OUR INSTRUCTORS
DANIEL
Piano - Songwriting - Composition
Daniel is the founder of Blackbird School of Music and a dedicated music educator with a background in the Royal Conservatory of Music. Alongside teaching, he is an active professional music producer, songwriter, and composer, bringing real-world industry experience into every lesson. Daniel has worked across genres and projects, from composing for film and games to producing original songs and albums.
At Blackbird, Daniel inspires students of all ages to explore their creativity, develop strong musical foundations, and discover their own artistic voice—whether at the piano, through songwriting, or in the studio.
MAX
Drums
Max first started playing the drums when he was 8 years old.
Throughout his musical education, Max had been in numerous bands, drumming for his school theater program and becoming the main drummer for his church worship team. He also continues to attend workshops and drumming seminars to deepen his understanding of drumming fundamentals.
Max is a recent graduate of the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
DOUG
Guitar - Ukelele - Voice - Recording
Doug Towle is one of Canada’s premier guitarists. He has performed across North America in such prestigious events as Guitar Player Live in San Francisco, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, The Zihuatenejo Guitar Festival in Mexico, several appearances at the Juan De Fuca Festival and the Harmony Arts Festival among countless other festival and club stages.
In 2009 Guitar Player Magazine selected Doug from among thousands of hopefuls as a top ten finalist in their Guitar Superstar Competition, solidifying his reputation as one of the top players not only in Canada but globally.
With 25 years of teaching experience Doug has taught hundreds of students in private lessons as well as classes and clinics. His passion for the instrument comes out in every student he inspires.
BENJAMIN
Bass - Guitar - Ukulele - Rock Band
Benjamin has a passion for creating music, playing guitar, bass, and piano. He started playing guitar in 2013 and has been hooked ever since.
Benjamin has played in many different settings on Vancouver Island and throughout the lower mainland. Inspired by some of his favourite guitar players, Tomo Fujita and John Mayer, Benjamin enjoys incorporating blues, funk, and jazz into his playing. He loves getting to share his excitement for guitar and bass and enjoys helping others experience the joy of music.
JAMES
Voice - Piano - Guitar - Composition
James Meyer is a proud Cowichan Valley local. He is a Composer, Lyricist, Performer, and Vocalist and has been involved with numerous Choirs, Vocal Ensembles, Church Groups, Musical Theatre Productions and Rock Bands on Southern Vancouver Island.
James attended Capilano University for Theatre Performance but transferred to Vancouver Island University, where he completed a Diploma in Jazz Studies with a focus on Composition. He is now in his final year of a Bachelor of Music Education at the University of Victoria with aspirations of studying medicine at the University of British Columbia.
He is so excited to welcome students of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels to share their passion and curiosity for music. See you in the classroom... or from the stage!
LOUISE
VIOLIN - VIOLA
Louise is a versatile violinist, violist, and fiddle player with over 25 years of teaching and performing experience. Originally from New Caledonia, she studied Classical and Jazz violin at Vancouver Island University and has performed across Canada and internationally in styles ranging from Celtic and jazz to reggae, Afro-Brazilian, and world music.
Louise currently offers 45-minute to 1-hour lessons for students of all ages and levels, bringing creativity, technique, and a passion for inspiring every musician’s unique voice.
MILO
Piano - Rock Band
Milo is our student teacher who began studying piano with us in 2019. Based in Cobble Hill, he has performed in musical theatre productions at FKSS and regularly plays music in the community. He enjoys classic artists such as The Beatles, Billy Joel, and Elton John, and also brings experience teaching rock bands.
Milo is excited to share his skills and passion for music with our younger students.
JENNY
NeuroMovement Practitioner
Jenny is our resident Certified NeuroMovement Practitioner, (All levels completed, including Children's, Healthy Aging and High Performers Mastery levels)
She has been studying Chi Nei Tsang/Tao Touch, nearing completion. Relating as both a professional, and a parent of a child with special needs, supporting families as a Behavioural Interventionist.
Jenny has extensively researched nutrition and science-based holistic and traditional modalities in combination.
When she is not booking clients through her private practice at Blackbird School of Music, Jenny can be found offering her NeuroMovement services to artists and touring musicians, at recording studios and on the road. Jenny's work with musicians and performers of all levels, puts the artist at ease, allowing them to create, perform and produce their best possible work.