorenzo Cerveri is an Italian guitar and vocal teacher, performer, and songwriter with a passion for rock and contemporary music. He began studying music at the age of 8 and later attended the Modern Music Academy of Parma, where he graduated in guitar.
With over 10 years of teaching experience, Lorenzo has worked with students of all ages and skill levels through private lessons, music schools, and public education programs.
Junny Chen
Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums
Junny is a multi-instrumentalist, performer, composer, and music educator currently studying music at the University of British Columbia. He teaches piano, guitar, bass, drums, and music theory, offering personalized lessons tailored to each student’s goals. He began playing music at age 7 and is a classically trained pianist with a Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Level 10 certification.
Steven Coulter
Guitar
With a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Trinity Western University and six years of teaching experience, I’m passionate about helping students discover the joy of playing guitar and develop a lasting connection with the instrument. I have experience teaching a wide variety of guitar styles and techniques across classical, acoustic, and electric guitar.
Ali Davies
Piano, Voice
Ali’s number one priority is showing her students how to find joy in all aspects of music, from beloved repertoire selections to tricky technical exercises. She believes that method is everything when teaching a new concept, and has countless strategies at the ready to match any student’s personal learning style.
Emily Erhart
Piano, Voice
I have been playing the piano since I was nine years old and have experience in both contemporary piano as well as the royal conservatory. I graduated from the University of Toronto in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree double-majoring in Anthropology and Music. My music program specialized in theory and history; I am passionate about both and my students can expect me to throw in “fun facts” throughout our lessons together.
Ryan Flores
Voice
With a passion for singing and performing, Ryan Flores is dedicated to sharing his love of music with his students. Graduating with a music degree from the University of British Columbia, Ryan has and continues to work on strengthening and honing his skills of vocal training, technique, and performances.
Jacquie GA
Guitar, Bass, Piano
Jacquie GA is a passionate teaching musician who can offer lessons in voice, bass, guitar, drums and ukulele. A self-taught musician from a young age, she has performed in her own band as lead singer/ guitarist / keys, as well as bassist in a psychedelic blues band and drums in a post-rock band.
Joaquin Galeano
Guitar, Bass, Piano
Joaquin is a passionate and dedicated music teacher based in Coquitlam, BC. Joaquin began teaching lessons in 2007, and he is an expert in lessons on guitar, piano, trombone, and music theory for kids and young people. Since 1999, he has been part of music bands in styles like rock, reggae, ska, and Latin jazz.
Greg Jackson
Drums, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele
As exceptional as every musical instrument is, drums are the best. I found this out in 2001 when I bought my first drum kit, and I am still waiting for everyone else to figure it out. Musically-speaking, my knowledge of percussion has come from well over a decade of listening to, playing, recording and performing music both with other musicians and on my own.
Mandy Jong
Piano
I’m an optimistic piano teacher that loves sharing my passion for music with students of all ages! I’ve been classically trained for over 10 years and have received my ARCT piano diploma through The Royal Conservatory of Music.
Tom Kobelev
Guitar
My musical journey began at the age of 11 when I first picked up the drums, and over the years it evolved into a passion for guitar. I’ve been playing guitar for 8 years and am primarily an acoustic guitarist, with a specialty in country, folk, blues, and fingerstyle playing. I also enjoy rock, classic rock, heavy metal, and play the harmonica, do a bit of songwriting and singing as well.
Brendan Lane
Piano, Guitar, Drums
I’m a music lover, and I want all my students to grow in a deep love of music, too! As a teacher at Resound, I aim to build students up not only in musical excellence but in a true love for their instrument and for music, and to inspire them to find joy in all parts of their lives as they improve in their musical skill and achieve new musical heights.
Clarissa Lazo
Piano
I am an experienced piano teacher with over 5 years of experience teaching students of all ages. I worked with students ages four and up, from beginners to more experienced students. My lessons are created to support each student’s learning style, goals, and interests in an engaging environment.
Angela Lee
Piano
Angela was born in Taiwan and has been playing the piano for over 18 years. Angela enjoys seeing students develop and improve through her teachings. She also finds it rewarding to see students gain confidence as they progress.
Thanh Lieu
Piano
My teaching principles rest upon fostering in students their own individual artistry, building high-level musical literacy and storytelling with each and every key that they play. Whether the students perform in front of the crowds at festivals or public gatherings, or their loved ones, or just for themselves, I want them to fully immerse in the magic that music has to offer.
Gloria Liu
Piano
Gloria Liu began studying piano at the age of five. She holds Grade 10 certification from the Chinese Musicians’ Association and ABRSM Grade 8.
A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Gloria majored in Psychology and minored in Economics. Drawing from her background in music and psychology, she brings a thoughtful approach to teaching, encouraging students to develop their musical expression, build confidence, and discover their own joy in music.
Jennifer Liu
Piano
Jennifer brings broad experience in teaching, having taught music and dance to students of all ages, from early childhood to adults. Her teaching style is inspired by coaching principles, focusing on empowerment, collaboration, and curiosity. She is invested in understanding each student’s learning style, experimenting with different learning techniques, and helping them define and progress toward their goals.
Stephen Marshall
Guitar, Drums, Voice
Steve has been teaching music for over a decade. His approach is casual, fun, personable and encouraging. Steve has been a presence in the Vancouver music scene for more than 2 decades. Steve is a founding member of the Vancouver pop rock group Marianas Trench.
Nell McCann
Violin, Piano, Voice
I have enjoyed life filled with music ever since learning violin and piano at aged 4. In addition to performing with New West Symphony orchestra and a few other musical ensembles, I love teaching musical skills from beginners and upwards and adore watching students grow to be comfortable in the musical world and thrive at an instrument with which they may not have been familiar.
Alex Mishchenko
Piano
I love teaching! I believe every student has musical potential and it is up to me to show them how to use it. One of my favourite parts of being a Piano Instructor is getting to know my students. It makes the lessons more engaging and allows me to personalize each education plan. My students receive a solid musical foundation, great work habits and an intuitive sense of musicality. I often say that I don’t just teach my students how to play the piano, more importantly, I teach them how to make music.
Daywuy Mejías
Piano
Daywuy Mejias, has been teaching piano for more than 20 years. She graduate as a pianist at the early age of 16 at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Venezuela and worked between Venezuela and Spain. She believes that every person deserves the chance to learn music with the aim to enhance and promote their social, cognitive and emotional skills.
Julie Moore
Piano
I am passionate about sharing my love of music with students of all ages and experience levels, helping each student achieve their individual goals. My role as a teacher is to build confidence, develop strong musical knowledge and skills, and to foster a lifelong love of music all while having fun doing it! Whether a student is preparing for performances, exams, or learning to play their favourite pop song for fun, I strive to create an environment where they can discover their interests and grow at their own pace.
Bella Nguyen
Piano
Bella Nguyen began her musical studies on the piano at the age of five and followed her passion for music to the flute at the age of twelve. Graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree in Performance from the University of Calgary, Bella’s love for teaching stems from the desire to nurture bright, inquisitive, and sensitive minds. As a piano and flute instructor, Bella strongly believes that learning music should be fun, stimulating, and adaptable to each individual student’s personal goals!
Sara Onishchuk
Piano, Guitar, Violin
I’m so excited to be joining Resound School of Music as a teacher! Piano has been a huge part of my life, and over the years I’ve competed in many performances and received various prizes and awards. I love helping students prepare for performances and competitions while keeping lessons fun, supportive, and personalized.
Emma Penner
Piano, Violin, Ukulele
Emma Penner holds both a Bachelor of Education with a specialization in String Orchestra and a Bachelor of Music in Piano from the University of British Columbia. With a musical foundation rooted in the Royal Conservatory of Music and Suzuki methods, she has developed a well-rounded background in both piano and violin.
For ten years, Emma has shared her passion for music by teaching piano, violin, music theory, and ukulele to students of all ages and experience levels.
Natasha Prasad
Voice, Piano
Natasha Prasad was born and raised in Edmonton, AB and developed a passion for music and performing at a very young age. Her top priority as a voice and piano instructor is to create a safe space for students to express themselves authentically, and to equip students with the musical tools that will empower them to create and to sing/play music that they are passionate about.
Rehana Rafi
Piano
I believe in helping students experience the joy of music by giving them a strong technical foundation and introducing them to great and inspirational music by providing positive encouragement. I understand the importance of accommodating each student according to their unique learning styles and goals.
Monica Rumpel
Voice
Monica’s years of experience in leading music therapy groups for seniors, children and hospital patients and teaching music in the community and elementary schools have prepared her well for working with musicians of all ages. She loves empowering and equipping singers, is passionate about the role of music making to achieve a fulfilling life, and believes that singing is better than speaking.
Anthony Sabberton
Violin
British born violinist Anthony Sabberton began taking Suzuki method violin lessons at the age of 3. By the age of 10, Anthony was accepted into the Royal Academy of Music, London, winning a full scholarship and eventually graduating with a bachelor’s degree. Anthony continued his Post Graduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music under the tutelage of Maurice Hasson and had the opportunity to learn with many of the world’s greatest violinists…
Viola Sabean
Piano
Viola has over 10 years of teaching experience in music and as a swim instructor, bringing a unique approach to piano lessons rooted in patience, discipline, and adaptability. Starting piano at age 5, Viola’s musical journey evolved into a major in jazz trumpet and voice, creating a well-rounded perspective that benefits students at any stage.
Bobbi-Dee Schultz
Piano
I started learning the piano at the age of 4, and continued on to get my ARCT with the Royal Conservatory of Music. Since then I have accumulated 13 years of piano teaching experience, inspiring students to perform their best, while developing a true love and appreciation for all kinds of music.
Andrew Skepasts
Guitar, Bass, Piano
Andrew Skepasts is a guitarist and composer based in Vancouver, Canada. He is a recent graduate of The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music located in New York City. He completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honors, studying on scholarship from The New School and the BC Arts Council. As a teacher, Andrew strives to help his students create or realize their unique musical goals and aspirations, then crafts a manageable and practical path forward.
Kimberlee Smith
Piano
Kimberlee has been teaching piano for 21 years. Her students have ranged in age from as early as 4, right through to age 65. She has her ARCT performance degree with the Royal Conservatory of Music and is also a member of the British Columbia Registered Music Teacher’s Association. She loves teaching and is always looking for ways to make sure her students achieve their musical goals.
Marc Suralta
Drums, Piano, Voice
Marc Suralta discovered his love for music at the age of 3, inspired by watching and listening to his dad play 80s rock music on the piano. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion that saw him picking up drums at 6 years old with a small electric drum set, developing a remarkable play-by-ear style that allowed him to master his favorite songs.
Tayler Tabernero
Voice, Piano, Ukulele
Tayler fell in love with music as a form of expression and connection at an early age. Singing was a vessel for communication and she experienced firsthand the impact that music can have on building a sense of belonging. This exploration carried into her piano studies and introduced a new way of supporting her voice and the voices of her peers and community.
Rachel Tarasoff
Voice
Rachel Tarasoff’s singing journey has included Somatic Voicework, Choral, and Speech Level Singing. Her approach to teaching prioritizes vocal efficiency, healthy practices, and most importantly: having fun and developing confidence! She brings learned wisdom from nearly two decades of experience in the Performing Arts, along with a never-ending supply of enthusiasm and creative analogies.
Dinel Ulpindo
Piano
Dinel Ulpindo is a dedicated and pro-active teacher who is passionate about helping individuals in their musical journey. Dinel started his Piano career in Italy at the young age of 9 where he began having recitals and was invited to the inter-regional music school competition where he placed in the Top 3 for 2 consecutive years.
Caylee Watrin
Voice
Caylee Watrin is a vocalist, vocal teacher, and actor working on unceded Metis and Coast Salish land. She works with singers with a range of experiences and enjoys meeting students where they’re at and finding the joy in singing, first and foremost! Her teaching is informed by a mix of classical and contemporary vocal training and her study of voice at UBC, from which she holds a BFA in Acting. She specializes in teaching contemporary, jazz, and musical theatre vocal styles and breath technique.
Lincoln Woo
Lincoln offers instruction on guitar, bass, drums, and ukulele, as well as maintenance and setup skills for each instrument. His versatility allows him to teach a wide range of styles, including but not limited to; R&B, Neo Soul, Indie Rock, Jazz, Rock, Emo, Punk, Hardcore, Classical, Fingerstyle, Folk, and Pop. Whether students are beginners picking up an instrument for the first time or intermediate musicians seeking to advance their skillset, Lincoln’s comprehensive and highly adaptable approach to teaching provides the guidance and support necessary to achieve musical aspirations.
Clare Wyatt
Piano, Voice
Clare (she/her) is a prolific musician, music director, and educator based in Port Coquitlam. She began piano lessons at age 3, completed her classical training through Conservatory Canada, and eventually went on to earn an undergraduate degree from UBC and an MMus from the University of Toronto, where she was a SSHRC CGS-M award winner.
Morgan Young
Guitar, Piano
Morgan was raised around a household and family full of music, and started playing piano ate age 8 and guitar at 14. She has gone through the RCM curriculum and was raised learning classical music. Through her classical music training, she eventually moved to electric guitar and took a liking to rock, blues, jazz, pop, metal, and really all genres.
Olya Yaskovets
Piano
I believe every student learns differently, so I create lessons that are personalized to their goals and interests. Whether students want to explore classical pieces or learn songs they love, my goal is to make lessons encouraging and enjoyable while helping them build confidence and develop a lasting connection with music.
