Born in South Africa, Maggie studied at the University of the Free-State in Bloemfontein. She completed her B. Mus majoring in piano and music education. She also completed a further degree in music education (cum laude), an Advanced Certificate in Arts and Culture Education (cum laude) and a qualification in Orff Schulwerk. Maggie has been teaching piano for 21 years. Her piano students have been very successful in exams, competitions and festivals, winning numerous awards. She has many years’ experience as an accompanist (choirs, vocalists and instrumentalists), choir conductor, church organist, as well as performing with various music ensembles. Before moving to Canada, Maggie also taught music theory, music history, music appreciation, keyboard, recorder, ukulele, folk guitar and Orff groups.

Maggie believes her purpose as a music teacher is to unlock and develop every student’s musical talent, enabling them to share the joy of music with others.

Dan was born in South Africa, where he showed a keen interest in music from an early age. At age 11 he was admitted to the Conservatoire of the University of Stellenbosch to study violin and piano, where he became the youngest member of the university’s string ensemble. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Music and an Honours degree in Musicology from the University of the Free State in South Africa. He also has a teacher’s licentiate diploma in violin from the University of South Africa. Besides teaching violin, Dan has more than 16 years experience as a professional orchestral violinist. His music career has taken him to Germany, where through his friendship with violin makers he developed a love for repairing and restoring violins. Dan’s keen interests in digital media and computers lead him to become highly skilled in using music and notation programs, and also to teach Music technology.

As a teacher, he has worked with students of all age groups and cultural backgrounds, and does his best to impart his love of music to his students. He tailors to the individual needs of every student, and places great emphasis on producing a good sound, and learning to critically listen to oneself.

Jan Baxendale began her study of the piano at the age of seven years old. Over the next eleven years she studied with three Lower Mainland teachers, most notably with Dr. Dale Reubart of the U.B.C Department of Music. At the age of fifteen, Jan earned her Licentiate Diploma from Trinity College (London) and started her teaching career. Then, at the age of eighteen, she traveled to London, England where she lived for one year, studying with Kendall Taylor of the Royal School of Music, and obtained her Fellowship Diploma from Trinity. Shortly after returning home to North Vancouver and having resumed her studies, she was hired at the young age of nineteen as an instructor at Capilano College where she taught in the University Transfer Program and the Music Therapy department for the next thirteen years.

Jan retired from the college when she became pregnant with her third son. She unfortunately had to greatly reduce her own performing career due to severe carpal tunnel syndrome, and had operations on both wrists. Jan still gets tremendous pleasure and satisfaction from teaching the love of music, specifically of the piano, to young and old alike.

Carlos was first introduced to the sax and clarinet in high school, and has not stopped playing since. He has studied in both classical and jazz university programs which has provided him with the tools to teach both styles.

His gentle style of teaching endears him to his students, and gives them the permission to experiment with their instrument. Carlos is of the opinion that students get to know their instrument best through guided instruction and through experimentation.

Drew is an experienced drummer and educator with 20 years of experience playing in a variety of live and studio bands across North America. He has studied at Capilano University in the jazz program along with seeking private instruction from many of the worlds top drummers.  Having experience playing in a variety of musical genres from jazz, metal, rock, hip hop, punk, country, funk, etc.

Drew brings a wealth of experience to his lessons and would like to welcome students of all levels from beginner to advanced to join him.

Elizabeth is a classically trained pianist who is passionate about tailoring her lessons to each student’s unique learning style, empowering fruitful learning. Through sharing her love for music, she hopes to inspire students to discover their interests, individuality as a musician, and creative spirit. Elizabeth completed her Royal Conservatory of Music Teaching Elementary Piano certification and is pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Music, with piano as her primary instrument, and is excited to graduate from Trinity Western University (TWU) in 2025. Prior to her education at TWU, she began her musical journey at the age of three under the direction of Bergthorson Academy of Musical Arts’ founder, Judith Bergthorson. Moreover, had the privilege of studying under BAMA’s Maggie Van Wyk, for several years.

In addition to her love for the piano, Elizabeth’s passion for choral singing has led her to become an active member of the TWU Chamber Choir, whom she has performed with for several years. She has performed at New York’s historic Carnegie Hall, and at Vancouver’s The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, for their annual Christmas special, Christmas at the Chan.

Michelle began her love of music at the tender age of 3, when her parents held weekly jam sessions at their home, every Saturday, in which she would participate by playing piano, rhythm instruments or singing. Michelle started formal music lessons at the age of 5 and went on to perform in many local music festivals, including the Kiwanis music festival, ranking top marks and achievements. During her childhood, she extensively studied through the Royal Conservatory of music program up to the ARCT level, and continuing on to Douglas College for 3 years, completing an Associate of Music Degree, with a Major in Piano and a minor in flute. Some of her most esteemed teachers have been Edward Parker, Dr. Robert Silverman and Ellen Silverman.

Before graduating from Douglas College, Michelle accepted a teaching position at Place Des Arts in Maillardville, Coquitlam in 1990, where she remained on faculty for 17 years teaching piano, flute, music theory and master classes, and was accompanist for many performances, festivals, exams and countless recitals. After leaving Place Des Arts, she went on to raise a family and continued to teach piano and music theory in the Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge area.

Michelle caters to the needs of each individual student and believes that it is essential to have fun while learning. Her 35 years experience working with children and adults gives her the experience and patience it takes to make for an enjoyable experience, for both teacher and student!

Bo Henrik has been working in the Vancouver music scene for the past 4 years. Prior to moving to Vancouver he studied music in Sweden and worked at European labels as a writer, singer and session player, where he was part of making several Gold selling records. He graduated top of his class from the Advanced Audio Engineering program at Nimbus School Of Recording & Media in Vancouver B.C. Bo’s own music has hit top charts in South Africa and been played on the radio around Canada and Sweden. He recently finished a 2 single release with 604 Records currently the biggest Canadian indie label and is a very active artist in the R&B scene.

He’s taught guitar, vocals and songwriting for 5 years and stays very passionate about helping kids find their voice both on their instrument and as writers. In the beginning, that often means learning to play your favorite songs, and over time it often becomes writing your own songs. “One of my favorite things in the world is seeing a kid’s face light up when they realize they can actually make what they love all by themselves. My goal is to make my students self-sufficient, so they will always keep making great music.”

From the heart of Coquitlam, BC, Dani Black is a versatile music teacher, international award-winning songwriter, and respected performing artist with nearly a decade of experience in professional singing, song writing and performance. Having worked alongside Grammy nominated producers in Nashville and studied under some of the worlds most respected and sought after coaches, Dani offers private lessons in voice, songwriting and guitar.

She specializes in helping students find their unique creative voices and developing their own relationships with music, while also crafting a solid foundation of healthy technique, theory, and musical performance. With an infectious love of all things music, Dani creates a supportive, exciting and inspiring learning environment for musicians of all levels.

Drew Storey is a versatile music teacher and performing artist from Langley, BC, with nearly a decade of experience in performance, songwriting, and band leadership. A graduate of Selkirk College’s Contemporary Music & Technology program, Drew offers private lessons in guitar, piano, bass, ukulele, vocals, and songwriting.

He specializes in helping students find their own creative voice while building strong technical foundations in rhythm, theory, and performance. With a passion for those breakthrough “ah-ha” moments, Drew creates a supportive and inspiring learning environment for musicians of all levels.

Taking his role as a “lead guitarist” to the next level, Jayden Elnas draws inspiration from punk rock energy, classic 80’s guitar tones, beautiful jazz harmony, and unique melodies found in j-pop. Besides rocking out on stage, Jayden also produces and mixes music in logic and pro-tools by utilizing his skills gained after graduating from Selkirk College’s Contemporary Music and Technology Program. 

Jayden offers private lessons in guitar, bass, and ukulele for musicians of all levels. Jayden’s lessons include his insight on understanding and applying music theory, the habits that build technical proficiency and his wild perspective on stage performance.

Anastasiia is an experienced singer and vocal instructor with 15 years of stage experience. She has 7 years of music school behind her, worked as a vocalist in the UAE and in cover bands in Kyiv (Ukraine), Calgary (Canada). Since 2021, she has pursued a solo singing career, writing her own songs and filming video clips to this day. She specializes in unlocking the voice and revealing each student’s personal and creative potential through vocal work. Her styles are pop, folk, and jazz vocals.

Anastasiia works with children, teenagers, and adults of all skill levels. She believes in an individual approach, adapting lessons to each student’s goals, abilities, and comfort level. Anastasiia teaches in English, Ukrainian, and Russian, creating a supportive and welcoming learning environment.

Hi, I’m Ben, a contemporary pianist with 8 years of teaching experience and a graduate of VCM’s Music Performance diploma program who prioritises fun in lessons over all else! I specialise in modern music – the music of today – and believe the best way to master the piano is to practice songs you enjoy listening to, then secretly tailor the curriculum around it. The result is a student who grasps the fundamental aspects of music, enjoys what they do, and remains entirely motivated towards their instrument!

I’m an avid believer in gentle, positive motivation, using direct engagement to build trust and allow students to learn at their own pace. Students will be allowed to express their musical style freely and choose any songs they want to know, whether pop songs, video game soundtracks, memes, or even the latest music trend. Then, once the student has selected a song, I will adapt the piece to suit their skill level. Over time, as the student chooses more songs, I will increase the difficulty of the pieces, introduce the art of stage presence, music theory and more, until the student reaches a point where they can perform professionally.

So, whether it’s your favourite pop song, video game soundtrack, meme, or that latest music trend, if this is something that interests you, I am here to help – and you’ll get to know the necessary music theory along the way!

Max Serna is a guitarist, vocalist, and instructor known for blending expressive rock guitar with Latin and blues influences. Based in the Vancouver area, he has performed at local events and continues to grow his presence as both an artist and educator.

As a teacher, Max believes learning music should feel inspiring, not overwhelming. His lessons focus on practical skills, creativity, and helping students play songs they actually love, while still building a strong technical foundation.

Alanna Finn-Morris has been a professional recording artist since she graduated high school and immediately joined the artist roster of 604 Records. She has spent ten years working on her band ‘Fionn’ alongside her twin sister Brianne, and has released three full length albums. She has had the opportunity to co-write with Grammy nominee Josh Ramsay (Marianas Trench) as well as Juno winning producer Kevvy Maher (Fake Shark). In November of 2025 her band ‘Fionn’ achieved radio success when their song ‘Blow’ hit number one on Billboard Canada’s rock charts. Fionn have had three songs make it onto Billboard Canada’s top 40, and have spent the past three years touring across Canada as well as the West Coast of the United States.

Alanna is passionate about the songwriting process and has worked to perfect her craft since she was twelve years old. She spent her teen years flying to Nashville to take songwriting lessons with the Nashville Songwriter’s Association, and has recently has written a beginner’s songwriting course that will be able to assist any budding songwriter at the beginning of their journey. 

Laine Longton began playing cello at the age of 5 in Victoria, BC. Daughter of Michael Longton, a professor of music theory and composition and a pianist, and Sheila Longton, an oboist, she quickly developed a deep love of music. Laine holds two music degrees; a Bachelor of Music in Performance with Distinction from the University of Victoria, and a Masters of Music in Performance and Literature at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. She has studied with Gail O’Riordan (Victoria), Pamela Highbaugh Aloni (UVic), Dmitry Kouzov (University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign), Guido Schiefen (Germany), Martin Rummel (Germany), violinist Denes Zsigmondy (Hungary), and Eric Wilson (UBC).

Laine has been a core member of the Vancouver Island Symphony in Nanaimo since 2014. She has been an active member of the freelance community since she moved to Vancouver in 2012 including being an extra cellist with the Vancouver Symphony, Vancouver Opera, and the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra. She performs in the pit orchestra of musical theatre productions including Fun Home (ArtsClub Theatre), Parade (Raincity Theatre), and A Little Night Music (PatrickStreet Productions).

Laine recently attended Vancouver Film School to receive a Diploma of Film Production. She enjoys exploring another side of creativity. She is also a visual artist painting with thick oil paints and exploring texture.