OUR TEACHERS
"Education isn't just about feeding the brain. Art and music feed the heart and soul" - Julie Garwood
Katie Korfmann
Owner, Fiddle/Violin, RECE
With over 17 years of teaching experience, Katie has dedicated her life to music, both as a performer and educator. Her professional performing career began at just 12 years old and has taken her across Canada and the United States, touring with a variety of bands and professional artists. Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to share the stage with renowned artists, including Kim Mitchell, Billy Currington, and Blue Rodeo.
Katie’s passion lies in sharing her love of music and inspiring students of all ages and abilities to discover their own musical potential. She believes that every student learns differently and is committed to creating personalized lessons and programs that reflect each student’s individual goals, interests, and learning style. Her approach combines quality music education with creativity, encouragement, and, above all, a love of learning.
Beyond teaching, Katie plays an active role in developing programs, supporting instructors, and growing the studio alongside raising her two young girls at home. Her goal is to create an inclusive, welcoming environment where everyone can build confidence, develop their skills, and experience the joy of music.
Thomas Wade
Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, Music Production, Songwriting
Thomas’ life-long love for music was born when he strummed his first guitar at age four, and while other youngsters were playing hide and seek, he was performing weekly throughout southern Ontario with a popular family band from Burford.
Eventually graduating Fanshawe College’s Music Industry Arts Music Production program in London, Thomas set out as a touring musician, into the recording studio, and on to Nashville, honing his craft as a songwriter with some of the most renowned teachers.
Thomas is a multiple award winning, Juno-nominated artist and songwriter. For the past two decades he has been mentoring music lovers of all ages both as a teacher and a music producer, using years of professional knowledge to help students find their way to the joy of making music with an organic, less-is-more teaching style, always adhering to a simple principle: let the love of music lead the way.
Dalyce Dostal
Flute, Piano, Theory, BMus
Dalyce is a passionate and enthusiastic music lover who loves to share her passion for the arts with others. She is a recent graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo and received a Bachelor of Music degree for Community Music. Music theory is a key part of being able to play any instrument and she loves to help students who want to understand music theory at a deeper level than simply reading sheet music. It can come in handy when wanting to write your own songs or to compose your own pieces of music. She believes that music can be taught and learned in different ways and lessons should be flexible to what the student wants to achieve in order to preserve their passion for the arts. Music lessons should be a fun place for students to express themselves and nurture their passion for music.
Kirsten Wegner
Piano, Voice, Ukulele
Kirsten is a passionate music educator and graduate of Lakehead University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music. Her musical journey began at the age of six with piano and voice lessons, sparking a lifelong love of music that continues to shape her career as both a performer and educator.
Throughout her musical development, Kirsten has been actively involved with the Royal Conservatory of Music and the Kiwanis Music Festival, achieving ARCT-level proficiency in voice. In addition to her expertise in voice and piano, she has experience teaching ukulele and flute in both private and group settings, allowing her to work with students of varying ages, abilities, and musical interests.
Music has always been an integral part of Kirsten’s life, whether through performing, composing, or teaching. She is passionate about helping students discover their own musical potential and believes that learning should be both rewarding and enjoyable. Kirsten strives to create a positive, encouraging environment where each student’s individual goals, needs, and interests are at the heart of every lesson, fostering confidence, creativity, and a lasting appreciation for music.
Ross Wooldridge
Piano, Clarinet, Saxophone
Born 1962 in Hamilton Ontario, Ross Wooldridge showed early musical ability, taking piano lessons by age four. Self taught on clarinet at age 13, he took up the saxophone at 16.
Attending Mohawk College and Humber College, Ross honed his arranging and composing skills. Afterwards he added to his portfolio the skills of Producer, Conductor, Transcription specialist and Educator.
Ross is an active performer and is the leader of Toronto's Galaxy Orchestra. Notable are his critically acclaimed recordings Tribute to the Benny Goodman Sextet Volumes 1 and 2, Scuttlebutt – a Tribute to Artie Shaw and his Gramercy 5 and two Dixie Demons recordings “Live at the Rex” and “Fossil Fuel”.
Ross teaches elementary school band classes for the Toronto District School Board and is passionate about sharing his practical approach to learning to play music.
Crystal Glowala
Admin, Piano
Crystal’s musical journey began at just four years old when she started piano lessons, earning her Grade 8 certification from the Royal Conservatory by the age of fourteen. Growing up in a large musical family, music was always at the heart of family gatherings, where spontaneous jam sessions brought together an array of instruments, including piano, guitar, banjo, accordion, spoons, and violin. Much of the music was played by ear, inspiring Crystal’s appreciation for creativity, musical expression, and learning by listening. She has continued to share her love of music through her work as a church organist and pianist, as well as through volunteer opportunities. Crystal also enjoys exploring new music and the challenge of figuring out chord progressions to her favourite songs.
As a teacher, Crystal is passionate about helping students develop confidence, creativity, and a genuine love of music. She believes that learning should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, and strives to create a positive, supportive environment built on trust, encouragement, and mutual respect. Her approach goes beyond simply learning the notes, encouraging students to explore their musicality, develop independence, and build skills that extend well beyond the piano.
Elena Van Laren
Violin
Elena has been immersed in music from an early age, developing a deep passion and dedication to the violin. Raised in a musical household by her accomplished pianist mother, who also homeschooled her throughout elementary school, Elena had the opportunity to devote significant time to developing her musical abilities. Through consistent practice and a strong foundation in music, she cultivated her skills in both classical violin, studying the Suzuki Method, and traditional fiddle music.
Her musical journey has taken her to a variety of performance settings, from church services and community events to professional wedding performances. These experiences have allowed her to develop versatility as a musician and a genuine appreciation for sharing music with others.
As a teacher, Elena is passionate about inspiring the next generation of musicians and fostering a lifelong love of music in her students. She strives to create a fun, encouraging, and supportive learning environment where students can build confidence, explore their musical interests, and develop their skills while discovering the joy of playing the violin.
Sharon Schipper
Piano
Sharon’s love of music began at the age of nine when she first started piano lessons, sparking a lifelong passion for learning and playing. With over 10 years of teaching experience, she enjoys working with students of all ages and abilities, tailoring each lesson to encourage growth, confidence, and a genuine appreciation for music. Her teaching approach incorporates note reading, rhythm, music theory, and creativity, with plenty of enthusiasm and encouragement along the way. Sharon especially enjoys playing duets with her students, giving them the opportunity to develop their musical skills while experiencing the joy of making music together.
Sharon earned her piano teaching certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto under the guidance of Dale Wheeler, an experience that further strengthened her dedication to music education. In addition to teaching, she brings 35 years of experience playing piano for church services and has also enjoyed directing a children’s choir, allowing her to share her musical talents with a wide range of ages and communities.
Sharon is passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to explore their abilities, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of music. She looks forward to getting to know her students and their families while sharing the joy of music through every lesson.
Elizabeth van't Voort
Piano, Violin, Viola
Elizabeth van’t Voort enjoys studying and teaching a broad range of musical styles, with a special interest in Historical Performance. Having begun her pursuit of music by learning a large variety of instruments, she was drawn to the viola during high school, and soon after won multiple Kiwanis Viola trophies and received medals at the OMFA Provincial finals as both a soloist and in a chamber group.
After graduating with a Bachelors in Viola performance, she pursued a focus on music education, teaching in positions such as Elementary music specialist, High School band director, and assistant director for community choir, orchestra, and high school choir programs.
Elizabeth has appeared in performances with the Niagara Symphony orchestra, International Symphony orchestra, and the North Bay Symphony orchestra, and attended programs such as the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute, and Festival del Lago. Having pursued a love of Baroque music, Elizabeth has just received a Master of Arts in Historical Performance under Jane Rogers at the Royal Academy of Music. While in the UK, she has worked with prominent Baroque musicians such as Jane Rogers, Rachel Podger, and John Butt, as well as the Academy of Ancient Music, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment with their 2024/25 Experience scheme, and an exciting number of young professional student ensembles!
Above all, she enjoys sharing her love of music, whether through teaching, playing, or creative collaboration.
Rod Williams
Drums
Rod Williams is a professional drummer with decades of experience performing, touring, and recording across a wide range of musical styles. His career has taken him from local clubs to theatres, festivals, touring productions, and recording studios.
Rod got his start playing with his father, Murray Williams, and the Murray Williams Band. That early experience sparked a lifelong passion for drumming and led to years of performing alongside talented musicians and artists, including Ty Herndon, Jim Witter, Thomas Wade, Simone Denny, The Good Brothers, Jack deKeyzer, Tayla Lynn and Tre Twitty, among many others.
Rod brings that experience into his teaching with a focus on solid fundamentals, timing, musicality, confidence, and—most importantly—having fun playing drums. His goal is to help each student grow at their own pace while developing a genuine love for music.
Thom Speck
Early Childhood Music
Thom is a seasoned performer, recording artist, and music educator with a career spanning stages across North America. He has built an impressive career in music and entertainment, touring extensively and performing alongside renowned artists such as Fred Penner, Robert Munsch, Matt Dusk, and comedy legend Jay Leno. He has also had the privilege of performing the national anthem for the Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs, released multiple albums, and earned Gold certification in Canada.
Thom’s experience extends beyond the stage and recording studio. His voiceover work includes cartoon projects for CBC and the memorable CNE radio commercial, “Let’s Go to the Ex.”
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Thom has a genuine passion for sharing music with young children and their families. Through his work with Rainbow Songs Inc., he led parent-and-tot music classes throughout the Greater Toronto Area, where his creative, engaging, and nurturing approach brought music to life for countless families. Combining his professional performance experience with a natural ability to connect with children, Thom creates fun, interactive musical experiences that encourage creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of music.
Since moving to Dundas, Ontario, in 2020, Thom has continued to pursue his love of performing with his Celtic band, Screeched Inn, his Great Big Sea tribute band, Off The Rock, and his newest project, The Cat Came Back, a tribute to Fred Penner. When he isn’t on stage, he can be found entertaining his two teenagers, who provide an enthusiastic audience of their own.
Thom is excited to be part of Katie’s Music Studio, bringing his wealth of experience, infectious enthusiasm, and love of music to the studio. He looks forward to helping children and families connect through music, build confidence, and create lasting memories together.
Julia Brouwer
Piano
Julia has loved music from a young age and spent much of her childhood happily tinkering away on the piano. She began taking piano lessons at just seven years old and worked her way up to achieving her Grade 8 certification through the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM). Throughout her musical journey, Julia has enjoyed a variety of performance opportunities, including playing at church services and weddings, as well as participating in piano duets.
With a passion for both music and teaching, Julia began sharing her knowledge and love of piano with students a few years ago. She credits much of her own musical growth to the wonderful teachers who encouraged and supported her along the way, and strives to provide that same positive and inspiring experience for her students.
Julia believes that developing a strong musical foundation is essential to becoming a confident musician. Alongside building practical piano skills, she emphasizes the importance of music theory, understanding the instrument, and developing a well-rounded appreciation for music.
As a teacher, Julia aims to create a welcoming and encouraging environment where students feel comfortable exploring their abilities, learning at their own pace, and celebrating their progress. She loves helping students build confidence, develop their musical skills, and discover just how enjoyable and rewarding learning piano can be.