THE TUTORS
TEMC Choir School tutors are highly educated professional musicians who are experienced and skilled teachers. Students are taught in a relaxed and encouraging environment. Students who practice regularly show substantial progress in music skills and music appreciation.
Graham Robinson – Voice and performance practice, rudimentary theory.
Graham is a Toronto-based voice teacher and professional vocalist who has performed across Canada and the United States in professional ensembles such as Tafelmusik, The Elmer Iseler Singers, The Elora Singers, and many others. He has a Master's Degree in Vocal Pedagogy from the University of Toronto and an Undergraduate Degree in Voice from the University of Victoria. Graham teaches students of all ages and experience levels.
Kirsten Villegas – Piano
Kirsten began her musical journey at the age of 7 under the tutelage of Ms. Julie Sankey—a former Director of Music at TEMC. She is currently a sophomore at the University of Toronto in the Music Education program for classical piano. Kirsten received the 2022-2023 U of T Scholar Award. She has taught piano at Arcadia Academy of Music and currently teaches at the recreation centre in the city of Brampton.
Sylvia Sass – Piano tutoring up to Grade 8 RCM; Beginner voice students
Sylvia is a music student at the University of Toronto, studying music education in voice. Her life has been infused with music through piano, violin, multiple choirs, and a love for musical theatre. She also enjoys nature walks, painting, and reading.
Joseph Angelo – Piano, Voice, Theory
Joseph enjoys a busy career as a vocal, piano, organ, and theory teacher, coach, conductor, accompanist, tenor, and organist. Both in performance and in the classroom, he has proven himself a dynamic and versatile musician with in-depth knowledge of various musical styles and teaching methodologies. His passion for teaching music regularly garners him top marks in student evaluations, and he is in increasing demand within the industry.
Carrie Loring – Voice and Beginner Guitar
Carrie is best known as the longtime host of TV Ontario’s Polka Dot Door. She toured Canada in children’s shows involving song, storytelling, mime, guitar, and puppetry. As a classical soprano, she has sung with Tafelmusik, the Elmer Iseler Singers, Choir 21, Opera Atelier, Tallis Choir, Theatre of Early Music, and even Supertramp! As a studio singer, she has recorded for television and film, and 26 CD recordings. She is also a vocal coach and the Director of the Preparatory Choirs with the Bach Children’s Chorus.
Brad Harrison – Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium/Baritone, Tuba, and Theory
Brad Harrison is a trumpeter, composer, and educator who is well-versed in jazz and classical idioms. He can be found performing in wedding bands, funk bands, orchestras for musicals, brass ensembles, and jazz bands big and small. Brad also runs a popular YouTube channel on music theory and practice techniques.
Grace Ha – Piano/Keyboard, Both beginner and RCM; Beginner Violin and Organ
Dr. Grace Ha holds a BMus, BEd, MA, and Ph.D. from the University of Toronto. Her research focus is on developing students’ creativity and multiliteracies. She is a certified teacher, pianist, and church organist. She has taught strings at primary schools in the TDSB, and is teaching many private piano students from beginners to advanced RCM exam preparations.
Joanne Leatch – Piano, Theory, and Voice
Joanne holds her ARCT in piano and voice, is an experienced teacher of piano, singing, and theory, and loves teaching. She is happy to prepare students for Royal Conservatory exams, work on auditions, musical theatre, or have them learn popular repertoire.
Olivia LaPointe – Voice
Olivia has extensive experience singing in a variety of genres including; jazz, pop, musical theatre, classical, and has studied under prominent North American opera instructors. She is currently the Worship Arts Assistant, a Choir School Instructor, Contemporary Worship Leader, and a Sanctuary Choir Soprano Lead at TEMC. In addition to her church roles, Olivia performs with her family’s group, The LaPointes, and teaches voice lessons, both in-person and online, for students of all ages. She holds a Master of Music in Opera and Voice from McGill University and a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance with Honours from the University of Toronto.
