Charleen Beard nee Lippert (Director) has been teaching for over 24 years. She holds a Masters Degree in Music Education, Bachelor Degrees in both Music and Education, an ARCT in piano, and a Grade 9 Vocal Performance Certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She has taught privately and in classes; conducted choirs and orchestras; adjudicated competitions; performed; and held vocal clinics around Ontario. From 1989-2001 Charleen taught string orchestra with the Toronto District School Board. During that time, she was also the conductor/staff advisor of the string orchestra at the music camp, Music at the Boyne. Aside from running the music school, Charleen is carrying on the tradition of music lessons in her own household with her own children. She also finds time as a volunteer to conduct a primary children’s choir and help out with the Toronto Children’s Chorus. As a teacher, Charleen has a very keen understanding of all age groups and learning styles. She is a very patient teacher, and thoroughly enjoys her time teaching. As an administrator, it has been very exciting for her to watch the school grow. The private lessons continue to be popular for both children and adults, and there are now several new programs and music camps, in addition to the private music lessons. She really appreciates the support, feedback and input of the fine families and students that the school works with. She is also exceptionally proud to work with the very professional staff at Lippert’s.
Simeon Abbott (piano) was raised in a highly musical family. His father played classical piano and his siblings all played and performed multiple instruments. Simeon's classical piano training began at the age of 5, and at the age of 6 began performing publicly. He has received many awards and scholarships at local music festivals and competitions. While studying privately in Calgary with Rod Schmidt and Dave Klinger, Simeon was introduced to jazz piano, and spontaneous composition with guitarist/programmer Matt Dauncey. Simeon continued his studies on scholarship at Calgary's Mount Royal Conservatory and completed his Bachelor of Jazz Studies at Humber College in Toronto studying with Brian Dickenson, Dave Restivo, Pat LaBarbara, Don Thompson, and Kieran Overs. Groups he has performed with in Calgary include Abdalemu, Whistleburn, and Innovation. Simeon is currently writing and performing original music with a number of Toronto-based groups including The Postage Stamps, the Danielle Duval Band, and John Tielli.
Aleksandra Banach (piano) holds Honours Bachelor Degrees in both Fine Arts and English and in addition a Bachelor in Education. She is currently working full time teaching high school English and Art for the TDSB. Aleksandra has been with the studio for over 10 years teaching piano and theory. She is a very versatile and creative teacher who pulls on all of her educational strengths during her lessons.
Anna Banach (piano) is in her sixth year of teaching piano and is currently working towards the completion of her A.R.C.T. in addition to her current studies in Social Work. She has a vast amount of experience dealing with children and shows her patience and attentiveness to all that she meets. She is a great inspiration and motivator to her students.
Brigitte Boegel (voice and piano) began her musical career singing and playing the piano at the age of six. She holds an Honours A.R.C.T. with a piano major and voice minor. In addition, she holds a certificate in Grade 10 Vocal Performance from the RCM. She has also completed two years of study towards a psychology degree. Brigitte has been teaching for 13 years in piano, voice, theory and musicianship. She is bilingual and has worked as a French Teacher and Tutor in private schools and in homes. Her musical endeavours include playing and/or singing in numerous festivals, church masses, senior homes, weddings and bands of varying musical styles. She has done ensemble work as a pianist in a quartet and has accompanied a wide range of instrumentalists for numerous concerts. She was the keyboardist for Hart House's musical production of The Wiz and was a choir member of La Traviata and Hansel and Gretel. Other accomplishments include: the principal vocalist of a Celtic music band, vocalist with the the Timmins Youth Singers, the RCM Choir and various Church Choirs. Brigette has given classical recitals in both voice and piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music. She is truly a well-rounded teacher and musician.
Nicole Bower (voice, piano) completed a master's degree in Voice Performance at the University of Western Ontario, has an Artist's Diploma in Voice and a B.A. in music and theatre and is currently enrolled in a Master's program in Vocal Pedagogy at the University of Toronto. She has also travelled to Germany to study voice and German at the Koln Conservatory. She has been teaching voice and piano for many years, both privately and in conservatories in Calgary, London and Toronto. Nicole has performed across Canada in numerous operatic roles including Musetta in La Boheme, Despina in Cosi Fan Tutte, Blond in Di Entfuhrung aus dem Serail, Gabrielle in La Vie Parisienne, Sister Genevieve in Suor Angelica, Norina in Doon Pasquale, Pamina in The Magic Flute, and Susanna in Nozze di Figaro. She has toured the Canadian opera The Brothers Grimm, and Hansel and Gretel. Nicole can be heard singing the role of Donna on the Naxos recording of Handel's Rinaldo, and on a CD, Purcell's Theatre Music (Naxos), both under the baton of Kevin Mallon.
Marcia Bunston Tjan (voice, piano) is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University with an honours music degree in vocal performance, and an Opera Diploma. She has also studied at the Glenn Gould School of The Royal Conservatory of Music with Jean MacPhail and Peter Tiefenbach. As a soprano soloist, Marcia has performed in North America and abroad in recital and in chamber ensembles. Marcia’s performance of Cabaret songs with the Mountain View Festival of Song was broadcast on “Our Music” for CBC Radio Two. Other engagements include guest soloist with the Georgian Bay Symphony, The Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir, the Huronia Symphony, Orquesta La Vihuela, Opera York, Opera Anonymous, and Theatre Collingwood. She is a member of voxworks vocal ensemble, and continues to perform solo engagements.
Lucas Byers (guitar, violin)
Laura Cameron (piano)
Karen Carrier (theory, voice & piano) joined the staff in 2000 to teach the co-requisites to the higher levels of instrumental performance. These courses include: theory, history, harmony, counterpoint and analysis. Karen holds an ARCT in Theory with distinction, Grade 10 Honours in Voice and Grade 9 in Piano. A very versatile performer, Karen has sung opera, classical and popular music in many different venues. She has been soprano soloist at several well known churches in the Toronto area. Her studies have taken her to Austria to study with some of the best teachers in the world. She also is a freelance Equestrian Instructor and coaches numerous students for shows throughout Ontario. A very dedicated teacher, Karen has gone out of her way to help students attain high standards on the university level courses she teaches.
Andrea de Boer (violin, voice & piano) began singing as a toddler, piano lessons at age six and formal violin lessons at age twelve. After receiving her Resident ARCT for violin performance, she was awarded a full fellowship to the Henry Mancini Institute in Long Beach California. Next, she attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, and earned her Professional Music Degree which focused on jazz violin, composition, and music business. While in Boston, she sang in the Jamaica renaissance Choir and was a youth choir director at a local church. She is the founder of an art-rock band which released a CD last October. As a violinist, Andrea has performed with the Henri Mancini Institute Orchestra, the Yee Haa Cowboys, Liz Debiase, Shawn Sage in several venues across North America. She has taught at Lippert Music Centre since September of 2003.
Brooke Dufton (voice, piano) holds a Bachelor of Music in voice performance, has trained to teach the Canadian Conservatory’s music for young children program, and is currently pursuing her masters in Vocal Pedagogy at the University of Toronto. Brooke has performed numerous roles in opera and musical theatre, has worked as a soloist in recital and oratorio, and as a member of professional choruses across Canada. Her recordings include Wild Dogs Soundtrack for the motion picture (imX Communications), and Conduct Becoming 2001 (Conduct Becoming, Inc). This year she was awarded the Richard Bradshaw Fellowship for Opera. Brooke has conducted numerous choirs and ensembles, has taught programs in musical theatre and music for young children, and plays guitar, banjo and flute. She is an enthusiastic teacher, devoted to nurturing self-confidence and independent thinking in her students, while helping them to develop their individual artistry.
Geordie Haley (guitar and bass) is a Toronto-based guitarist, composer and improviser. After graduating from St. Francais Xavier University with a diploma in jazz studies, he has gone on to perform his compositions around the nation. Geordie's music has been used in theatre, dance, film and television . He can be heard on recordings by Sameboat, Ujamma, The Exploding Meet, Out of Order, Brent Mason and Lyne Tremblay ,to name a few. Geordie Haley's Everytime Band - 'The Green Suite and Other Stories ' is his most current album (available at Lippert music!), and he is currently working on three new jazz trios , for release in the spring. Geordie Haley has been teaching guitar for twenty years , helping many people find their own voice on this most versatile instrument , and helping students get into top level university jazz programs . Geordie has studied guitar with Fred Hamilton (STFX, North Texas State), Ed Bickert (Canadian guitar guru), Ted Dunbar (American guitar guru ), and has been involved with workshops by guitar great, Bill Frisell , bassist Mark Helias, and composer/guitarist Ron Samworth, to name a few. Geordie is very active in Toronto's new music scene and is a life-long student of guitar pioneers, George Van Eps and Mick Goodrich.
Alix Haywood (piano) began her musical studies as a pianist and received her Grade 10 certification from the Royal Conservatory of Music while in high school. Introduced to the clarinet as an elementary school student, she is currently studying clarinet performance at the University of Toronto. She is currently performing with the UofT Symphony orchestra, and used to be a member of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra. Alix has enjoyed teaching music for many years and joined the Lippert faculty in the spring of 2006.
Zoe Henderson (piano, viola) is a musician with many varied interests and talents. She is currently working towards her ARCT diploma in piano, and is an advanced student of the viola. She's also pretty handy with the baritone ukelele! In addition to her musical activities, Zoe has a B.A. (Honours) in Drama and has worked extensively in the professional children's theatre as a playwright, composer, lyricist, pianist, director, teacher and producer. She is currently working towards doing a Master's degree in Music Therapy at Wilfred Laurier University."
Susan Hirst (voice, piano)
Sean Kelly (guitar, School of Hard Rock) has been teaching at Lippert Music Centre since 1995. He holds Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of Toronto, where he majored in Classical Guitar and Music Education. He currently is a Vocal Music Teacher with the Catholic School Board. Sean's guitar fame is as the leader of the glam rock band, Crash Kelly. The last Crash Kelly album was produced in Los Angeles by Gilby Clarke of Guns N'Roses/Rockstar Supernova fame, and the band recently toured North America with Alice Cooper. In 2005 Sean Kelly was chosen as a Top 10 finalist in Guitar Player magazine’s “Guitar Hero 2005” contest for his guitar work on the Crash Kelly instrumental track “Something Hollywood”, and was featured on their magazine cover. Sean was selected to perform at The Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH on June 10th, 2005 in front of celebrity judges Joe Satriani and Steve Lukather. In October 2007, Sean released his first classical guitar Album, which is available at Lippert's. Find out more about Sean at www.crashkelly.ca and www.myspace.com/crashkelly.
Michael Kolk (guitar, School of Hard Rock) began studying classical guitar at the age of 6 at the Vancouver Academy of Music with Robert Jordan, where he stayed for 11 years. In 2000 he completed his ARCT in performance through the Royal Conservatory of Music. Michael has won numerous regional guitar competitions as well as the Lachine International Guitar Competition, the FCMF National Competition, and the Northwest Guitar Festival. He received the Fraser MacPherson Scholarship in 2002, and has twice been awarded the Ken Young Scholarship from the Guitar Society of Toronto, as well as an entrance scholarship upon acceptance to the University of Toronto from the same society. He has performed in masterclasses for Manuel Barrueco, Fabio Zanon, Roland Dyens, Carlos Barbosa-Lima, and Pavel Steidl, among others. In addition to his classical studies, Michael pursues his interest in rock music with a band in Toronto. In 2005 he received his Bachelor of Music Degree in guitar performance from the University of Toronto under Jeffrey McFadden. In 2007 Michael released his first CD, HK Duo, which is available at Lippert's. Find out more about Michael at www.hkguitarduo.com.
Tanya Kulish (piano)
Grace Law (violin) has taught for Lippert since 1995. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Music as well as a Bachelor of Education. Grace has taught for the Toronto District School Board, as well as for several city music camps. Grace has recently moved back to Toronto after spending several years teaching and performing in Prince Edward Island. Although classically trained, Cape Breton music lured her to the Maritimes, where she also discovered her love for Irish traditional music. While in PEI, she immersed herself in Atlantic fiddle music, performed with local musicians, and dabbled in Irish tin whistle and traditional guitar. She currently performs fiddle and banjo in My Aunt Jane, a group that does storytelling, songs and traditional music for families. Aside from fiddling around, Grace also enjoys the challenge of teaching and motivating students, and particularly enjoys teaching ensembles. She also has a few publishing projects on the go, including several arrangements of music for violin ensemble, a violin method, and a method on how to teach students to practice more effectively.
Paul Linklater (guitar, piano, School of Hard Rock) joined the Lippert staff in September 2002. A very popular guitar teacher at the school, he is also the original instructor of our School of Hard Rock programme. Guitar teaching is his main career goal along with performing with his bands. Paul holds a Bachelors of Guitar Performance from the Brandon University School of Music, and has been teaching for 7 years. An avid performer, it is easy to catch Paul, live, around TO on the weekends.
Rob MacDonald (guitar) holds performance degrees from the Glenn Gould School and the Peabody Conservatory, where his primary teachers were Jeff McFadden, Julian Gray, and Matteo Mela. He is actively engaging audiences and quickly becoming one of Canada's most exciting young performers with his sincere and compelling performances of refreshing, new repertoire. His efforts have been rewarded with a first prize at the Boston Contemporary Music Competition, the Canada Council for the Arts' J.B.C. Watkins Award, top prize at the Domaine Forget Guitar Competition, and recent recording grants from both Canada and Ontario Arts Councils. In addition, his solo recitals have taken him to the USA, England, and Italy. He has performed with the Canadian Opera Company, Madawaska String Quartet, Peabody Camerata, Canadian Contemporary Music Workshop, and on electric guitar as a regular member of CONTACT contemporary ensemble. Upcoming projects include a recording of world premiere performances with the Madawaska String Quartet in chamber works by Omar Daniel, Christopher Pierce, Peter Sculthorpe, and Andrew Staniland.
Angela Morris (violin, woodwinds, guitar) ) is a versatile musician passionate about a wide variety of musical styles. She began playing the violin and piano as a child, and has her qualifying teaching certificates in violin and theory. A love of jazz and improvised music led her to the saxophone and she currently holds a Diploma in Jazz and Contemporary Music, while continuing to study towards a Bachelor of Jazz Studies (woodwind) at Humber College. An active performer, Angela can be heard playing in a wide variety of ensembles including classical chamber music, rock, and jazz. She also composes music for her own modern jazz/improvised music ensembles. Angela loves teaching because it gives her the chance spread the joy of sound, and to nurture creativity and love of music in her students.
Christina Ng (piano & theory) joined Lippert's staff in September 2003. She is a patient teacher and great office personality. We all enjoy her smiles and dedication to the job. She is always willing to help out in a pinch and gives her students the very best all the time. Christina is currently studying business at the University of Toronto and in addition, working towards her A.R.C.T. in piano.
Janna Pardy (voice, piano) is a proud Newfie who now makes Toronto her home. She obtained her Bachelor of Music degree from Mount Allison University and a Masters in Voice Performance from Western Washington University. She studied and coached with some of Canada's best including Gail Katz, Peter Tiefenbach, Jean MacPhail, Phyllis Mailing, and Wendy Nielson. Performance credits on the operatic stage include Fiordiligi in Mozart's Cosi fan tutte, Musetta in Puccini's La Boheme, the title role in Carlisle Floyd's Susannah, Donna Elvira in Mozart's Don Giovanni, and Violetta in Verdi's La Traviata.
Scott Peterson (piano, bass & guitar) graduated from the University of Calgary in 2000 with an honours degree in Jazz Performance. While living in Calgary, Scott studied with bassists Dale James and John Hyde, and with professor Warren Rowley. In 2000 he moved to New York City to study with bassist John Patitucci. Scott has composed pieces for large and small groups, including Calgary's Lands End Chamber Ensemble. Scott has performed with many artists, including Chris Potter, Jim Black, and Kenny Werner. Scott now resides in Toronto where he focuses on composition and improvisation. Scott is a founding member of the Composer's Workshop and the innovative drum'n'bass trio Nautilus. Scott's website is www.chanceformation.com.
Ivana Popovich (violin) obtained her Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Veljko Vlahovic in Podgorica, Montenegro. She has performed with several orchestras including the Hamilton Symphony, Celebrity Symphony and Oshawa Symphony. She is the founding member of the Sunrise String Quartet with whom she performs several concerts a year, including educational concerts. Recently, Ivana has been focusing on chamber music including performing and coaching various string quartets, as well as improvising with several world music ensembles. Ivana has been teaching violin for the past 13 years, and believes that having fun with the instrument is an important aspect of the learning process. She is also currently completing her degree in Holistic Health Studies.
Kevin Sommerville (drums) is a freelancing drummer and teacher, originally from Toronto. A recent graduate of the prestigious University of Toronto Jazz Performance programme, he has had the privilege of studying with some of Canada's premier drummers including Terry Clarke, Bob McLaren and Barry Elmes. Kevin performs at various local venues including the Rex Hotel, The Horseshoe, and The Drake Hotel among others. His versatility as a drummer has seen him active as a show band drummer on cruise ships, in Broadway revue shows, various jazz ensembles, and backing numerous singer/songwriters. Having studied theory, arranging, and advanced improvisation, he provides a wealth of knowledge to his lyal student base.
Lana Tchernaia (piano) studied piano performance, pedagogy, and philology at the University of Tomsk in Russia. While teaching piano, she actively participated in many concerts in Tomsk, both as a soloist and as an accompanist. When Lana moved to Canada in 1997, she continued to teach and study piano while enjoying collaborating with other musicians. Lana has been part of Lippert's staff for over 10 years and continues to perform regularly.
Paula Wickberg (voice, piano) holds a Master of Arts degree in Psychology for Musicians from Sheffield, England as well as both a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance and a BA in Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan. She has lectured both at the University of Saskatchewan and for the Saskatoon Registered Music Teachers on topics related to psychology and music. Paula is presently living in Toronto and has recently completed an Artist Diploma at the University of Toronto under the instruction of Mary Morrison. As a mezzo-soprano, Ms. Wickberg has enjoyed diverse performing opportunities both domestically and abroad and has been the recipient of numerous scholarships and awards at both provincial and national levels. She has performed with the Saskatoon Symphony, Saskatoon Opera, The Opera Troupe of Saskatoon, Opera NUOVA, and the Orpheus Choir of Toronto. Abroad, she has performed with La Musica Lirica in Urbania, Italy and has also participated in workshops in both England and Austria with members of the faculty of Guildhall. Paula enjoys performing diverse repertoire including art song, jazz, oratorio, and opera.
Amy Zampiero (voice), Toronto born soprano, is a recent graduate from University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music where she was awarded with a Bachelor of Honors in music education. She also graduated from OISE/UT in the initial teacher’s education program. She has performed as a guest soloist in choirs such as North 45, High Park Girls’ Choir, UofT’s Women’s Chorus and Master Chorale and has succeeded in voice competitions such as NATS to place in the final rounds. She has played the characters of Hope in the musical Anything Goes and Mrs.Pinkerton in Menotti’s opera The Old Maid and the Thief. Other credits include Fosse, Don Giovanni, Semele, Dido and Aeneas and Children of Eden. She has worked with children in a musical setting in the Toronto District School Board, the National Music Camp, The Royal Conservatory of Music and Lippert School of Music.