Hi! My name is Emilia and I would best describe myself as an artist. I am an actor, singer, songwriter, and dancer trying to find my little corner in this fast-paced and ever-changing industry.

I was born and raised in Montreal, where my love for the performing arts first began. Things like school plays, dance competitions, and singing lessons were the first seedlings of what I knew I wanted to pursue in my life; musical theatre! So it began. I went to Marianopolis College where I got my double diploma: one in Music (classical voice) and the other in Arts, Literature & Communications (various arts like theatre, visual arts, film, etc.).

With these newfound skills in my arsenal, I decided to move to Toronto to really master the art of being a triple threat. I graduated from Randolph College for the Performing Arts in August of 2022, and—with my horizons broader than ever before—I felt ready for whatever the industry had in store for me. My education and experience have made me realize that there are so many more opportunities available to me than I ever initially thought possible.

Having experience teaching and tutoring music, acting, and dance really made it clear to me how much I love teaching and inspiring the next generation! This brings me to here and now. I am exploring what it’s like on stage, off stage (directing and musical directing), creating my own works, and so much more, which is why I’m so eager to work together so I can bestow all my knowledge and expertise to you. I look forward to working with you!

Hello! My name is Camilo, and I’m excited to join the Leslieville School of Dance & Music team.
My musical journey began at a very young age, when, after annoying my entire family because I was constantly tapping things around my house, my parents decided to buy me a small drum set, which is where I fell in love with music for the first time. From that moment on, I’ve connected with music more deeply, being part of numerous bands at churches and schools and also enrolling in personalized drum lessons. I also pursued a diploma in music production at MetalWorks Institute and another in music performance at Centennial College.

My passion for music led me to delve into the world of string instruments while in high school, including guitar, ukulele, and bass. During this time, I had the opportunity to participate in various ceremonies and performances that reinforced my desire to continue immersing myself in music.

Although most of my experience as an instrumentalist has been playing genres such as rock, Latin, funk, and jazz, I consider myself a versatile musician who enjoys learning and surrounding myself with different genres and gaining new experiences.

My goal as a teacher is to create a nurturing environment where students can find in music a place of relaxation, fun, expression, and learning, with a focus on developing skills that can be useful both on stage and in their daily lives.

Hello! My name is Spencer and I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Leslieville School of Dance & Music team!

I’ve been passionate about music my whole life, playing piano, guitar, violin, and trumpet throughout my childhood. I started piano lessons at age eight and began seriously focusing on the instrument in high school, where I put myself through a diverse musical curriculum that included jazz improvisation and RCM classical studies, while also playing in rock, R&B, and jazz bands.

I’m now entering my fourth year of music studies at York University, where I received the Oscar Peterson scholarship for jazz performance. While at York, I’ve honed my musical voice while studying under leading jazz pianists such as Robi Botos and Noam Lemish.

In addition to my studies, I gig regularly as a keyboardist around Toronto and the GTA both in jazz ensembles and as a member of the indie-pop band Meteor Heist, playing at venues including Lee’s Palace and the Horseshoe Tavern. Meteor Heist went on our first tour this summer, covering much of Ontario and Quebec, and we have also self-recorded, produced, and released two singles and an EP.

My goal as a teacher is to nurture a love of music in my students. Each student is an individual, and I aim to meet them where they are and help guide them through their journey of musical discovery. Throughout my own musical journey, I’ve been blessed with many inspirational teachers, without whom I would not be the musician or the person I am today. My goal is to pass that inspiration down to the next generation. I look forward to meeting you!

I’m so delighted to have joined the Leslieville School of Dance and Music Community. Having worked as an educator, musician, and actor for over three decades in the UK and Europe, my role as parent to a young adult with special educational needs (SEN) motivated me to return home to this neighbourhood.

I have performed in London’s West End in numerous musicals including 5 years in Les Misérables and have recorded over 100 songs as soloist for the BBC. I’ve worked as Composer in Residence and as Senior Arts Advisor to over 200 schools in West London, UK. I was also commissioned to compose theme songs for the London Olympics and for the UK Holocaust Memorial Day Royal events.

I have recently attained a Master of Education degree, have worked as Professor of Voice at Sheridan College, and I facilitate performance-based workshops for children, youth, and caregivers at CAMH.
My life experience with my son has led me in the direction of 2-decades of expressive arts facilitation with children and with students with SEN.

I love music-making and nurturing a love of music in others. As an educator, my work is strengths-based and process-based. I appreciate each student’s individual personality and learning style, and I apply these to my teaching and learning environment. My lessons are instructive, but, above all, they are lots of fun, nurturing, and always respectful of the students.

It’s great to be back home and to share a lifelong love of voice and music-making with the students at the Leslieville School of Dance and Music!

Hello! You might recognize me from the front desk at LSDM, but I’m also thrilled to start my second year as a music teacher at the school!

My love for the arts started at age 4 with piano and vocal training, and I’ve been immersed in both music and dance for the past 21 years. Throughout this journey, I’ve participated in music festivals, taken many instrumental and advanced theory exams, and engaged in public performances, along with instrumental band competitions both locally and internationally. I was classically trained in piano from age 9 and am currently continuing my self-taught journey on the bass guitar. My experiences led me to an arts high school, where I specialized in Euphonium while exploring flute, percussion, and brass techniques. In 2021, I furthered my studies in a college Performing Arts program, where I was introduced to and continue to explore commercial music production, while specializing in commercial hip-hop, jazz, and contemporary dance to maintain and enhance my previous training.

As a teacher, creating a safe and positive learning environment is my top priority. I am dedicated to supporting students in finding their individuality and nurturing their curiosity and passion for the arts. I enjoy pushing my students to grow while respecting their comfort levels.

In addition to teaching music, I also coach cheerleading, which enhances my ability to connect with kids and inspire teamwork and creativity. I see a wonderful synergy between cheerleading and music—both are about rhythm, expression, and building confidence!

I’m truly grateful to be a part of your musical journey and can’t wait to meet and teach each of you!

Hello, I’m Claire! I’m a music teacher with a plethora of experience and a passion for fostering joy in learning. Hailing from Winnipeg, I was bit by the music bug as a child, and since then I’ve performed many times in different musical theatre productions, choirs, and bands.

I graduated as valedictorian of Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto in 2021, and since then I’ve spent time performing, teaching, and music directing around the city. I also sing, play piano and guitar, and write original songs for my band Rookie.

I am capable of teaching a variety of vocal styles, including musical theatre, pop/rock, classical, jazz, blues, gospel, and opera. 

My focus as a teacher is on curiosity and cultivating confidence. My approach is all about meeting each student where they are at, and I’m not afraid to get a little silly along the way. I’m so excited to join the excellent team of teachers at Leslieville School of Dance & Music!

Hello! My name is Deanna and I’m thrilled to be teaching another year at Leslieville School of Dance & Music!
I grew up in Nova Scotia where I studied dance, music, and theatre from a young age. I began with piano, and continued to pick up ukulele, guitar, bass, drums and percussion, saxophone, and flute – any instrument I could get my hands on!

My love of music led me to study vocal jazz at St Francis Xavier University, followed by graduating from Randolph College for the Performing Arts in 2021. I’ve been happily teaching music for the past 5 years, and I’m so excited to continue doing this at LSDM!

I like to approach my lessons with a focus on joy, curiosity, and fun. My favourite part about teaching is discovering with my students what makes them excited to make music, and nurturing that excitement as we continue to learn more about it.

I can’t wait to meet you and begin our musical journey together!