Dave Orrett

Academy Director

If you are going to put your name on something, make it something special

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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.

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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.

Derek Bunyak

Piano

Taking passion for music to another level. Instantly likeable and hugely popular.

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Originally born in Sudbury, Derek began as a young self-taught piano player and eventually moved to Toronto, where he completed his Diploma for Jazz Piano at Humber college. Derek originally joined Humber as a saxophone major, but quickly found a greater fascination with piano. With high regard from teaching staff and a rekindled passion from his youth, Derek switched his major from saxophone and began his formal study of piano. While completing studies for arranging, composing, improvisation, theory, and ear training, Derek undertook lessons with Art Maiste at Humber (Pianist for the Montreal Symphony Orchestra 1958-1983, as well as a frequent player in the Jazz scene), and Brian Dickinson who both helped Derek harness the technical aspects of playing, as well as the theory behind composition. Passionate about Classical and Jazz, Derek has a diverse understanding and appreciation for many genres of music, and a love for passing on knowledge. Lessons with Derek are genuine and inspiring, just ask his HUGE list of loyal students of all ages!

Christee Palace

Voice, Intro Piano, and Musical Theatre Teacher

Authentic, talented, and ready to bring out the best in your child.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

Veronica Vuong

Intro Piano and Piano Teacher

“Though she be but little, she is fierce!” - William Shakespeare

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Veronica started piano lessons at the age of three. By the next year, she began annually competing in
numerous music festivals and competitions in the Greater Toronto Area. As a classical pianist, Veronica
has completed her ARCT Performer’s in piano. Having started theory lessons at a young age as well, Veronica has
also completed her ARCT Analysis and ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint.

As Veronica has had some wonderful teachers in her own life, she sees the value in teaching and sharing
knowledge with her students. As her love for education grew, Veronica enrolled in the Music Education
program at the University of Toronto and graduated with her Bachelor of Music with honours. She has taught
students spanning from the age of 4 to 60 years of age and believes that anybody at any age can learn
piano!

Veronica is fascinated by the effects of music on the brain which led her to enrolling in the Master of Arts in
Music and Health Sciences at the University of Toronto, for which she was one of four graduate students
accepted. She simultaneously completed a Collaborative Program in Neuroscience. She believes that by
understanding more about how musical training can enhance neuroplasticity and cognition, teachers
can use this information to apply it within their own teaching.

William Lamoureux

Violin Teacher

I'm a musician, a creative machine

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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

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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.

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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.