AMBRE McLEAN

Singer, Songwriter, and Multi-instrumentalist Ambre McLean has over 20 years of experience in music education. Whether you, or your child are looking to improve on piano, vocals, songwriting, or performance – Ambre’s holistic approach towards music coaching is focused on helping inspire creativity, and unlocking confidence. Equal parts instructor, coach, and mentor – Ambre takes great pride in helping her students develop their talents, by offering tailor-made programs that promise to nurture one’s musical spirit.

Classes: Private Piano, Private Vocal, Youth Choir

As Co-Owner of The Arts Hub, Ambre also acts as the curator for our Gift Shop & Gallery.

MATT CONNELL

Matt has been playing and teaching music for over 20 years. Having spent over a decade as a professional touring drummer, and extensive experience as a session studio drummer – he not only brings seasoned chops with him, but a long history of musical education experience. A multi-instrumentalist Matt also offers lessons in guitar.

Classes: Private Drum Kit, Private Guitar

As Co-Owner of the Arts Hub, Matt also heads up our Music Store, and our multimedia production Studio.

LEAH CRAIG

Leah is a born and raised proud Smith Fallsian. She sparked her love of performing at 4 years old, singing in front of a large church audience on Christmas eve, which led to piano lessons and piano theory with The Royal conservatory of music, and into adulthood has continued singing and performing music with her family and friends. Leah is one of our new instructors at Smiths Falls Music, but she has been involved with our programs for a couple years now as her own children have taken lessons, and you may recognize her wonderful daughter Madden Grace as the face at the front desk! Leah has taught Kindermusik lessons,  piano and theory at private school, and has spent many years teaching piano lessons in her own home, and is excited to teach young minds to listen, love, and learn music for themselves.

Classes: Private Piano, Private Voice

KYLE KIRKPATRICK

Kyle has been teaching private music lessons for over 10 years as well as teaching for 6 years as a Public Elementary School music teacher in the Toronto District School Board, and holds a professional designation under the Ontario College of Teachers. Kyle is certified in Primary/Junior age Vocal and Orff Music Education. In addition to his teaching experience, he is a professional musician, performing regularly and touring across Canada as a member of the band The Barrel Boys. Mr Kirkpatrick is an energetic and fun-loving teacher who enjoys working with all ages, skill levels and genres of music!

Classes: Private Guitar, Private Ukulele, Ukulele Pals(Group)

LAURA McLAREN

Laura is completing her PhD in musicology at the University of Toronto, while currently living in Smiths Falls. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Masters in Music from the University of Ottawa. Her work has been published in two Bloomsbury Handbooks and she has presented papers at multiple international academic conferences. In addition to her academic endeavours, Laura has played piano for over 20 years, earning her Grade 9 RCM qualifications, and continuous study throughout her undergraduate degree. She is an experienced choral singer, starting with several Albertan choirs including the Nota Bene Youth Choir, LTCHS Chamber Choir, Take Note Jazz Choir, and the Ihana community choir, and when she moved to Ontario she sang with the University of Ottawa’s Calixa-Lavalée choir and the Yorkminster Park Baptist Church choir. Laura has lectured at the University of Toronto in courses such as History of Music, Sound of Rock, Popular Music in Society, Hip Hop and Culture, and more.

Classes: Private Piano

VIOLET BLACKSMITH

Violet is a classically trained violinist who celebrates all styles of music and art. She grew up in Ottawa and lived in Halifax, then Montreal, where she studied arts at Nova Scotia College of Art and Concordia University. For many years Violet has enjoyed teaching and performing violin. Her experience ranges from busking to performing on stage with an orchestra. Violet loves working with students in order to achieve their unique goals, and to have some fun while learning new skills.

Classes: Private Violin/Fiddle

NICK Di GAETANO

Nick has been a performer all his life. His career has included clown shows, puppet shows, improv shows, shows for children, bands, performance art, video art, voice overs, sound design, music direction and a wealth of original songs and compositions for stage, screen and recorded media. Nick has taught acting at various colleges in the GTA, has studied improv, Clown and Performance with master teachers from around the world and holds a BA in Theatre from the University of Ottawa where he also teaches Sound/Son in both official languages.

Classes: Youth Drama, Private Guitar