Debra studied piano privately for ten years, participating in recitals, concerts and the Peel Music Festival competitions. She was a ’School of the Performing Arts’ student at Mayfield Secondary and studied music at York University. She also began playing guitar at age 14 with a focus on classical, rock, alternative and folk… she has created songs, reads tab and likes rhythm guitar.

She 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 know how to read and interpret music both artistically and technically, they achieve excellent marks, often place at competitions, enter into talent shows in school, overcome old struggles, and some have even been asked by teachers to help other student’s in their school music classes!

Debra instructs beginner piano to level 6 RCM and enjoys teaching ages 7 to senior adults. She also instructs beginner guitar and can prepare students for RCM level 1. Her main focus is classical but also incorporates popular music.

Valeria has been playing piano for 10 years. She has extensive experience and a diverse background in teaching at the Elementary level. She is passionate about Art and Music and has been teaching private Art and Music lessons for the past 5 years.

Her philosophy as a teacher is to give every student the opportunity to reach his or her fullest potential. She believes that education should be approached in an innovative, positive, and a creative manner. “Art is essential, has countless benefits for our health and well being, and it brings people and ideas together.”

She holds a bachelor of fine arts, a bachelor of professional studies in education and is a member of Ontario College of Teachers.

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.

 Daniel is a passionate multi-instrumentalist and educator. He has been studying music since the age of four and has enjoyed playing and writing music for most of his life. Daniel specializes in jazz and improvisation but has a background in classical piano, completing up to Royal Conservatory grade 8. Daniel is also an alto and soprano saxophonist and composer. He can play many genres of music such as pop, rock, RnB and jazz. Daniel’s influences primarily consist of bebop saxophonists such as Vincent Herring and Cannonball Adderly.

When not teaching, he is performing at staples of the Toronto music scene. Over the past few years, Daniel has been working towards his degree at Humber College and graduated from the program in 2021. During his time at Humber, Daniel was teaching privately and received several awards and scholarships for musicianship and leadership. Daniel strives to create a respectful environment where learning about music is a fun process, while still focusing on important and serious topics.  

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.

  Adina is an indie-folk/rock artist, award-winning songwriter, and music educator based out of the Greater Toronto Area. She recently graduated with honours from Humber College’s Bachelor of Music Program, majoring in vocal performance. Trained classically in piano since the age of 5, she has completed the RCM series up to level 9, and has since branched out into pop and jazz piano as well. Vocally, Adina has performance and teaching experience in many contemporary genres including pop, jazz, rock, folk, musical theatre, R&B, and country. She has been writing original songs since the age of 12, self accompanying on guitar and/or piano, and has 4 singles as well as an EP out under artist name Adina V.  

Adina has been teaching music for the past 8 years - whether it's piano, voice, songwriting, theory, ear-training, self- accompaniment, or exam/ audition prep, she enjoys helping students of all ages and skill levels meet their personal goals while fostering a love of music that lasts forever!

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.

John Kervin is a multi-instrumentalist and performer with a passion for many genres of music, including jazz, classical, musical theater, country and pop. After teaching himself piano, guitar and bass by ear he was formally educated at Humber College, where he graduated with honours while earning several awards for excellence and leadership in music. He began teaching piano while still attending school, and has since enjoyed working with younger students, seniors, and students with disabilities. When he is not performing with his many associated acts, he writes his own original music and works in musical theater productions. He mainly teaches piano, guitar, and composition but also has experience in vocals and several other stringed instruments, including ukulele, banjo and bass. John takes pride in creating a learning environment that celebrates individuality, creativity and fundamental musical skills. He has a firm belief that learning music should be fun. After all, you don't work music; you play it!

Chris studied piano and guitar performance at York University. During his time at York, he was President of the Guitar Club. As President, he oversaw teaching group lessons where he encouraged a love for music, and helped many beginners play their favorite songs. He organized yearly concerts where they could showcase their guitar skills to a warm and receptive audience. He has gone up to grade 8 RCM and has taught both piano and guitar for 14 years. He has taught many students over the years, ranging from the ages of 6- 50 years old. Chris teaches RCM piano and has prepared students for both theory and practical examinations. Apart from classical music, Chris also enjoys and teaches boogie woogie piano.

At York University, Chris studied guitar performance under the distinguished flamenco player Roger Scannura for 4 years. During his time at York, he learned pieces from famous flamenco guitarists such as Paco Pena, Paco de Lucia and Sabicas. He also became familiar with the different flamenco rhythms. During his time at York, he participated in the Guitar Ensemble. Moreover, he teaches and plays rockabilly/blues as well as rock guitar.

Furthermore, Chris studied the fiddle under Sherry Johnson at York University. He learned east coast Canadian fiddle tunes as well as country and western standards. He also plays beginner violin.

Chris’ approach to music education is one where the student’s musical education is nurtured through individualized lessons wherein they are able to learn at their own pace and play the music they enjoy. Through this system of learning, students are able to showcase what they have learned and take pride in their musical accomplishments.

Alisha is a talented multi-instrumentalist currently working on her Grade 8 RCM piano/theory and instrumental studies in flute and drums. Alisha’s performance experience includes concerts, recitals, bands, and ensembles, and she currently accompanies various church youth bands on piano. Additionally, she will soon graduate from the Instrumental stream in the Regional Arts Program at St. Roch C.S.S. This fall, Alisha will be at the University of Waterloo studying science and aviation, furthering her passion for knowledge and exploration. With two years of experience teaching piano to students of different age levels, Alisha understands the importance of tailoring her teaching style to match each student's unique personality and learning preferences, ensuring the most effective and enjoyable learning experience. Furthermore, her extensive background in summer camps, youth groups, and tutoring showcases her love for working with children and fostering their growth and development.

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!

Paolo Rosselli is a professional piano teacher based in Toronto with a passion for teaching many different types of genres, such as classical, jazz, pop and musical theatre. Paolo studied at the University of Toronto, Royal Conservatory of Music and New England Conservatory in Boston where he achieved multiple degrees in music performance. Paolo is an enthusiastic teacher passionate about making personal connections and teaching lessons that are engaging, productive, and above all else, fun. Specifically, Paolo provides lessons in piano, theory, music history and brass instruments (horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba). Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Paolo has performed and taught in cities across Canada and the United States (such as Toronto, Mississauga, Saskatoon and Boston). Furthermore, Paolo is proud to have achieved a Bachelors of Music, Masters of Music and RCM Level 10 Certification in Piano, Theory and History. As a proud queer individual in the GTA, Paolo’s music lessons are LGBTQIA+ friendly as he hopes to make space for queer musical excellence in his lessons and their musical journeys.

 

 

     

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.

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.

  Sienna is a professional musician who has been studying music for over 15 years. As a graduate of the Humber College Bachelor of Music program, she has an understanding and appreciation for many different styles of music, including jazz, rock, pop, and R&B. Sienna is an avid songwriter and music theory enthusiast, with the ability to curate lessons for students based on their interests. A vocalist by trade, she is also an experienced drummer, guitarist, and piano player. Sienna began her teaching career in 2016, leading groups of young children through ukulele and percussion basics. She currently teaches privately and through independent music schools. She believes in fostering an environment of curiosity and joy in music, whether it be playing pop songs or writing your own.  

Evan Reid is a producer, mixing engineer, and guitar educator with a formal education from Metalworks Institute in Mississauga, Canada. With his technical prowess and keen musical sensibility, Evan brings a captivating touch to every project he undertakes. Evan has many years of experience working in Pro Tools, Ableton, Logic and FL Studio. As a Pro Tools Certified Engineer, he can efficiently and effectively aid artists in achieving their goals in the studio. Evan is a four times University of Toronto Mississauga “Nail The Mix” winner and has worked with several label backed projects such as, The Nathan Carr Band and Natalie MacMaster.

Jesse Martel is a guitarist, performer, songwriter and bandleader from Kitchener Ontario. Jesse has had a deep love for music his entire life. As a child he would listen to whatever music he could get his hands on, whether that was the radio, Much Music, or his parent’s record collection. Inspired by the alternative rock music of the 1990’s and 2000’s, Jesse picked up the guitar at the age of 12. As time went on his interests expanded to include classic rock, folk, pop, prog rock, jazz and more.

To foster his growing love for music, Jesse attended Mohawk College’s music program where he graduated with honours. Following this he began attending Humber college’s prestigious Bachelor of Music program in order to get his degree. Throughout his time in college, Jesse has studied extensively various genre’s including Jazz, blues, rock, pop and funk under world class musicians. At the same time, he performed regularly as a part of a variety of live musical acts, such as: the high-end event band The Contrafacts, the original indie band Summerly, as an acoustic duo with the singer-songwriter Leah Kaye, the Paul McCartney tribute band Here Today, and the David Bowie tribute band Serious Moonlight.

Fascinated by body awareness, Daphne completed a 250-hour yoga teacher training at Luna Yoga. Having witnessed many musicians hurting themselves physically and mentally, she believes that yoga is an excellent method of prevention, but also a very complementary disciplin to music. She thinks that every musician can gain a lot from including yoga in the practice of their instrument.

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.”

 Sebastian Cruz is a guitarist in the Toronto area and is currently studying music at Humber College. With ten years of experience, both self-taught and with formal lesson experience, Sebastian is comfortable playing a multitude of styles ranging from pop music, rock and jazz. He is always strives to incorporate many genres in a creative way when playing his guitar. 

 Over the last few years, Sebastian has been primarily focused on performing, learning the ins and outs of recording and music production, along with song writing as a session musician and bandmate. Having played throughout the GTA, Sebastian is currently the lead guitarist and co-song writer of the Toronto based group, Wide Witness. Sebastian is always looking for new and unique ways to understand the guitar and to be able to share that with others is a beautiful thing. His goal is to create a comfortable and creative space for students to learn and enjoy the process of making music.     

Liam is a pianist currently studying at Humber College in Toronto. He has a broad range of musical interests and experiences. He started with piano as a child but took an interest in drums and percussion, and he soon made this his focus. He played with the La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra for 8 years, as well as playing with local rock/blues bands, pit bands for theatrical productions, and jazz groups at his school and with the Humber Community Music Program.

He began his musical studies at Humber on the drums but has since moved towards fully pursuing the piano as his primary instrument. He is now focused on jazz/rock/popular music genres, but he is equally comfortable with classical music and is pursuing an RCM grade 10.

Liam brings his love of all things musical and his enthusiasm for learning to his lessons. He encourages creativity and personal expression with his students and wants to help make music as fulfilling and enjoyable for others as it is for him.

Jackson is a jazz drummer, bandleader, arranger and composer based out of the Greater Toronto Area. He has been playing the drums for 17 years and teaching for 5 years, wanting to spread his knowledge of music and his instrument to others. He is currently in his last year of studies at Humber College in the Bachelor of Music program studying jazz drums. Outside of school and teaching, you can see Jackson perform at well known venues on the Toronto scene. Aside from jazz, Jackson has experience playing pop, rock, indie, r&b, and latin music, with some of his major influences being Bill Stewart, Billy Drummond and Nate Smith. Jackson strives to create a safe, respectful and fun learning environment while still focusing on the building blocks of learning the drums.