Our Teachers
Emma O'Gorman
Vocal | Guitar
Emma, a passionate singer-songwriter and dedicated singing teacher, found solace and empowerment in music from a young age, overcoming shyness through self-taught guitar playing and songwriting. Drawing inspiration from iconic Canadian artists like Joni Mitchell, Alanis Morissette, and Avril Lavigne, Emma has honed her craft over the years, specializing in music production and arrangement alongside her vocal instruction and songwriting coaching. With a deep understanding and enthusiasm for nurturing shy performers, Emma creates a supportive environment where students of all ages can explore and embrace the joy of live music.
Tom McDonald
Acoustic & Electric Guitar
Tom McDonald has been teaching guitar professionally for about 15 years. His main influences include Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimmy Page, Iron Maiden, Green Day, Foo Fighters, and Metallica. He plays in Ottawa recording band Big Jeezus Truck and has recorded 4 full length cd's. He also plays in a couple of bar bands around town. He was voted #1 influential Canadian rock guitarist in 2008 by Canadian Music magazine and #1 Canadian guitar instructor by the Canadian Conservatory of Music.
Amrith Basil
Guitar
Evan Hutton is a versatile guitar teacher originally from the East Coast of Canada, now based in Ottawa. With a degree in music and a passion for playing across a variety of genres, Evan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his teaching. He is skilled in everything from rock and jazz to folk and classical, and is dedicated to helping students of all levels develop their guitar skills. Evan’s teaching style emphasizes creativity, technique, and musical expression, ensuring that each student’s journey is both rewarding and enjoyable.
Chris Libuit
Vocal
Chris is an Ottawa-born classically trained singer with 13 years of performance experience. He is currently completing a Bachelor of Music in Voice at the University of Ottawa under the tutelage of Christiane Riel and collaborative pianist/vocal coach Aude Urbancic. Starting at the age of 9 in a community choir, Chris fell in love with the communal aspect of sharing in song with others. Nowadays, he sings with the uOttawa's opera program, previously taking on the roles of Compte Barigoule in Pauline Viardot's Cendrillon and the March Hare and White Knight in Will Todd's setting of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Using his experience as both a performer and student, he hopes to help cultivate a life-long positive relationship with music through voice.
Brock Tinsley
Guitar
An award-winning musician and passionate music educator. He launched his own label (Colfax Music) after high school and went on to sign a deal with Jeff Burns (Universal Music Canada), the industry veteran behind acts like Nickelback and Loverboy.
As a guitarist, Brock has toured across Canada, the UK, Europe, and the USA as part of the band Double Experience. In 2025, the band received the Capital Music Award for "Album of the Year" at the National Arts Centre for the band's crowdfunded release. Double Experience was even selected by Twitch Music to launch their creator incubator program known as The Collective.
After 10 years of workshops and presentations in high schools, colleges, and conferences in Canada and the United Kingdom, Brock helped launch "The NXT LVL", an Ottawa based festival to champion emerging artists and students. Now, Brock is eager to assist the next generation of creatives with guitar and band-centric lessons.
Erica Rollins
Vocal
Erica Rollins is a passionate vocal teacher based in Ottawa, with a lifelong love for music. Singing since the age of 8, she has cultivated her skills across multiple instruments, including guitar, mandolin, and ukulele. Erica holds a degree in music and has spent years honing her craft, both as a performer and educator. Her diverse musical background and deep understanding of voice have made her a dedicated and inspiring teacher. Whether guiding students through vocal technique or fostering a love for music, Erica is committed to helping others find their unique sound and reach their musical potential.
Victoria Yankelvich
Piano | Violin
Graduated in 1986 from State University of Arts ( Kharkov , Ukraine ). When studying there took part in Chamber Orchestras Festival in 1983 (First Prize). Started career as professional violinist in 1982. During 1985 was a member of State Opera and Ballet Theater orchestra. Since 2000 has been teaching students to play violin at Ottawa Conservatory of Music from introductory level to 10th Grade RCM and eight of them joined Ottawa Youth Orchestra.
Christopher Wu
Piano
Originally based in North Bay, Christopher moved from the small city life of Northern Ontario to Ottawa, where he currently studies B.A. Law at Carleton University. He holds several piano awards, including several Kiwanis Music Festival Awards, and a Canadian Music Competition Award. Christopher participated in several musical events in his youth, individually and throughout high school. As a registered teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music, Christopher specializes in preparing students for examinations with the RCM. With experience in playing in various bands at a young age and privately teaching students of all ages, Christopher has proven himself to be an amazing mentor and teacher and continues every day to strive for his best.
Piano | Saxophone | Clarinet
Jeremiah Shaver
Jeremiah Shaver started playing the sax at age 12 having an affinity for swing music and the Sounds of the Glenn Miller Orchestra. By the age of 16 he completed his Saxophone studies and had moved on to playing the piano and several stringed instruments.
Agneta Gibson
Orff
Agneta teaches through a combination of demonstrations, imitation, and exploration. she begins by modeling musical concepts and activities for her students, and then encouraging them to try these activities on their own. The Orff approach emphasizes active participation and creativity, so students are encouraged to experiment with different sounds and movements to develop their own unique musical voice.