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ABOUT OUR
TEACHERS
At Tabone Academy of Music, our instructors are well-trained and inspiring musicians who share our passion for educating people through their own love of music. We understand that you need more than just a certain skill level to be considered an all-around talented musician. Our instructors will teach you more than just music theory, including but not limited to stage confidence, creativity, and songwriting! At Tabone Academy of Music, we believe it's important to engage your untapped potential by significantly elevating more than just your ability to read music. Whether you are beginner or advanced, you'll be in the hands of some of the most influential musicians in Hamilton and the GTA, and you can be confident that every lesson will contribute to unlocking your overall musical talent!
To learn more about our teachers, please refer to their individual bio's below.
OUR TEACHERS
DAVID TABONE
Founder + Piano Instructor
David is an award-winning pianist from Hamilton, Ontario. He studied at The University of Western Ontario in the Music Education program. David had the unique opportunity of being the piano player under the direction of Phil Nimmons, outstanding Canadian Jazz Ambassador, in the UWO Jazz Orchestra. He majored in Music Education at The University of Toronto and has successfully been teaching music for over 30 years. He is the founder of the BR Xpression, an award-winning 250 contemporary vocal ensemble. He has a long list of achievements, including but not limited to winning the Directors Award for the HWCDSB and the Distinguished Service Award. He was a Nominee for the Prime Minister Award For Teaching Excellence and the Premiers Award for Teaching Excellence. David continues to change students lives through his passion + unique ability to elevate their talents.
JESSICA PELLICCIOTTA
Vocal Instructor
Jessica Pellicciotta started singing from the day she was able to talk. Jessica heavily trained in musical theatre and pop, along with jazz and classical music. In 2015, she won the Maestro Award in Boston with the St. Thomas More All Star Jazz Band. She also placed first in 2017 at the Provincial Qualifiers for the Hamilton Music Festival for advanced musical theatre. In addition to singing, Jessica is also an actress holding an advanced diploma in theatre performance from George Brown College. She has taught drama in the past and was a vocalist on Thomas and Friends: All Engines Go! She starred in several musicals while she trained with Theatre Aquarius’ Summer Programme (which has now become Zamprogna Arts). She was also featured at TAM in A Night on Broadway. Jessica is also a registered early childhood educator and is passionate about helping her students be the best they can be and building confidence and joy in their craft!
JESSIE BOWER
Vocal/Guitar Instructor
Jessie Bower is a singer/songwriter based in Hamilton Ontario. She is a recent graduate of the Humber College Bachelor of Music Program where she majored in Vocal. Jessie has been writing and performing her original music for over ten years. Currently, she performs with the successful country music duo “Jess and Tay,” who have performed at various music festivals such as “The Havelock Jamboree,” and “Boots and Hearts Music Festival.” The duo released their first EP “Bad Luck If You Don’t,” featuring their breakout single “Into Tomorrow,” written by Bower, to streaming platforms in 2019. The two have been nominated for Group or Duo of the year at the 2020 CMAO Awards.
ALEX D'ALVES
Guitar Instructor
Having studied music at Mohawk College + McMaster University, Alex's passion is in contemporary, jazz, and blues styles. When he is not performing, Alex can be found in the classroom. Alex has his Bachelor of Education in Music from Western University and continues to strive towards inspiring more students to develop their musical talents.
SAMANTHA SANTOS
Piano/Vocal Instructor
Samantha has had a passion for music since she was 7 years old and has been a featured soloist in vocal ensembles including the Junior BR Xpression and Senior BR Xpression as well as being a current member of the McMaster University Cantemus Choir. She’s currently attending McMaster University working towards a bachelor of music in jazz voice. Samantha has taken part in Bishop Ryan’s musical production of ‘Adventures Through Broadway’ in (2019) and Theatre Aquariuses musical production of ‘Joseph and the Technocolour dreamcoat’ in (2017). She is looking forward to teaching and learning with her students and can’t wait to share her love of music with others!
RYAN AHO
Guitar/Drums/Piano Instructor
Ryan knew he wanted to be involved with music ever since buying a Who CD at the local Zellers when he was young child. Through practical application and training at both Mohawk college and Humber, Ryan has developed a stylistic agility. Teaching not just theory and text, Ryan strives to engage each student individually at their own specific level. Outside of teaching, Ryan can be found getting creative, playing and writing on different instruments for different bands and music projects. Ryan hopes to one day develop a music therapy program for senior citizens living in long term care homes.
JOSEPH TABONE
Guitar Instructor
Joseph grew up surrounded by music in the Tabone family. His creativity and expressive nature makes his playing style unique and musically impressive. Although he plays ukulele, electric guitar, and piano, his passion is for the acoustic guitar. His patience and gentle demeanor makes him a perfect instructor for beginner students of all ages. He is excited to work with his students and help them develop their own unique strengths within the world of music.
CHRISTIAN PULSONE
Piano Instructor
Christian is a pianist in Hamilton, Ontario, who began playing piano at the age of 7. Christian is enrolled in the Royal Conservatory of Music and has achieved “First Class Honours with Distinction” on many of his exams. He is currently completing level 10 of this highly acclaimed program dedicated to passionate pianists. Christian is also an active participant in music ensembles at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School, such as Celtic Fusion. Alongside academic and athletic endeavours, Christian is dedicated to spreading his love for music by teaching students of all ages, allowing them to also build an appreciation for music. Music has made a lasting and positive impact on Christian, and he is extremely excited to embark on a new musical journey with his students!
KELLY MARAIS
Vocal/Piano Instructor
Kelly Marais is a Hamilton-based vocalist originally from Cape Town, South Africa. Marais is a graduate of Mohawk College’s Applied Music Program and specializes in Contemporary Vocals. She has been studying and playing music for fourteen years and has picked up guitar and piano along the way. Throughout her time learning music, Marais has had the opportunity to perform and collaborate with many musicians and artists worldwide. Recently, she has focused more on teaching and working on music for an upcoming EP. Marais’ music incorporates styles and influences from a wide range of genres and eras. She focuses predominantly on using influences from the music she grew up listening to with splashes of rock, R&B, and pop. Her music strives to find a well-organized balance of old and new as she continues to find new ways to blend the music of her heritage and modern influences.
JUN PARK
Violin/Cello/Piano Instructor
Jun is a versatile and dynamic violinist with over 15 years of experience, performing at numerous weddings, corporate events, restaurants, and concert stages throughout the Greater Toronto Area and abroad. Some of his performance highlights include a solo centre stage at Scotiabank Arena in front of a crowd of 20,000+ for We Day Toronto 2012, being featured as a soloist internationally in China and Europe as a member of the Ontario Youth Orchestra and the Canadian Sinfonietta Youth Orchestra, and more. As a teacher, he is a patient and kind educator that also encourages and pushes his students to play at their best. He believes that learning is best achieved with the right balance of fun, self-directed inquiry, disciplined work, and an environment which is nurturing, not harsh or critical. Jun is looking forward to working with the talented students at Tabone, and helping them grow to succeed as musicians.
JUSTIN DUNLOP
Guitar/Bass Guitar Instructor
Justin is a singer/songwriter, bass player, and guitarist with a Bachelor of Music degree from Humber College, focused on performance and production. He is also an honours Graduate from the Mohawk College Applied Music program. He has received multiple awards and nominations from the Hamilton Music Awards including winner of the Bassist of The Year in 2007 and a nomination for Adult Alternate Album of The Year for his first LP entitled Black Bay Nocturnes in 2014. He was chosen out of significant applicants for a grant from the Ontario Arts Council for songwriting and recording and has numerous albums available on all online listening platforms. Justin releases music under his own name and as part of The Dunlop Brothers, whose second album Vol.2 will be released later this year. He has also performed and recorded as a side man for Juno Award winning singer/songwriter Harrison Kennedy, and currently works and records with Juno Award winning talent, Tomi Swick. Justin is excited to be joining the TAM teaching team and inspiring others through their passion for music.
AARON GUAGLIANO
Piano Instructor
Aaron began playing piano at the age of 7 and through encouragement from a very musically-gifted family, he developed a love and appreciation for all the musical arts. Aaron is a recent graduate of McMaster University’s Arts Science program in combination with Psychology. Particularly, Aaron has had a passion for child and adolescent psychology, which spurred him to begin teaching at TAM. In his lessons, Aaron uses his studies in human behavioural
learning and the frameworks of psychology education to encourage his students through their own individual learning paths, seeking to lift them up and cultivate their own passions and gifts in music. To Aaron, the best feeling in teaching is seeing the student’s eyes light up when they feel the joy of understanding music in their own unique way.
OLIVIA MOSTACCI
Piano Instructor
Growing up in a musical family, Olivia was always surrounded by the love of music and her passion for it was fostered from when she was young. She began piano lessons at the age of 10 and has since completed many RCM exams with First Class Honours with Distinction for both piano and music theory. She is currently studying French and English & Cultural Studies at McMaster University and aspiring to become a teacher. She is very excited to work with her students at their level and at a pace that works for each individual. Music has always been a positive outlet for Olivia, and she hopes to inspire her students to discover their love of music in their own ways!
ANDREW MROZOWSKI
Piano/Guitar Instructor
Andrew is a passionate music educator and multi-instrumentalist with a strong classical foundation and a creative, student-centered approach. Classically trained through the Royal Conservatory of Music, he specializes in piano and teaches students of all ages and skill levels—from complete beginners to advanced RCM exam candidates. Andrew began his music journey at McMaster University in the music program and now works there full-time as the Executive Editor of The Silhouette, the university’s student newspaper. His experience extends beyond piano, as he also plays and teaches guitar, bass, and drums. He brings a well-rounded perspective to his lessons, drawing on years of performance and recording experience, including the release of an original album in 2024. Whether students are preparing for exams, learning pop songs, or exploring chords and lead sheets, Andrew creates a warm, engaging environment that encourages confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of music.
JORGE GIORNO
Drums/Piano/Trumpet Instructor
Jorge is a drummer, percussionist, and educator with more than 15 years of experience in live shows, musical theatre productions, and recording studio sessions. His performance experiences feature shows with Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award-Winning artist Armando Manzanero, Multi-Plantinum selling Brazilian singer Daniela Mercury, and Grammy Award-Winning artist Lila Downs. He also served as a drummer for the international production "Elvis Live in Concert" feat. Priscilla Presley and a 50-piece orchestra held at the Luna Park Stadium in Buenos Aires. As lead drummer for the Argentinian folk dance group Malevo (America's Got Talent semifinalist), he has performed at great venues around the world such as the "Fall For Dance Festival" 2019 at the NYC Center, "Global Village" multicultural Amusement Park (Dubai), "Salles Des Etoiles" (Monaco), and "World's Got Talent" (China). One of his fields of expertise is musical theatre, having performed in Argentinian Broadway professional productions such as Cabaret, Rocky Horror Show, A Chorus Line, Evita, Jekyll & Hyde, Rent, Mamma Mia!, Rock of Ages, Ghost and Kinky Boots, among other.
ABBY KOMPARE
Guitar/Vocal Instructor
Abby Rose Kompare is Hamilton based singer-songwriter and has been playing the guitar for 15 years, taught at an early age by Canadian musician Terra Lightfoot. Abby’s love for performing has led her to many festival stages, including the Winona Peach Festival! She was a soloist in both the Junior BR Xpression and BR Xpression Vocal Ensembles. She earned a Maestro Award for her solo performance of “The Sound of Silence” and sang backup for Lorde at the 2016 MMVAs. Her previous band, Tabitha, won second place at a local battle of the bands competition, where Abby played lead guitar and wrote the band’s original song. Her debut album “Arkeleven” (under the name “Roseboat”) has over 9,000 streams on Spotify and she is anticipating the release of more music later this year! Her true passion is music and she is so excited to be sharing this spark with her students!
SEAN BIENHAUS
Guitar Instructor
Sean is an independent artist, performer, and producer from Hamilton, Ontario. Sean works full time in music, playing between 15-20 shows a month at Restaurants, Breweries, Markets, Festivals and more as a solo performer. Sean writes, records, and performs all his own music as well as working as a producer for other artists and bands in the Hamilton area and beyond! Sean studied Audio Production & Engineering and worked as a Student Mentor at Metalworks Institute in Mississauga. Sean loves music more than anything and wants nothing more than to share that with others!
ALEKSI SUN
Guitar Instructor
Aleksi Sun is an enthusiastic guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer based in Hamilton, Ontario. He specializes in genres such as metal, jazz, and classical music. Aleksi is a
graduate of Mohawk College’s Applied Music program, where he focused on contemporary guitar performance. He also holds a Bachelor of Music degree from McMaster University and a
Master’s degree in Music Technology from the University of Toronto. During his time at the University of Toronto, Aleksi independently produced an entire EP—handling everything from
recording all the instruments and vocals to post-production, and album cover design.
DILLON FRANTISTS
Guitar/Piano Instructor
Dillon Frantists is a guitarist and composer that grew up in Hamilton being in choirs for years, and is also a graduate of Mohawk College’s music program. Dillon continues to tour all over Canada and the U.S.A with renowned hardcore band Reality Denied, and has had the opportunity to play alongside Madball, Sunami, and GateCreeper to name a few. Since appearing for an interview on 91.1 JazzFM, Dillon has also been growing his solo career, writing new music drawing inspiration from Jazz-Fusion, Metal, and Video Game Music, and plans to continue the growth of the local music community. Having studied with accomplished musicians such as Emile d’Eon, Will Jarvis, Dusty Micale, and Darcy Hepner, Dillon found a passion for theory and intricacies in musical storytelling, and wishes to share the excitement of music with his students.
DIANA HERRERA
Drums/Piano Instructor
Born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, Diana Herrera grew up listening to loud music and banging couches with drumsticks. She started playing drums in metal bands since the age of 15, and from that moment her career developed further, getting to play alongside Japanese metal renowned vocalist, Eizo Sakamoto. Nurturing from classic rock, Latin rhythms, electronica and jazz (among others), she uses her skills to combine grooves creatively, as well as learning from different musical perspectives to enhance her performance. After becoming a music producer and working as a composer for independent videogame companies located around the world, she moved to Hamilton in 2021 to further her music studies at Mohawk College. She currently performs as a "hired gun" in several local bands around Ontario, with genres ranging from Urban/Hip-hop, Jazz and Bluegrass to Punk and Rockabilly.
She can also be seen DJing at local nightclubs every month.
GABRIEL SANCHEZ
Piano Instructor
Gabriel Sanchez is a talented Bolivian musician and teacher based in Hamilton, Ontario. He began his piano studies at the young age of seven, which ranged from church music to classical music at the “School of Fine Arts” in his
hometown. His contributions to the community were recognized with
the Municipal Merit Medal by the Mayor of Santa Cruz, honouring his musical career and excellence. He is also a versatile experienced session Pianist/Keyboardist that has toured and recorded with many bands, choirs, and artists like Nito Mestre
and Carlos Fischer. He was a music teacher at the German School in
Santa Cruz, Bolivia. He was also nominated by his Music department for the Mary Alice Stuart Award offered through the Jazz FM Radio in Toronto and is currently pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Music at Mohawk
College, mentored by Pat Collins, Bob Shields and Rob Fekete while collaborating with local musicians like WTMSD.
PAULA TESSARO
Vocal Instructor
Paula French (Tessaro) is a professional vocalist and vocal instructor. Paula has spent the better part of the past four decades in the music industry. As a founding member of the Juno nominated band Ray Lyell and The Storm, she has toured exclusively throughout Canada and the US. As well as lending her vocals to Top 40 hits, "Carry Me" and "Another Man's Gun," Paula has fronted bands throughout her entire career such as Tracy Kane, Ta-she, Powerhouse and The Paula Tessaro Band. Her musical passion has led her to teaching vocals for the past 30 years in private and studio settings. Currently, Paula enthusiastically entertains outside of Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes for seniors to spread some joy during the pandemic.
KEATON TYE
Guitar/Piano/Vocal Instructor
Keaton Tye is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter based in Hamilton, Ontario with a passion for all genres. Be it rock, folk, jazz - any music is good music. He is a graduate of the jazz performance program at Mohawk College and holds a Bachelors of Music from McMaster. He is currently working towards his B.Ed at Laurier.
NIGEL STEWART
Drums/Piano Instructor
Nigel Stewart is a professional drummer based out of Hamilton, Ontario. He has been playing drums for twenty years, with over twelve years of live performance experience and six years of teaching experience. Before completing the Mohawk College Applied Music program in 2017 he was mostly self-taught, learning by ear. He strives to use both facets of his own learning experience when he teaches, aiming to give students a fundamental understanding of reading, but also developing the ear so they can continue to learn on their own. Over the years, Nigel has taught all skill levels ranging from beginner lessons, to students preparing to study jazz at a post-secondary level. In the past, Nigel has performed with Juno-award winning musicians, from jazz pianist Adrian Farrugia, to members of punk-rock outfit The Dirty Nil. He currently performs and records with emerging Hamilton-based rock trio Captain WildChild.
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LAILA ADRIANA
Piano/Vocal Instructor
Laila is a second-year student at McMaster University working towards a Bachelor’s of Music, with a major in piano. In high school, Laila was in both the concert band and the choir. Now, Laila also plays the tuba in the McMaster Concert Band. She enjoys creating music and has had the chance to work on and release a few original tracks with musicians that she connected with online during the pandemic. Laila is extremely excited to continue working on her passion while inspiring her own students through her teaching!
MATT SOLIVERI
Drum Instructor
Matt Soliveri is a professional drummer and instructor based out of Hamilton Ontario. Matt’s journey as a drummer began nearly 20 years ago, playing in numerous local acts before studying Music at Mohawk College. After completing his music degree, he began performing and recording with some of Canada's top artists such as Alessia Cara, Jesse Labelle and Brian Melo. These experiences allowed him to perfect his craft as a session and live drummer. Since joining the award-winning alt-country/ roots-rock band The Redhill Valleys in 2017, Matt has continuously proven his expertise as a drummer, songwriter and performer. The knowledge and experience Matt has gained working in the Canadian music industry has funnelled into his 10-year span as a music instructor. Above all else, Matt has a never-ending passion for drumming as an art form which he hopes to pass onto future generations of drummers and musicians alike.
GABE GIAMMARIA
Drums/Guitar/Piano/Vocal Teacher
Gabriel Giammaria is a multi instrumentalist from Hamilton, Ontario. He started drumming and singing at the age of 5 and has gone on to perform throughout Ontario, opening up for Canadian rock icon Kim Mitchell, and has also performed internationally with All McCartney Live on Celebrity Cruises. Gabriel has a Bachelor’s degree in music from Humber College in Toronto, and a certificate in drum performance from the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, California. He is
currently endorsed by Los Cabos Drumsticks and Udrum Underground Drum Company.
BILL MAJOROS
Guitar/Drums/Piano Instructor
Bill is a Canadian singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist who releases music under the name of The Foreign Films. Majoros has played hundreds of shows spanning North America and the UK. From legendary clubs such as the Cavern Club in Liverpool (of Beatles fame), CBGB’s in NYC, The Stone Pony (Asbury Park, NJ)
1st Ave in Minneapolis (Prince, Purple Rain) to stadium shows and festivals supporting many well-known artists. Live support shows and recording dates include work with: Alanis Morissette, The Tragically Hip, Echo and the Bunnymen, Giles Martin (The Beatles production and remixes 2023) Daniel Lanois, Blue Rodeo, Jewel, 5440, Big Sugar, Robyn Hitchcock, Blood Sweat and Tears, The Sadies, Ron Sexsmith, Fountains of Wayne, Carl Jennings (Freedom Train, Andy Kim) Dave Rave (Teenage Head) Sarah Harmer, Universal Honey etc. Majoros has been nominated for and received prestigious music/arts awards like the Hamilton Arts Award album of the year and guitar player of the year. Bill has also composed for film and television (Psy Factor, Dan Aykroyd, Linda Blair of The Exorcist). Bill is excited to bring his 30 years of teaching experience to TAM!
SEAN DEPLEDGE
Guitar/Piano/Drum Instructor
Sean is a versatile musician and dedicated educator with a passion for both traditional and electronic music. Graduating from Mohawk College's esteemed music program for bass guitar, Sean immersed himself in the world of Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, and Popular music. Refining his skills under the tutelage of renowned professors like Pat Collins and Bob Shields, further deepening his expertise in composition, counterpoint, tonal harmony, and improvisation. Complementing his formal education, Sean also received private instruction from renowned Toronto bassist/educator Will Jarvis.
Beyond academia, Sean's musical journey extends into the realm of electronic music, where he crafts dynamic and nostalgic soundscapes reminiscent of late 90s and early 2000s video game music. As an electronic music artist, Sean collaborates with fellow artists in the Greater Toronto Area, blending elements of drum and bass and IDM to create immersive sonic experiences. In addition to his solo endeavors, Sean is an integral member of the Jazz Punks trio, hosting open jam sessions to foster creativity and community among fellow musicians.
NANCY HOPE
Vocal/Guitar/Piano Instructor
Nancy Hope is a professional vocalist, songwriter, and artist with a passion for helping singers unlock the full power of their voice. Nancy received a Bachelor of Music Degree with Honours in Voice Performance from Humber College in 2020. She has been performing as a solo artist and in multiple wedding/corporate bands the past 10 years which has made her a versatile singer performing in multiple genres such as pop, rock, country, and R&B. She has performed in the GTA, Nashville and Mexico, and performed at some of Canada’s proving grounds like the El Mocambo, Horseshoe Tavern, Rogers Centre Corona Rooftop, and the OLG Stage as the top 100 on Season 2 of Canada’s Got Talent. When not teaching, she continues to pursue her career as a performing artist and is currently releasing new music.
ISABELLA STOREY
Piano/Vocal/Guitar Instructor
Isabella Storey is a piano, vocal and guitar teacher from Hamilton, Ontario. She started her music education at 6 years old with piano which eventually led her to guitar, vocal and musical theory education. She is an accomplished singer/songwriter and actively enjoys working with other musicians! Isabella has studied the "Royal Conservatory of Music" piano, guitar, vocal, musical theory, and history programs. She also won 1st place in the Niagara Music Competition for both vocal and guitar. She has experience singing in the McMaster university women’s choir and is excited about teaching the next generation of musicians at Tabone Academy of Music!
DONNA MAHBOUBI
Violin/Piano Instructor
Donna Mahboubi is a violinist from Toronto and is currently in her fourth year studying Health Sciences at McMaster University, with a minor in Music. Throughout her 15 years of experience playing the violin, she has played in numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. She is also currently the concertmaster of the McMaster Symphony Orchestra, a position she has held for the past three years and is the conductor of the McMaster Health Sciences Musical. Donna has completed her ARCT in violin and RCM Grade 6 in piano, achieving first-class honours with distinction. She enjoys playing the violin in musicals around the Greater Hamilton Area with companies such as Burloak Theatre, Hamilton Theatre Inc., and Theatre Ancaster. Donna is excited to share her passion for music with violin and beginner piano students.
RHEANNEN MCLELLAND
Vocal/Piano Instructor
Rheannen McLelland is Canadian vocalist based in Hamilton, ON. With 10+ years of music experience, Rheannen has graduated from the Mohawk College Applied Music program majoring in contemporary voice, and has performed in an array of venues across Ontario. Rheannen has experience in a variety of genres such as, Pop, Rock, Country, R&B, and Jazz. Though performing has been a huge part of her life, teaching music has always been her passion. Rheannen’s main goal as a teacher is to provide a safe space for people of all ages to learn how to use their instrument in a healthy and effective manner. She does everything in her ability to make her lessons fun and exciting to help her students find their spark and fall in love with music the way she did.
QUEEN CEE
Vocal Instructor
Queen Cee is a singer/songwriter/actress and community activist in Hamilton. She is a soulful singer who's expressive vocals have mixed elements of R&B, Soul, and Jazz. She has been a professional vocalist for over 30 years and has been in a couple bands, had a career doing backup vocals for many Canadian recording artists and a studio vocalist. Within musical theatre, Queen has landed roles in musical theatre productions such as The Lion King, to which she was offered the role of Nala with Mirvish Productions, the musical production of Dreamgirls with Theatre Aquarius and Manitoba Theatre, to which she landed the lead role of Ms. Deena Jones and Little Shop of Horrors with Hamilton Theatre. Queen Cee's debut EP, “Space and Time”, which won her the Soul/R&B Album of the year at the Hamilton Music Awards 2008. In 2010, Queen was a recipient for the YWCA’s Woman of Distinction Awards for Arts and Creative Energy. Queen Cee has been featured in multiple Hamilton and Ontario media venues for her community works such as: Hamilton Magazine, for musical achievements; selected along with her husband, as one of Hamilton’s 20 most fashionable and Hamilton’s top 31 most interesting and influential people. She has 2 organizations, When Sistahs Get Together, which promotes the empowerment of women and multiculturalism and Be-You-tiful Girls Club Inc., a Not-for-profit organization that creatively builds self-esteem in girls through the arts. She was a selected music artist who performed for CBC's live special 150 Canada Day broadcast with other known Hamilton music artists, and Supercrawl Hamilton and Fresh Up Fest as part of the performing artist lineup. Queen Cee is currently in the studio recording for a new EP.
ELISSA LEWIS
Piano Instructor
After discovering her passion for music at a young age, Elissa has been learning piano for over a decade and has achieved her Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Grade 9 Piano and RCM Grade 8 Theory certifications. She has experience in teaching students from the ages of 4 - 60+ at different musical levels, ranging from beginner to intermediate. While her piano background is in classical music, Elissa enjoys playing a range of genres such as jazz, pop, and musical theatre. While pursuing a Bachelor of Honours Health Sciences degree at McMaster University, Elissa has been the pianist in McMaster Musical Theatre’s Pit Orchestra. In the past, she has also performed in pit orchestras as a pianist or flutist in Annie Jr., Jesus Christ Superstar, The Wizard of Oz, and Anastasia. Elissa enjoys helping each student achieve their unique goals and interests while providing them with the resources to become amazing musicians and performers.
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CAMILLA CORTIS
Piano Instructor
Camilla is a psychology student specializing in music cognition at McMaster University. She has been playing piano since she was 5 years old, classically trained through the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM). Her piano skills span genres, with a love of pop music, musical theatre, and jazz. Additionally, Camilla plays French Horn with the McMaster Concert Band, McMaster Brass Quintet, and McMaster Musical Theatre. She has also played horn with Oshawa Little Theatre and the Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra. Camilla has always enjoyed teaching music and is grateful for the opportunity to work with TAM!
SOPHIA ALONZO
Piano Instructor
Sophia has been passionate about music since she first sat at the piano at just five years old. She has since earned her Grade 8 Royal Conservatory of Music, with honours, and developed a love for both playing and teaching. Along with piano, she enjoys singing and sharing the joy of music with others. With a natural ability to connect with young learners, Sophia creates a fun, encouraging and engaging environment for students of all ages. Her goal is to inspire a lifelong love of music while building confidence and foundational skills in her students. In addition to music, Sophia has a keen interest in interior design and plans to pursue it as a career. Whether playing, teaching, or designing, she brings passion, patience and dedication to everything she does. She looks forward to helping students explore the wonderful world of music!
AISHA BARROW
Vocal/Piano Instructor
Aisha “Eye-Sha” Barrow is a singer/songwriter with over 12 years of experience in the R&B and pop music scene. Her passion for music began at age 5 and has only grown stronger since then.
After moving to Canada at the age of eight, Aisha spent her elementary and high school years honing her musical skills, which ultimately led her to pursue a degree in Vocal Jazz at Mohawk College. During her time in college, she had the opportunity to work as a backup Singer for Juno-nominated vocalist Vita Chambers. She was also featured as a vocalist with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. Aisha's dedication to her craft did not go unnoticed, as she was accepted into Humber College for a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. However, after one year in the program, she left to focus on Lifeandthetribe, her five-piece R&B and pop ensemble. Lifeandthetribe was honored with the Hamilton City Enrichment Fund for the Arts in Creation and Presentation and was recognized as one of eight emerging Canadian artists to listen to in 2022 by Exclaim Magazine. Throughout the years, Aisha has built a reputation for being a versatile and dynamic performer, allowing her to be booked for numerous festivals and showcases alike. It is precisely because of her experience that Aisha is excited to join the staff at Tabone Academy of Music as a Vocal Instructor. Aisha is thrilled to assist her students in finding their unique voice, building their confidence as performers, and preparing them for their future careers as artists.
EVIN CHAVES
Piano/Vocal Instructor
Evin Chaves is a pianist and vocal instructor. He studied at The University of Western Ontario in the Music Education program and is currently studying at Redeemer University in the Education program. Evin was involved in a choral ensemble for his undergraduate degree, while studying classical/jazz piano. In high school, he was a part of the Bishop Ryan Xpression from 2017-2020, as well as being a soloist in 2019. Evin was awarded the “Music Graduate Award” and the “Bishop Ryan Celtic Groove MVP Award” in 2020. In the future, he plans on becoming a high school music teacher. Evin has a great passion for music and enjoys teaching music to his students of all ages and skill levels.
SAMANTHA DEL SORDO
Piano Instructor
Samantha is a dedicated piano player who is currently in her last year of high school. Over the past 10 years, she has completed her RCM Level 8 Piano Certification and is currently working towards her RCM Level 9 Piano and Theory. Her foundation in piano technique and knowledge of music theory has allowed her to become an involved member of Brave Ambition and Worship Ensemble at St. Jean de Brébeuf high school. Here she shares her talents and commitment through performances and playing with others. Her future plans are to attend McMaster University to study Music and French with the aspiration of becoming a teacher. As a piano teacher, Samantha brings a positive and encouraging approach to her lessons through patience and creativity to build confidence and love for music in young learners.
JOHN RIVAS
Drums/Piano Instructor
John is a third-year student at McMaster University working towards a Bachelor of Music. He has had a passion for music since the age of 4 and has composed a variety of pieces for piano. He was also the recipient of his schools music award and placed 2nd at the Hamilton Music Festival with his compositions. He is studying under some of Canada's top jazz musicians, such as Rob Fekete, at McMaster and is working at a grade 9 RCM classical level. He has also studied advanced music theory with Joe Resendes and advanced percussion with John Brownell. John is extremely eager to share his knowledge and passion for music with others and cannot wait to begin his journey with his students!
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