Meet Our Instructors

At Academy of Music, we believe that great music teachers inspire, motivate, and guide students toward achieving their full potential. Our team of dedicated instructors is passionate about teaching and committed to helping students experience the joy of learning music. Whether you’re starting your musical journey or looking to take your skills to the next level, you’ll find an instructor who matches your goals and interests.

Our Teaching Philosophy

Our approach to music education is built around a few core principles:

  • Quality Instruction: We prioritize finding instructors with the best qualifications and experience to ensure that every student receives the highest level of education.

  • Personalized Learning: Every student is unique, so we customize lessons to match their interests, goals, and pace, making learning both fun and meaningful.

  • Building Foundations: We believe that a strong foundation in music theory, technique, and rhythm is crucial for every student, no matter their instrument or skill level.

  • Engagement: We strive to keep lessons fun, engaging, and interactive, ensuring that students stay motivated and enjoy the process of learning.

  • Community & Connection: We encourage students to participate in recitals and group events, fostering a sense of community and helping them develop their performance skills.

Meet Our Talented Teachers

Our instructors are more than just skilled musicians – they’re mentors who help students of all ages discover their love for music and reach their fullest potential. Below, you’ll find a brief introduction to each of our talented teachers, including their areas of expertise, credentials, teaching style, and fun facts.

Susanne

Instruments Taught:

Piano

Credentials:

Studied Western Board program to Grade 8
College studies in Art and Design

Experience:

Piano teacher
Church musician
Accompanist
Musical theatre performer
Keyboardist in a classic rock cover band

Bio:

Music has been a part of Susanne’s life from an early age, even before she began piano lessons at seven. Her parents often played their favorite classical and Broadway music at home, which helped nurture her passion. She studied through the Western Board program up to Grade 8 before pursuing college studies in art and design. However, her dedication to music continued as she taught piano, worked as a church musician and accompanist, and performed in musical theatre. More recently, she expanded her musical repertoire by joining a classic rock cover band as their keyboardist. Susanne looks forward to passing on the valuable lessons she learned from her own piano teacher and sharing her love of music with her students.

Alex Whitehead - Private Studio

Instruments Taught:

Clarinet, Bass Clarinet

Credentials:

Bachelor of Music – University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Artist Diploma – The Glenn Gould School at the Royal Conservatory of Music
Master of Music – Northwestern University

Experience:

2nd Clarinetist, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
Private studio teacher for all ages and abilities

Bio:

Alex is currently the 2nd clarinetist in the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. While maintaining an active performance career, he also runs a private teaching studio, working with students of all ages and abilities.

Andrew Littleford

Instruments Taught:

Trumpet

Credentials:

B.Mus – Brandon University
M.Mus – New England Conservatory of Music

Experience:

15 years teaching private lessons, clinics, and sectionals
Performer in numerous Winnipeg-based bands
Released original jazz album Far As The Eye Can See (October 2023)

Student Success Stories:

Students selected for all levels of Provincial Honour Bands and Honour Jazz Bands
Several accepted into Canadian university music programs

Bio:

Andrew is an active member of the Winnipeg music scene and a highly sought-after educator in Manitoba. He released an album of original jazz music titled Far As The Eye Can See in October 2023, and regularly performs with many local bands, including Dirty Catfish Brass Band, Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, Big City All Star Band, and Mariachi Rio Rojo, among others. More information can be found on his website: www.andrewlittleford.com

Anna Blackmore

Instruments Taught:

Baritone Saxophone (primary)
Soprano, Alto, and Tenor Saxophone
Flute
Clarinet
Bass Clarinet

Credentials:

Bachelor of Jazz Studies in Saxophone Performance – University of Manitoba
Master of Arts in English Literature – University of British Columbia

Experience:

  • Woodwind instructor for beginner to advanced levels

  • Teaches sheet music reading, improvisation, and basic theory

  • Scholarship recipient to perform with the TD Youth Summit Ensemble at the 2019 Ottawa Jazz Festival

  • Mentored by Christine Jensen through the Women in Jazz Organization (Spring 2019)

  • Performed on bass clarinet on Jon Gordon’s 2021 Juno-nominated album Stranger Than Fiction

Bio:

Anna Blackmore is a Polish-Canadian musician and writer from Winnipeg, Manitoba. She holds a Bachelor of Jazz Studies in saxophone performance from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Arts in English Literature from UBC. Her main instrument is the baritone saxophone, and she also plays and teaches all single reed woodwinds, including soprano, alto, and tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet, and bass clarinet. Anna’s musicianship is influenced by jazz legends like Charlie Parker, Gerry Mulligan, and Charles Mingus, while also drawing inspiration from artists such as Kendrick Lamar, the Dave Matthews Band, Queen, and Earth, Wind & Fire.

Highlights of her playing career include receiving a scholarship to perform with the TD Youth Summit Ensemble at the 2019 Ottawa Jazz Festival, being mentored by Christine Jensen through the New-York-based Women in Jazz Organization mentorship program in Spring 2019, and playing bass clarinet on Jon Gordon’s 2021 Juno-nominated album Stranger Than Fiction.

At the Academy of Music, Anna teaches beginner to advanced woodwind techniques, reading sheet music, improvisation, and basic theory.

Chris Woytyshyn

Instruments Taught:

Guitar
Bass
Drums

Credentials:

Currently studying at the University of Manitoba’s Desautels Faculty of Music
Recipient of the Len Hew Trophy (2023, Classical Guitar)

Experience:

  • Over a decade of teaching guitar, bass, and drums

  • Performed twice with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra as a teenager in a guitar ensemble

  • Passionate about inspiring students to develop their own musical voices

Bio:

Chris Woytyshyn was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and began studying music and playing guitar at the age of nine. As a teenager, he had the privilege of performing twice with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in a guitar ensemble—an experience that deepened his passion for classical music.

With over a decade of experience teaching guitar, bass, and drums, Chris is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and helping students develop their own musical voices. In 2023, he was honored with the Len Hew Trophy as a classical guitarist, recognizing his commitment to his craft.

Chris is currently studying at the University of Manitoba’s Desautels Faculty of Music, where he continues to refine his skills as both a performer and an educator. His goal is to inspire the next generation of musicians by fostering a love for music through both performance and education.

Imkyung Kwon

Instruments Taught:

Piano
Violin
Flute
Recorder
Ukulele

Credentials:

Bachelor’s degree in Music and Education
Over 30 years of teaching and curriculum development experience

Experience:

  • Extensive experience teaching students of varying ages and skill levels

  • Led children’s orchestras, promoting ensemble skills and musical collaboration

  • Skilled in individualized instruction fostering creativity, discipline, and appreciation for music

Bio:

Imkyung Kwon is a dedicated and accomplished music educator with more than thirty years of experience in teaching and curriculum development. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music and education and has devoted her career to nurturing students’ musical growth through thoughtful, individualized instruction and a comprehensive educational approach.

Her teaching expertise includes piano, violin, flute, recorder, and ukulele. She has worked extensively with students of varying ages and skill levels, fostering not only technical proficiency but also creativity, discipline, and a lasting appreciation for music. In addition to one-on-one instruction, she has led children’s orchestras, promoting ensemble skills and musical collaboration in young learners.

Ms. Kwon is deeply committed to creating a supportive and structured learning environment where each student is encouraged to reach their full potential. Her broad teaching experience, combined with a strong foundation in music education, allows her to adapt her methods to meet the diverse needs of her students.

Throughout her career, she has remained passionate about guiding the next generation of musicians and believes in the transformative power of music education to enrich lives and build character.

Emerald Wood

Instruments Taught:

Piano
Acoustic Guitar

Credentials:

Bachelor of Music – The King’s University
Advanced Certificate of Worship Arts Ministry – Vanguard College

Experience:

  • Youth Director at local church, actively working with kids and youth

  • Passionate about teaching and connecting with students through music

Bio:

I grew up in rural Alberta, where some of my favorite things include going for walks with my dogs and watching sunsets over the valley. I recently graduated from The King’s University with a Bachelor of Music and earned an Advanced Certificate of Worship Arts Ministry from Vanguard College. Currently, I work as a Youth Director at my church, where I enjoy making meaningful connections with children and youth. I look forward to continuing this passion by teaching at the Academy of Music!

Chris Friesen

Instruments Taught:

Guitar
Banjo
Electric Bass
Ukulele

Experience:

  • Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter

  • Recorded solo albums and an album with his wife as The Lazy Sundays

  • Passionate about teaching creativity and improvisation across all instruments

  • Professionally trained actor and acting instructor with Theatre Unlabeled

Bio:

Chris is a multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, banjo, electric bass, and ukulele. He is also a songwriter and has recorded both solo albums and an album with his wife as The Lazy Sundays. Chris loves teaching creativity and improvisation on any instrument. Beyond music, he is a professionally trained actor and teaches acting classes with Theatre Unlabeled.

Juanita Unrau

Instruments Taught:

Piano

Credentials:

Piano Pedagogy Elementary
Grade 9 Piano with History

Experience:

14 years teaching piano
Volunteered in churches leading singing, both vocally and on piano
Performed piano at numerous weddings and funerals

Student Success Stories:

  • Four students have completed RCM exams, with several more currently in progress

  • Several students have performed at weddings

  • Maintains a repertoire of wedding classics for all students to prepare them for such opportunities

Bio:

Music has always been an important part of my background. I have volunteered in the churches I attended by helping lead singing, either by singing or playing piano. I have also played piano at a number of weddings and funerals. I enjoy teaching students not only technical skills but also practical repertoire that prepares them for real-world performance opportunities.

Ben H.

Instruments Taught:

Cello
Guitar
Ukulele

Credentials:

Bachelor of Education

Bio:

Ben has a Bachelor of Education degree and has been actively involved in music throughout his life, including running numerous musical programs as a K–12 educator. He enjoys listening to classical and jazz music and hopes one day to learn to play Fado on the Portuguese guitar.

Bohdanna

Instruments Taught:

Violin
Piano
Theory
Voice

Credentials:

  • M.R.M.T.A.

  • Bachelor of Music

  • Regina Conservatory of Music

  • Montreal Conservatoire de Musique

  • University of Saskatoon

  • Conservatoire de Musique Bruxelles, Belgium

  • University of Manitoba

    Bio:

    Bohdanna Patrie is a versatile and accomplished musician and educator specializing in violin, piano, voice, and music theory. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree and the M.R.M.T.A. designation, with studies completed at prestigious institutions including the Regina Conservatory of Music, Montreal Conservatoire de Musique, University of Saskatoon, Conservatoire de Musique Bruxelles in Belgium, and the University of Manitoba.

Boris Waissbluth

Instruments Taught:

Piano

Credentials:

Bachelor of Arts in Music (Piano) – University of Winnipeg

Experience:

  • Teaching piano at Academy of Music since its founding in 1990 (35 years)

  • Performed with numerous Latin bands since 1987

  • Taught a wide range of students, including former NHL players Tim Stapleton and Jim Slater

Bio:

Boris Waissbluth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a focus on piano from the University of Winnipeg. He has been teaching piano at the Academy of Music since its inception in 1990, bringing over 35 years of teaching experience. A seasoned performer, Boris has played with numerous Latin bands since 1987. Among his many students are two former NHL players, Tim Stapleton and Jim Slater.

Justin Gruber

Instruments Taught:

Tuba
Composition

Credentials:

  • Yamaha Young Performing Artist

  • Denis Wick Artist

  • Former Principal Tuba, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra

  • Extensive performance and teaching experience across North America

Bio:

Justin Gruber is an award-winning tuba player and composer dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians. He has performed with major ensembles such as the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and is a recognized Yamaha and Denis Wick Artist. Justin is also passionate about composition and education, having taught privately and presented masterclasses across Canada and the United States.

Lawrence Pauls, B.Ed.

Instruments Taught:

Piano
Voice

Credentials & Experience:

  • Over 25 years of music education experience

  • Former high school science and math teacher

  • Member of the Manitoba Opera Chorus since 2004

  • Certified Piano Marvel instructor, integrating technology in teaching

Bio:

With over 25 years of experience in music education, this instructor brings a unique blend of expertise to their teaching. Before transitioning to music full-time, they taught high school science and math, which contributes to a structured and analytical approach. Alongside private instruction, they have been a proud member of the Manitoba Opera Chorus since 2004, enriching their passion for performance. They are also a certified Piano Marvel instructor, utilizing technology to enhance learning and bring a modern touch to traditional music education.

Liliana Spasojevic - Online & In-person

Instruments Taught:

Piano
Piano Accordion
Button Accordion

Credentials:

Undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Music Performance – Faculty of Philology and Arts, Kragujevac, Serbia

Experience:

Teaching since 2018
Taught both online and in person in Edmonton, Canada
Students have excelled in competitions and passed RCM piano exams (Preparatory A and Level 5)

Bio:

Liliana Spasojevic (Ljiljana Đačanin) teaches piano, piano accordion, and button accordion both online and in person in Edmonton, Canada. She is passionate about music education and has guided many students to success in various competitions. Since relocating to Canada in 2024, two of her students have successfully passed Royal Conservatory of Music piano exams—one at Preparatory A and another at Level 5. Liliana’s teaching approach is fun, positive, and engaging. She holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in music performance from the Faculty of Philology and Arts in Kragujevac, Serbia.

Nadia Orlov- In Home, In-Studio, In-Person

Instruments Taught:

Piano

Credentials:

Music degree – Novokuznetsk Music College
45 years of teaching experience

Experience:

Offers in-home lessons, home studio lessons at 413 Kingsford Ave., and online instruction
Specializes in piano, music theory, and pedagogy

Bio:

Nadia Orlov is a seasoned piano teacher with 45 years of experience. She holds a music degree from Novokuznetsk Music College and offers lessons in-home, at her home studio located at 413 Kingsford Ave., and online. Beyond music, Nadia’s interests include art and craft paper art, which enrich her creative approach to teaching.

Robyn Friesen

Instruments Taught:

Beginner Piano
Voice

Credentials:

Grade 9 RCM Piano
Grade 8 RCM Voice

Experience:

28 years as a public school teacher
7 years as a Music Performing Arts Teacher
6 years teaching with Academy of Music

Bio:

With 28 years of experience as a public school teacher and seven years specializing as a Music Performing Arts Teacher, this instructor brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to beginner piano and voice lessons. They have also been teaching at the Academy of Music for six years, fostering musical growth in students at all levels.

Zoraida Soria

Instruments Taught:

Piano

Credentials:

Bachelor of Music major in Music Education
Bachelor of Music Major in Piano

graduate of St. Scholastica’s College of Music in Manila, Philippines

Experience:

Over 37 years teaching piano, including 15 years prior and teaching at Academy of Music since 2008
Five students have successfully passed Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) exams

Bio:

With a Bachelor of Education and a music major, this instructor has dedicated over 37 years to teaching piano, including many years at the Academy of Music since 2008. Throughout their teaching career, five students have successfully passed RCM piano exams, reflecting their commitment to student achievement and musical excellence.

Kacy Tkachuk

Instruments Taught:

Voice
Piano

Credentials:

Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance
RCM Grade 10 Piano

Experience:

8 years of private teaching

Bio:

Kacy has studied voice and piano since Grade 1 and grew up singing in choirs and participating in music festivals. She now teaches online voice and piano lessons, focusing on building her students’ confidence and skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. Kacy emphasizes small wins in every lesson, believing that real progress comes through steady, achievable steps. One of her students recently overcame their fear and sang in a recital for the first time, demonstrating the courage and growth that Kacy inspires in her students.

Lois Gillespie

Instruments Taught:

Voice

Credentials:

diploma in Contemporary Voice

Experience:

20+ years of private teaching

Bio:

Lois Gillespie is a songwriter, vocalist, performer and recording artist who has released two  albums. Sensible Shoes (2005) and Entanglements (2017). She has brought her music to small  stages locally and nationally, and also works with Artists in Healthcare Manitoba, bringing live  music to healthcare facilities. 

Holding a diploma in Contemporary Voice she has been coaching for more than 20 years,  helping people of all ages cultivate their unique sound. A self confessed “voice nerd” she has a  passion to educate students in heathy voice use in all contemporary voice styles. 

Lois coaches singing in all genres and specializes in singer-songwriters or those who sing  while playing another instrument. She is available for online lessons or in person in her home  studio.

Rachel Côté

Instruments Taught:

French Horn
Piano

Credentials:

Master of Music – Northwestern University
Bachelor of Music – The Glenn Gould School at the Royal Conservatory of Music
Piano Collegiate 1 – McGill Conservatory

Bio:

Rachel Côté is a sought-after French horn freelancer and dedicated teacher. She has performed with prestigious ensembles including l’Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Edmonton Opera Orchestra, and Manitoba Chamber Orchestra. Rachel has been a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Festival and the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. She currently maintains a full studio of horn and piano students in Winnipeg, Manitoba, committed to fostering musical growth and excellence.

Why Our Instructors Make a Difference

What sets our instructors apart?

  • Professional Expertise: Our instructors hold degrees, certifications, and have years of performance experience. They bring real-world knowledge and passion to every lesson.

  • Student-Centred Approach: Our teachers tailor their lessons to fit each student’s learning style and goals. Whether you prefer structured lessons or more creative freedom, our team will adjust their approach to suit your needs.

  • Ongoing Learning: We believe in continual growth, not only for our students but for our instructors as well. Our teachers engage in ongoing professional development to stay at the top of their field.

  • Warm & Supportive Environment: Our instructors foster a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, helping students feel comfortable and confident as they explore their musical abilities.

Book a Lesson Today

Ready to start your musical journey? Our team of experienced instructors is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, we’re excited to help you achieve your musical goals.

Contact us today to book your lesson and discover the joy of learning music!