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.
Carla-Grace Catala
Voice and Early Childhood Music Education
A warm, caring and knowledgeable teacher focused on Early Childhood Music Education.
Carla-Grace teaches exclusively online.
A talented musician known for her beautiful smile and patience and a caring individual dedicated to sharing her love and knowledge of music with others. Carla–Grace, a native of Toronto, received an Honours Bachelor of Arts specializing in music from the University of Toronto and an A.R.C.T in Voice Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music. With a keen interest in sharing her joy and knowledge of music with young children, Carla–Grace is currently pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Music Education through the Royal Conservatory of Music in partnership with Ryerson University. Through this program Carla–Grace works with children from birth to eight years of age and provides effective music programs for enhanced child development.
Carla–Grace’s love of music began at a very young age studying both piano and voice. At sixteen years of age Carla–Grace began studying classical voice with Canadian soprano Mary Lou Fallis and continued her studies in vocal performance at York University with Canadian mezzo-soprano Catherine Robbin. Carla–Grace has sung various operatic roles including Stella in A Tale of Two Cities with Summer Opera Lyric Theatre, Giannetta in L’Elisir d’Amore with Opera York, Cherubino in The Marriage of Figaro with Opera by Request and Zerlina in Don Giovanni. Not only is Carla–Grace a classical singer but she also performs musical theatre, jazz, and pop and is a member of a rock and roll band “The Semiotones,” a University of Toronto charity band based at Victoria College where she sings in several different languages and shares her joy 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.
Ms.Jacqui teaches exclusively online.
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.
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!
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.
Joel Toews
Modern Piano Teacher
"Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable." - Leonard Bernstein
Originally from Edmonton, Joel Toews studied at Berklee College of Music from 2012-13 and received a Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Contemporary Popular Music from MacEwan University in April 2018.
During his time at MacEwan, Joel had the opportunity to write and arrange for string quartet, choir, jazz big band, piano trio, and a Capella ensemble. In 2018, Joel’s work “Influence” for classical piano trio placed fourth in the International Keuris Composers Contest. His orchestral work has been performed by the Borealis Orchestra in Edmonton, and the University of Alberta Symphony. In August 2019 Joel partnered with director Kalyan Acharya to compose an original score for his short film “The Transit Lodge.”
Whether scoring music for films, writing and singing for his original band X62, or inspiring his many students, Joel puts his heart into everything he does.
Sarah Maria Leung
Classical Piano, Intro Piano and Voice Teacher
"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything." - Plato
Sarah is passionate about nurturing a lifelong love for music in her students. She is dedicated in helping students develop musically, as well as making sure that students have fun and enjoy the process. She loves to see students grow in empathy, self-confidence, and discipline through the art of music-making.
Piano was her first love when Sarah set her eyes on the instrument at age 4, and was introduced by her loving parents to choral singing at age 6. Since then, she has been playing and singing her entire life. Classically trained, Sarah teaches voice and piano, and welcomes students of all ages and levels. She received her MMus in Choral Conducting from the University of Toronto and her BA in Music from the University of Southern California. She also holds ABRSM Grade 8 (UK) – the equivalent of RCM Grade 10 – in both piano and voice. An experienced performer, she is the co-founder and soprano of renowned Toronto-based vocal quartet Fonitika Vocal Ensemble, and is the music director of several GTA-based groups. She has also performed in many countries with various prestigious ensembles, including Austria, China, Hong Kong, Italy, Korea, and the US.
Susie Simmons
Early Childhood Music Education and Intro Piano Teacher
“A music teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, touches a heart"
Mrs.Simmons teaches exclusively online.
Mrs. Simmons comes from a long line of musicians and educators and has shared that “music and teaching is in my blood.” Ever since she was young, Mrs. Simmons was drawn to working with children and used to dream of becoming a teacher. As a young girl, Mrs. Simmons took part in many activities to build her confidence, overcome shyness, and broaden her skills. Her childhood piano lessons turned into a passion for music performance and education.
Mrs. Simmons loves to discover new musical experiences every day with young children as their sense of wonder, curiosity and desire to learn is inspiring. For the last 18 years, she has been a full-time preschool music education specialist and piano accompanist to 5 school choirs, performing multiple concerts and musicals each year. A highlight was playing the grand piano at Roy Thomson Hall to accompany choral performances at Independent Schools Music Festivals on 3 occasions. Most recently, Mrs. Simmons completed her Early Childhood Music Education certification from Ryerson University and The Royal Conservatory of Music. She adds these qualifications to her ARCT Piano Performer First Class Honours and ARCT Piano Teacher First Class Honours diplomas.
Mrs. Simmons looks forward to sharing her 31 years of teaching experience with her students. She believes that nothing is more rewarding than seeing the delight on a child’s face as they are thoroughly immersed in the joy of music making!