Meet Our Team
Orrett Music Academy employs only active music professionals with degrees in Music Performance and/or Education and a minimum of 3 years of private teaching experience. Several are also certified teachers (OCT) and/or ARCT. We strongly believe the best teachers live and love the life they teach. Ask any of them though and they will tell you they are proudest of their passion for teaching and their desire to inspire students of all ages.
Dave Orrett
Academy Director
If you are going to put your name on something, make it something special
Dave’s love for music education spans almost two decades. He began his early teaching career as a part-time Arts and Sports camp coordinator, drama teacher, and piano teacher with Toronto Parks and Recreation. By 1998, Dave’s passion for music began to take over and he decided to open up his own music school where he could teach and inspire full time. More than 800 students later, and with the help of a meticulously chosen staff of like-minded professional teachers, Dave’s goal remains to give each student the tools necessary to attain his or her highest musical potential while making the journey enjoyable. Using techniques he has developed for numerous learning styles, Dave is an exceptional motivator and curriculum developer. Dave is also the proud founder and former volunteer director of “Pulse”, a percussion ensemble for inner-city youth which enjoyed considerable exposure on Breakfast Television, Reader’s Digest Magazine, and dozens of live performances including a feature at Massey Hall in 2002. Enjoying an established reputation as a songwriter, performer, producer and studio engineer, Dave lives and breathes the world of music.
Christian McKibbin
Guitar and Bass
Our most experienced teacher. A Tuesday legend.
Christian is an established and highly sought-after guitarist in the Toronto music scene. With well over a thousand performances, Christian has played across North America and Europe with highly notable Canadian and international artists. From club dates to festival tours to TV appearances, Christian’s experience is highly regarded in the industry. He has recorded and produced major label releases both domestically and in Europe. In 2006, Christian received a Juno nomination for Best New Group. On top of his performance skills, Christian is an honours graduate in Performance and Arranging at Humber College. His teaching experience includes many years at one of Canada’s premier learning institutions. He is a respected educator whose knowledge and skills are ideal for all ages and interests.
Christee Palace
Voice, Intro Piano, and Musical Theatre Teacher
Authentic, talented, and ready to bring out the best in your child.
Christee Palace is a pop singer/songwriter originally from Windsor, Ontario. Coming from a very musical family, Christee had the passion for music and singing instilled in her at a very young age.
Christee was trained in pop piano, guitar, and most prominently vocals at the Canadian Conservatory of Music in Windsor, later being a pop vocal instructor, and introductory piano instructor for 9 years.
A graduate from the University of Windsor’s Drama in Education and Community program, Christee has taken her passion for music, performing arts, and teaching, and combined them into one. Christee is a firm believer in connecting to her students through personal musical experiences, and creating a comfortable and fun atmosphere. From various roles in musical theatre, to being the lead singer of a touring wedding band, Christee has over 15+ years of performing experience in many different settings.
Her love for singing and songwriting influenced her to start her own band, performing original pop music. She went on to record her first EP “Alive Today”, with 2 tracks being played on over 60 stations across Canada. Her follow up single, “Light It Up” made it onto Canada’s “Most Active Indies Chart” in its first week at radio, and earned a semi finalist position in both the “International Songwriting Competition” and the “Canadian Songwriting Competition”.
Christee is currently working on her second EP in Toronto with producers and songwriters of Sony and Universal Music.
Jacqui Verellen
Voice and Early Childhood Music Education
Teachers who love teaching, teach children who love learning.
Jacqui is a passionate music educator! She has 5+ years working with children and 20 + years performing. A singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and theory guru, Jacqui absolutely loves passing on the gift of music. She started her education at the University of Western, earning an Honours Bachelor of Music (Opera) and a minor in Childhood Psychology studies.
Jacqui’s passion for children, child development and song, led her to teach private music lessons as well as led her to Preschool teaching. Jacqui quickly discovered how important it was for young minds to enjoy the learning process, through play-based education. She designed a children’s music program to teach theory and song to young students, through musical games and activities.
Jacqui is also passionate about teaching her students how to perform with both expression and confidence on stage! An avid performer herself, Jacqui is proud to say her original music is on Canadian radio, and has earned her top 15 in the International Songwriting competition for original work. Jacqui feels her performance experience greatly adds to what she can offer her students. She believes in a well-rounded approach to music and expression!
Claire Walton
Intro Piano, Voice, and Junior Musical Theatre Teacher
Follow your dreams, work hard and persevere... - Sasha Cohen
Claire has been performing music since a very young age and pursued a BFA in Musical Theatre, which she achieved with summa cum laude distinction. She has since lived and performed all over the United States, most recently spending five years in New York City. During this time, she taught students of various ages in voice, piano, ukulele, acting, and improvisation. New to the city of Toronto, Claire is ecstatic to continue her passion of music and creation – and to share this love with her students.
Claire believes that young people succeed when they are made to believe in themselves, and posed challenges to which they can rise. She is a sensitive and empathetic soul, connecting with each person individually so that they can bring their best work to each lesson. Her college voice teacher reinforced a deep respect for the biology of the singing voice. Studying the science of the singer’s resonance has taught her how to expand vocal capability while respecting the instrument and avoiding damage or strain.
While living in the United States Claire performed The Greatest Pirate Story Never Told for several years. This interactive, half improvised family show contained music, stage combat, and comedy. She performed in the maritime band The Crimson Pirates as well, and was featured on voice while playing guitar and mandolin. Her life as a performer has given her the tools to sing and play consistently and healthily, while bringing energy and light every time she steps into work. She will be delighted to bring this to every student, every day.
David Hollingshead
Modern Piano
Bright, Friendly and sure to bring a smile to your face
David is a classically trained contemporary pianist. He has been working as a professional freelance musician and as a teacher for over a decade and brings that experience to every lesson. A graduate of Mohawk and Humber College David is always seeking the best from himself and from his students.
Having performed everything from Folk to Jazz to Rock’n’Roll, David has a true understanding an eclectic range of music, and where to find the magic in a song. He believes that music is about more than just reading, it’s about understanding the song, and learning to express yourself through it. David is always chasing that magic and loves nothing more than to share how each student can find their own magic in music.
William Lamoureux
Violin Teacher
I'm a musician, a creative machine
William studied classical violin for nine years at the Québec Music Conservatory under Christian Vachon and Alexandre Da Costa, before entering Humber College. He has experience teaching and playing many styles of popular music and has played in classical orchestras, rock, and country bands. He has opened for or shared the stage with artists such as Christian McBride, Shawn Phillips, Harry Manx, New Cities, Les Colocs, Loco Locas, Roch Voisine, The New York Voices, and others.
William is a multi instrumentalist, his primary instrument is violin, but he also sings, plays the guitar, mandolin, ukulele, and keyboard. He has taken part in numerous musical projects and is the founder of the francophone rock group, Billy Love Band.
At Orrett Music Academy we love William for his infectiously positive attitude and virtuosic playing ability. Come meet him to experience a fresh and passionate take on violin and guitar lessons.
Brandon Lefrancois
Drums
Adding to the beat that drives us forward as a community
Brandon has been teaching music lessons for over 10 years in a wide range of settings. In 2018, he earned his Masters of Music degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, and earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Windsor. Brandon held a professor’s assistant positions at both institutions and was a conductor for various ensembles. As an instructor he frequently leads percussion ensembles and group based percussion activities for young students.
Brandon is also a Toronto-based session drummer, actively performing with artists in numerous genres, including: jazz, pop, country and rock. His passion for live performance is reflected in his teaching by encouraging students of all ages to find music they are passionate about to incorporate into their learning!
At Orrett Music Academy, we believe that Brandon takes all of his lessons to new exciting heights! Come meet him to experience fun yet educational drum lessons.
Candace Chattergoon
Administrative Assistant
Creating laughter and smiles in all who say hello.
Candace joins our team with an breadth of professional experiences in administration, IT, customer service and counselling.
She holds a Master of Education degree in Counselling Psychology, Psychotherapy from OISE University of Toronto, an honours degree in Psychology and a diploma in general arts and science from the University of Guelph-Humber. Three values that she believes in are, laughing, dancing and learning.
Sarah Wong
Piano and Intro Piano Teacher
"Nine-tenths of education is encouragement." - Anatole France
Sarah is a B.A. graduate in Psychology, Sarah recognized the importance of education and how it is enhanced by a musical foundation. Her teaching style encourages daily practicing, building good habits and discipline, while still maintaining a fun and creative atmosphere. Music has always been an important part of her life. She began her piano studies at the age of 9. As a classical pianist, Sarah is currently working towards her Grade 10 certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Having started theory lessons at a young age as well, Sarah has also completed her Grade 10 Harmony and Music History.
As a trained Yamaha teacher and an experienced RCM and Conservatory Canada teacher, Sarah maintains a balance between meeting the student’s needs and gently stressing the importance of musical theory and building appreciation and love for music. During her 8 years of teaching private and group piano classes, she has built a solid foundation of experience and skills for nourishing children’s musical ability. Her students’ above average exam results (including provincial gold medals and honours with distinctions) combined with the parents’ recognition exemplifies her effective teaching techniques.
Aside from music, her other passion is ophthalmology. She is a Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist performing diagnostic testing and presenting eye care solutions to provide optimum patient-focused care at local eye clinics and hospitals.
Eric Gilson
Piano Teacher
"The joy of playing comes through in his teaching and in his enthusiasm for music and people who love music."
Born in Winnipeg, Eric studied classical music in the Royal Conservatory of Music with renowned pianist Music Director and Conductor of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Tadeusz Biernacki. At age thirteen Eric fell in love with Jazz music and began to study with local legends Michelle Gregoire and Earl MacDonald Director of Jazz studies at the University of Connecticut. At age sixteen Eric became the house pianist for the Winnipeg Art Gallery and at nineteen spent a year playing at the McPhillips Station Casino.
From a young age Eric’s father instilled in him the value of teaching and at eighteen Eric began teaching for the Academy of Music in Winnipeg. At age twenty Eric left Winnipeg for Toronto to study Jazz in the Performing arts Program at Humber College with Canadian Jazz Greats Dave Restivo and Brian Dickinson. After Humber Eric began a career of performing on cruise ships, becoming a Musical Director and circumnavigated the globe several times.
In 2009 Eric retired his sea legs moved to Switzerland where he lived until 2019. Eric has taught students of all ages and skill level at the International School of Basel and has performed all around Europe.
From beginners to advanced learners, Eric loves sharing the joy of playing and making music. He is known to delve into every aspect of playing, technique, theory, composition, expression, and musicality.
Whether you want to play Jazz, Classical, Pop, or improvise and compose Eric would love to help you on your own musical journey!
Qattani Legroulx
Piano Teacher
"One good thing about music is that when it hits you, you feel no pain." - Bob Marley
Music has always been in Qattani’s life, with his mother as a piano teacher, she instilled her love of music in him very early on. Qattani is passionate about music, and all its forms! He quickly climbed the Royal Conservatory of Music ladder while learning other instruments and also playing in a rock band. Highly influenced by his mother, he decided he wanted to follow in her footsteps and become a teacher too!
Knowing that he did not want just any degree, Qattani completed a degree in Music Education at the University of Toronto. There, he had the opportunity to learn and apply a variety of teaching styles in different settings. Most importantly, he learned different methods in adapting to a student’s learning style, making sure that the student would always be improving.
With 8 years of experience in teaching piano and general music, Qattani can be expected to show your child a deep desire to learn and enjoy music. His primary goal is to create a safe space where his students are guided along a path of self expression. He tries to find the perfect balance of challenge and fun, whilst instilling top grade practicing habits in his students.
Jaden Hellmann
Guitar Teacher
"I pay no attention whatever to anybody’s praise or blame. I simply follow my own feelings." - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Jaden found the world of guitar in his early teens. With his natural affinity for the instrument, Jaden began teaching at the age of 16 and quickly attained advanced theory and rudiments with high honours through RCM by age 17.
Soon after, he attended the Music Industry Arts program at Fanshawe College, studying under a plethora of Canadian music industry talents including:
Moe Berg (Singer/Songwriter – The Pursuit of Happiness)
Dan Brodbeck (2010 Juno Award winner Recording Engineer of the Year)
David Martin (20 year veteran Staff Songwriter at Sony/ATV Publishing)
Terry McManus (Founder and ex-president of the Songwriters Association of Canada)
Mike Roth (Former Senior VP of Sony Records Canada)
After graduating in 2012, he taught in the Kitchener-Waterloo area for 8 years, before moving to Etobicoke at the end of 2019. He is currently involved in the writing and recording of two independent projects, both on track to release debut EP’s in 2020.
Jaden is a firm believer that there is talent in everybody. His charismatic and enthusiastic personality is infectious with students of all ages. We encourage you to come in and experience an exciting and rocking guitar lesson with Jaden.