Larra
Guitar, Voice, Ukulele, Mandolin, Piano
Larra is the owner of Sweet Music Lessons and has enjoyed many years of introducing children and adults to the world of music. Larra trained privately with jazz vocal educator Lisa Martinelli and was an honours classical voice student with Loralie Kirkpatrick at the Royal Conservatory of Music, receiving her Grade 8 in Classical Voice. She also has piano training from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Larra began studying classical guitar at an early age and performing her original songs at local venues. Her debut music album “The World Disappears”, released under the name Larra Skye, became the #1 independent jazz album for HMV Canada in the year of its release. Her music has since appeared on national radio and television stations including the CBC and Jazz FM 91. She has performed in Canada and the U.S and her second album “Wishing Tree” was released in 2013 with Grammy-nominated producer Karen Kosowski. At present, Larra is teaching select private students north of the city, performing her own music as well as playing trombone in a chamber orchestra.
Genevieve
Piano
Genevieve has been classically trained in piano since the age of 5, and has enjoyed many years studying, performing, and competing since. In addition to achieving level 9 RCM, she has received many accolades in piano including a Senior Piano award from the Annapolis Valley Music Festival at Acadia University. Her passion for music has taken her on to learn both guitar and trombone, as well as participate in musical theatre pit bands and concert ensembles. Genevieve knows the value of a personal musical journey, and loves to encourage students to be creative and mindful through exploring music that inspires them.
Peter
Guitar, Ukulele, Bass
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.
Victor
Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, Drums
Victor is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and actor. He started piano at age 5, and went on to receive a Level 10 certificate in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Along the way Victor picked up drums, as well as guitar and bass in high school. Since then he has played in local punk bands, and spent 2018 performing and recording with free improv group American Standard Trio. Victor is an avid collaborator across many different styles, and continues to perform solo and in improvised ensembles at various jazz/experimental music events in the GTA. Having taught privately since 2013, he is passionate about sharing the joy and curiosity that comes with creating music. True to his own influences, he encourages his students to let go of preconceptions about the role of music in our lives and what it takes to make it.
Rachel
Piano, Voice, Flute
Rachel grew up singing in many different children’s choirs from an early age. At 5 years old, she started piano lessons and quickly discovered how much she enjoyed playing music, as well as improvising and composing by ear. Rachel went on to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music at York University, with flute as her primary instrument. Over the last six years, Rachel has had the opportunity to run the music program at several different elementary schools across Ontario. She has experience teaching students from grades K to 8, teaching in a variety of different areas including band, strings and choir, as well as private piano and vocal lessons . Rachel loves cultivating joy and excitement in young and growing musicians, just as her own music teachers did for her, and finds the process of helping students to grow in their personal expression of musicianship extremely rewarding.