OUR INSTRUCTORS
DANIEL
Piano - Songwriting - Composition
Using techniques and lesson plans developed by the Royal Conservatory of Music, along with his experience as a professional songwriter and composer, Daniel Martins creates a hybrid of traditional rudiments and modern practicality. Daniel develops unique lessons that are suited to beginners, performers, composers and enthusiasts of all ages.
The lessons are tailored to suit all levels, interests, and goals.
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.
ANNALOUISE
Piano - Twinkle Tunes
AnnaLouise is an accomplished concert pianist, with a wealth of teaching experience, and a degree both in piano performance and teaching.
She started learning piano at the age of 4 with May Ling Kwok, Dr. Robin Wood and Winifred Wood from the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
Graduating with distinction with her ABRSM in piano, she then went to Toronto and successfully auditioned to study with Marietta Orlov, obtaining her BMus with first class honours.
AnnaLouise has always had a passion for travelling, and when she was younger, this took her to a variety of wonderful places around the world. She has been a
volunteer in the Mother Theresa house in India, a missionary in Australia, an ESL teacher in South Korea, and a Montessori teacher in England. This is where she completed her teaching degree, and secured a dual role as a classroom teacher and the head of music in Christ Church Primary School in Bristol for 10 years.
Today, she is happy to be back on Vancouver Island, with her husband and her 4 year old daughter, and plans to stay here for a good long while! In addition to teaching piano, she runs Twinkle Tunes; a vibrant and joyful music and movement classes for children ages 0-5.
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.
NOELLE
Piano - Early Music Education
Noelle is our Student Teacher who specializes in piano for the young beginner to the intermediate student. Her passion for teaching music and working with children, make her a favourite among our youngest students. Noelle creates a fun and informal learning environment that supports the varied learning styles of children and teens.
BENJAMIN
Guitar & Bass - 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 musical.
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!
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.