Our Teaching Team

Andrea graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from York University. Over the years, she has studied up to level 10 piano and level 8 theory at the Royal Conservatory of Music.

She has completed 25 hours of the Elementary Pedagogy course in 2011, in 2016 earned a Certificate for Elementary Piano Specialist and in 2018 completed her Certification for Intermediate Piano Specialist. She is currently studying “Teaching Online Course” with the RCM to maximize student engagement strategies with online learning.

Andrea has been teaching piano to both children and adults for 12 years and has prepared students for theory and practical examinations, recital performances and high-school credit achievements. She believes that structured music education combined with creative exercises and goal setting paves the way to achievement, motivation, progress and the enjoyment of music!

James has been playing drums for 25 years and piano for 30. He is also an accomplished composer and songwriter, drawing on an understanding of classical, jazz, rock, pop, and world music.

Currently he plays drums with Toronto bands Hot Wax Meltdown (60s and 70s rock and soul) and Heavy Ethics (jazz/avant-garde) and keyboards with prog/psych outfit The Hollow Earth. James works as a “hired gun” for several other artists such David Celia, Last Hologram, Lickpenny Loafer, etc.

When not performing or teaching, James writes music for corporate videos, short films and theatre productions. He recently travelled in the U.S. accompanying actor Jonathan Higgins’ show “An Evening in Samarra”. James also performs as the drummer in an improvisational vaudeville duo.

James studied piano and music theory through the Royal Conservatory. As a drummer, he was largely self-taught until studying seriously to refine and expand his skills with such educators as Adam David.

Debra studied the piano from age 9 to 19 under Haydn Evans of the Royal Conservatory of Music. She participated in numerous recitals, concerts, school events and Peel Music Festival competitions. She was accepted into the ‘School of Performing Arts Program’ at Mayfield Secondary in 1988 with Piano being her main instrument. At age 14 she became inspired to play the guitar and pursued classical, rock and folk studies throughout her high school years. She entered York University as a music major and further developed her technical skills in sight singing, rhythm and ear training.

Debra began teaching music full-time in 2011 and quickly built a solid reputation for being a thorough and highly reliable instructor who’s students have experienced great success. Her students have achieved excellent marks, placements at competitions, entry into talent shows at their schools, they have overcome old struggles, and have even been asked by teachers to help out in their school music classes.

Debra instructs her students based on their individual needs and goals and believes in each one having a solid understanding of music. She teaches beginner to level 6 RCM and accepts students from age 7 to senior adults.

Giulia is a piano lover with a big voice and even bigger heart. Music has been her passion since she was a little girl. She studied classical piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music for almost 8 years and completed her Grade 8 piano and rudiments with the Royal Conservatory of Music. She then made her way to Ottawa where she studied music and vocals at Carleton University.

Currently, she is studying music production and teaching at a music studio in Toronto. She has been teaching piano for over 5 years to students of all ages. Giulia has learned so much about the art of music. She loves to spread her passion to everyone she meets and teaches.

Jesse has been apart of the Locomotion Family for quite sometime now. He’s a former student now a staple of our educational staff. He’s been playing the guitar since the age of twelve. Over the years, he has further developed and honed his passion for music into a full-time career.

He has had the opportunity to go on tour and perform outside of the province. Even making his way to Saskatchewan at the early age of eighteen. Learning the trades, etiquette of the road, valued team building, networking and people skills.

With this being his full-time job and passion he’s well known for wearing plenty of hats. A D.I.Y (Do, It, Yourself) mad man some would say. There is no real off switch with Jesse. In addition to teaching, he co-runs a label based out of Brampton / Toronto called Glue Gun Records. Doing distro, session work as a co-band member / producer “hired gun”. Pre-production, studio recordings for Bands / Artists genres ranging from Folk, Jazz, Punk, Metal and Rock n’ Roll. Does multiple music therapy classes within the Peel Region. Organizes bookings for showcases around Ontario reaching out to other provinces and states. Has worked as a soundman, stage tech and even door person for live showcases and venues. As well knows how to play other instruments proficiently. Jesse is practically a musical multi use utility tool. What can’t he do!

One of his proudest moments is when working with Drop Top Alibi at Metal Works Studios. Having the former GnR guitarist Gilby Clarke producing a track for their debut EP.

To sum up Jesse, he’s known for his eccentric personality that can be contagious; a side effect may cause you to keep alert and engaged with a smile on your face. His goal is to help students reach their full potential by encouraging strategies and reaching for milestones to bring students closer to their own personal goals.

Kristin Ward is a Music Therapist who has extensive knowledge and experience working with seniors in long-term care and a wide variety of populations. She graduated from the University of Windsor with an honours degree in Bachelor of Music Therapy.

She is a vocalist and songwriter who is energetic and passionate about her craft, work and clients. Kristin practices for both a private company and her own and is currently developing community-based programs with a person-centered approach to improve quality of life and mental health for a variety of conditions.

Sam is always surrounded by music. He’s taken the time to develop his skills and successfully fuse his passion with his career. As a performing/recording artist Sam can provide great one on one knowledge and practical advisory through many aspects of music, performance, production, showmanship, technical/theoretical, arranging, songwriting, voice acting, djing and music business. Throughout his training. Sam has also developed a wide array of musical prowess, exploring multiple genres in his lessons, Pop, Classic Rock, Jazz, Classical, Musical Theatre, RnB, and HipHop. Music is his passion and he strives to share it with the world.

He is a vocal graduate of the Humber College Contemporary Music degree program, and has been training in the music fields of jazz, classical, and contemporary for over 10 years. Through his time at Humber, Sam has studied with various musicians, such as Greg Wells (Adele), Rik Emmett (Triumph), Ian Terry (Celine Dion) and Denzel Sinclaire (Diana Krall). Sam has also had the opportunity to work with London based producer/songwriter/programmer James Sanger (Madonna, U2, Phil Collins) and has rehearsed and worked with Toronto based Musician/Producer/Songwriter Alan Shiner (Pizza Pizza, Coca Cola, Mariah Carey and Drake). After acquiring his degree Sam quickly found that inspiring others to create and enrich their lives with music was as rewarding as being on stage and performing. He began teaching throughout Toronto at various academies and schools.

Sam has been teaching private vocal, piano, guitar and songwriting classes through Etobicoke based academy Locomotion for about 3 years now, with future hopes of working with them to develop a music therapy program for students. He is also employed as an instructor at both Mississauga Fine Arts Academy and the Canada Music Academy where he teaches DJ and production lessons as well. Sam loves finding each students unique passion and catalyzing it, he’s really good at connecting in his lessons and tries to make each session as meaningful and developmental as the next one. Sam not only has 12 years of vocal performance to share, he’s been eclectically growing his musicianship throughout the years. Sam is trained in voice, piano/keyboards, guitar, production, songwriting, cajon, djing and voice acting. Growth is constantly apart of a musicians journey and Sam is a pure example of that. He always puts himself after others and makes sure the student leaves his lesson with not just knowledge but inspiration.

Sarah has over 10 years experience playing the violin and over 4 years of teaching violin. She has played with several orchestras. At present, Sarah plays with the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, in addition to preparing herself to become a student at The Royal Conservatory Of Music.

Sarah is outgoing and has a deep love for music. She enjoys working with a diverse community of students, especially children who are excited to learn and experience all the joys that music and playing an instrument has to offer.

Carmen has been playing music since she was a young girl to a prodigious level, studying music from acoustic pop to hard rock. After studying guitar in the Humber Jazz program, Carmen started to follow her dreams and went on the road with her first band. She played with Canadian Rock artists, Maria Delmar of National Velvet, Danny Greaves of The Watchmen and with first Canadian Idol winner, Ryan Malcolm.

With the advantage of playing several instruments, such as guitar, bass, ukulele, keys and drums. Carmen has been prepping guitarists for RCM exams and pre-covid band camps. She been sharing her love for music with patients using music for cognitive healing and autism.

Erica, originally from Toronto, Ontario holds a Masters of Piano Pedagogy and Piano Performance from Westminster Choir College and a Bachelors of Music Education from the University of Western Ontario; studying under both Professor Ingrid Clarfiel and Professor Gwen Beamish during those years. President of the New Jersey MTNA Collegiate Chapter 2017-2018, Erica has organized groups of students to assist in the New Jersey State Music Conference as well as the MTNA National Conference in Florida 2018. She was also the graduate assistant for the Piano Department 2016-2018 at Westminster and worked closely with renowned pedagogy authors Ingrid Clarfield and Phyllis Lehrer.

As an active member of the Symphonic Choir at Westminster, she had the opportunity to perform famous works such as Ravel’s Daphne’s and Chloe with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the New York Philharmonic, under the baton of conductors Yannick-Nezet-Seguin, Alan Gilbert, and Charles Dutoit. Erica has performed in Carnegie Hall, David Geffin Hall, and Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

For the past year, Erica has been living in New York City teaching private and group piano to an array of students in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan.

Taylor Barrow has been involved in music and the Toronto music scene for many years. He started off with piano, attaining his Gr. 9 with the Royal Conservatory of Music. Moving his attention towards guitar he has been playing in bands for over 12 years. He has a degree in Live and Studio Audio Engineering from Metalworks Institute. Recently he has been working as a music producer for local hip hop, indie and dance groups. Taylor is a piano, guitar and music production teacher. He’s an all around super positive guy who loves bringing the best out of budding and experienced producers.

Peter’s musical background is primarily in touring and recording. As a guitarist and bandleader, he has played in bars and theaters everywhere from Halifax to Victoria.

Presently, he studies jazz guitar at Humber college and teaches music lessons throughout Toronto and the GTA. Peter recognizes the potential for music lessons to be a task-like, nervous event for young students and takes active measures to ensure that his students are learning in a thoughtful and engaging environment.

Jon began playing the piano at the age of seven. He studied with instructors up to Grade 10 and completed his ARCT piano with the Royal Conservatory of Music. He pursued music at York University, graduating with special Honors in Music and a minor in English.

Jon has been practicing classical repertoire up until his first year of university, after which he began developing improvisational skills in multiple genres of music, but mostly focusing on Jazz.

Jon has been teaching at the Peel Music Academy for 5 years. He has a desire to help students develop their talents and practicing techniques. He can help guide students with their RCM exam prep. When he’s not teaching music, Jon works as Music Director for his church and is involved with various music ministries.

For Jon, it’s important for him to be open and patient with each student and understand their individual needs so he can encourage them to practice their craft and fall in love with playing music.

Cortney Keywan is an accomplished musician, composer and producer who has been playing music since he was a young child. A guitarist who is adept at many different styles of music including rock, pop, classical, blues, country, world music and jazz, Cortney is also experienced on the production/composition side of music. He has produced and engineered numerous albums oh his own work and other artists’ at his studio in Brampton. In addition to playing in many bands over the last twenty years (The Odysseys, The Vulcan Dub Squad, Space Monster, Modulo Zero), Cortney’s own compositions have been performed at diverse venues in Canada and the United States; from small clubs such as Toronto’s Horseshoe Tavern and El Mocambo to bigger venues like Mississauga’s Living Arts Centre and Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts.

Cortney has also taught music for over 15 years, specializing in guitar, drums, piano, vocals, theory, sound production, and composition. He began his music education studying with the acclaimed guitarist John Pelosi and “Canada’s Most Recorded Guitarist” Bobby Edwards (Glen Campbell, Gordon Lightfoot, Sonny and Cher, Chet Atkins, CBC’s Tommy Hunter Show and The Friendly Giant).

Holding a Master’s degree in classical music composition as a graduate of Boston’s prestigious New England Conservatory of Music, Cortney had the great honour and opportunity to study with many modern musical virtuosos. His teachers, who have also worked and studied with the great masters of the past, include composition studies with Michael Gandolfi (Oliver Knussen), John Heiss (Igor Stravinsky, György Ligeti, Milton Babbit), Robert Cogan (Aaron Copland, Nadia Boulanger, Roger Sessions) and John Mallia (Jonathan Harvey). Cortney also graduated from York University’s music program with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours (magna cum laude). At York, he studied classical guitar performance with Brian Katz (Eli Kassner, Norbert Kraft, Ralph Towner, Trichy Sankaran), new music and composition withMatt Brubeck (Dave Brubeck, Sheryl Crow, Dixie Chicks, Tom Waits, Sarah McLachlan, Natalie MacMaster, Tracy Chapman), improvisation with Casey Sokol (John Cage, Morton Feldman, Frederic Rzewski, Anthony Braxton, Christian Wolff, Trichy Sankaran), and South Indian drumming with Trichy Sankaran (Ravi Shankar, Zakir Hussein, Sri Palani Subramania Pillai). Prof. Sankaran also nominated Cortney for York’s coveted Thyagaraja Award for Karnatak Music.

Cortney has also studied at Toronto’s Royal Conservatory of Music, completing Grade 8 in classical guitar and has prepared award winning students for local music competitions and RCM examinations.

Jake graduated from Humber College with an Honours BMus on the electric bass that focused heavily on performance in commercial music. He received an Honours Certificate in Commercial Jazz Performance. Through his time at Humber, Jake had the privilege of being trained by some of the best musicians in Toronto. Coming from a wide array of different musical backgrounds, his teachers were each able to give him different perspectives and helped shape his approach to music. Jake won the entrance scholarship to the Bachelor of Music program and received the Toronto Musicians’ Association Carne H. Bray Memorial Award in 2018.

Jake took private lessons himself for guitar since the age of ten. By the age of twelve, he also began learning electric bass. He loves teaching and believes that music is one of the most powerful & rewarding tools that one can learn. It enables us to better communicate with one another and teaches us the abilities to be more focused, dedicated, and impassioned in what we do. His goal, no matter what age or level of musicianship one is at, is to make sure that students are having fun. While patience and hard work goes a long way, we can’t lose sight that we’re all here to enjoy making music. Jakes believes that all music is valid and worthy of recognition.

With over 10 years of violin and vocal experience, Rianna is a passionate and driven musician who is excited to share her musical knowledge and talent with younger aspiring musicians! She has completed up to grade 7 at the Royal Conservatory of Music and has years of performance experience through performing at formal events, competitions, weddings, choir instructing, and more. She also has experience working with younger children through her ongoing involvement with her parish where she is a Sunday school teacher, as well as the Children and Youth choir instructor. Rianna is currently a second-year student at the University of Waterloo, studying Political Science. She aspires to be a University Professor, as she has a love for teaching students.

Aside from teaching at Locomotion, Rianna currently performs at weddings and other formal events and is actively volunteering at her Parish as a vocal instructor. Her love for music and teaching is what excites her the most about being a teacher at Locomotion Music!

At the age of six, Jamie began his musical journey with the piano and completed his practical, theory, and history RCM exams until Grade 6. He pursued a Bachelor of Music Education as a saxophone major at Western University, performing with the Western Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Saxophone Quartet, Symphonic Band, and Chorale. Jamie went on to attain his Bachelor of Education at the University of Ottawa and is now an Ontario Certified Teacher. He is a natural with young people, having taught students the flute, clarinet, oboe, trumpet, french horn, and percussion at the high school level.

Jamie enjoys spending his time songwriting and building his repertoire. He believes that confidence, critical thinking, and artistic expression are just a few of the benefits that he can share as a music teacher. By working with students both in and outside of musical settings, Jamie has developed a student-first approach to teaching that can guide anyone to achieve their goals.

Eden is a dedicated and passionate pianist, vocalist and music educator who has taught the art of music for 25 years. Eden has taught at studios all over the Greater Toronto Area. She has achieved various music awards and received certificates for teaching programs.

Eden’s students have also achieved numerous honors and scholarships from annual music festivals. With guidance, her students have auditioned for musical theatre, art-focused schools and programs with successful results. Along with instructing RCM piano, vocal, and music theory, she has also been a mentor to new teachers.

As a devoted and enthusiastic music instructor, Eden’s passion and drive are projected in the achievements and successes of her students. Her patience and fun teaching style along with her commitment to education and performance guides her students to find a love and appreciation for music!

Eden is devoted to inspiring students of all ages and levels to experience the unbridled joy of music by allowing them to find their own voice, build fundamentals, and most importantly, have fun!

Karel has played at numerous Jazz and World Music Festivals, including: Grand Bateria Express, Ontario Latin Arts Festival, Toronto TD Jazz Festival, Hispanic Festival, Pan-American Jazz Festival, Copa do Mundo with Chocolate da Vila Maria, Summer Olympics Team Canada Inauguration Party.

In addition to Drumset, Karel also teaches a variety of percussion instruments including Pandeiro, Repinique, Tamborim, Surdo, Agogo Bells, and Congas.

Currently, Karel is working in various musical projects, performing in and out of the city of Toronto. He completed a Bachelor of Contemporary Music at Humber College and is currently completing his Master of Composition at York University.

Luke Jongsma is a proficient multi-instrumentalist, teacher, composer and session musician based out of Toronto Ontario. As a graduate of the Humber College music program, Luke has a Bachelor of Music (BMus) in jazz and commercial music on his primary instrument — guitar. Born into a musical family, Luke’s childhood was filled with music from a young age. With his roots firmly set in the blues, Luke’s passion for a variety of music enables him to draw influence from genres such as jazz, rock, hip-hop, gospel, and pop.

Luke started teaching music in his second year of college and quickly realized his passion for mentoring young musicians. As a teacher, Luke’s passion and love for music are undeniably vibrant, and his demeanor upbeat and positive. Luke prioritizes building positive relationships and a relaxed learning environment for students to grow at their own pace. Experienced and highly knowledgeable, each of Luke’s students enjoys uniquely tailored lesson plans based on individual learning styles, preferences, and age.

As a young musician, Luke always had access to a variety of musical instruments. Taking an interest in drums, Luke began to teach himself how to play at 13 and has been playing ever since. While enrolled at Humber he continued to develop his ability on the drum kit while honing his technique and proficiency. As both a self-taught and educated musician, Luke has a unique combination of experiences which facilitate a best-of-both-worlds approach to learning music.

Steve Fall has been playing guitar for 30 years. In the 1990s, Steve played professionally in a band called Acid Test, signed to Sire/Warner Brothers. As a teacher for the past 12 years, Steve brings his passion for music and education to every lesson. He believes that “everything is a journey and guitar playing should be fun and fulfilling.”

Magdelys has a Bachelor Degree in Music Performance & Teaching from the University of Arts, Havana. She also too the Special Pedagogy Course in Music, Conservatorium of Music in Sydney, Australia and a Bachelor in Music with a focus on piano and percussion from the Conservatorium Esteban Salas, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.

Magdelys is a JUNO Award Winner for Jazz Album of the Year in 2015. She was a GRAMMY Nominee in 2018 for Jazz Album of the Year. Recently, she was nominated for a JUNO for her project OKAN in World Music as the Composer and Arranger.

Magdelys has been playing drums and percussion for over 25 years, as well as the piano. Apart from being a teacher she is also a professional percussionist and tours with her band OKAN, playing Afro Cuban Roots and Jazz.

Magdelys has shared the stage with different artists such as Brian Blade, Benny Green, Christian Mcbride, Horacio El Negro Hernandez, Hilario Duran, John Patituci, Danilo Perez, Dee dee Bridgwater, Bianca Gismonti, Filo Machado, James Morrison, The Cat Empire, among others

Natalie McGowan, who goes by the stage name Natalie Evans, is a Canadian born and raised singer and songwriter. Natalie is from Toronto, and her stage name is derived from the street where she grew up.

Natalie’s mom picked up that Natalie was musical from a very young age. At as young as two, Natalie would perk up and do her best to sing along to her mom’s Belinda Carlise CD’s and anything mow town. Her love for music and performing has been ingrained in her for as long as she can remember.

Natalie is a formally trained artist and attributes her training to her development as a performer. She began vocal training in the choir as a young child, soon after Natalie started taking music lessons with the highly regarded late Bill Vincent and Jefferey Haurd as a young adult. After being accepted to Etobicoke School of the Arts for musical theatre in high school and the prestigious Randolph Academy for Performing Arts for college, she continued her training.

A powerful female voice has always inspired her. She draws inspiration from the greats like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and relates to other female artsits such as Erika Badu, Norah Jones, and Jene Aiko.

Natalie has carved out her sound, which can be described as soulful and poetic. As a natural-born performer, Natalie never passes up on an opportunity to sing on stage. She has performed at the Panasonic Theatre, Super Market, the Annex Theatre and been a part of many musicals throughout her high school and college career. Natalie is a vocal coach for other aspiring artists and was hired by the Hudsons Bay to perform at Beauty Gala’s across the Greater Toronto Area. Fun fact about Natalie – she won a car for singing karaoke.

Maryrose loves music and most of all teaching! She has been teaching classical piano for 12 years. She studied Psychology at the University of Toronto and took private classical piano lessons through the Royal Conservatory of Music up to grade 10. She teaches RCM & other genres as well. Maryrose also completed a workshop in England that focused on classical, jazz, song writing and technique to enhance her teaching.

She is known for having students with excellent technique and loves seeing their work pay off! She teaches anywhere from beginner, as young as 5 years old to grade 8 RCM, including adults too. Maryrose prepares students for theory and practical exams, has encouraged and also led in-home recitals so her students can share their talent. Maryrose is creative and adapts to students’ learning styles. Communication and connection are her main goal.

Peter first picked up a guitar when he was 11 years old, and the instrument has played a prominent part in his life ever since. He was classically trained by Paul Ammirante and Ray Hickey Jr. through the Royal Conservatory of Music; from which he received his Grade 8 practical certification in classical guitar. He has played in Toronto punk and rock bands for over 10 years with whom he has toured Canada and the U.S.A. He has written songs and recorded several albums and EP’s. His musical style is versatile, encompassing heavier riffs and lighter tones.

Peter has been teaching guitar since 2005. Though rooted in fundamentals, he strongly encourages players to develop their own style, and recognizes the need for appropriate pacing and communication to ensure progress. He also stays up to date on all requirements for examinations with the RCM.

Peter is a passionate, enthusiastic pianist and teacher who has been playing piano (and anything else he could get his hands on) since he was six years old. He grew up in Kawartha Lakes playing in various school and community bands, singing in the local choir, and even directing the pit band in a local musical production. While in high school, he completed his Grade 10 RCM examination (2015) and won awards multiple times at the Peterborough Kiwanis Festival. He’s currently living in Etobicoke and enrolled in Humber College’s Bachelor of Music Program.

At Humber, Peter has branched out from his classical roots and embraced jazz, funk, and pop. He’s been lucky enough to study with some of the piano giants of Toronto’s jazz scene, including Robi Botos and Brian Dickinson. He’s also developed a particular passion for composition, film scoring, and music production.

Peter has experience working with young children as well as people with developmental disorders. Above all else, he’s committed to giving his students a music education that caters to their specific needs and goals.