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.
LINDSAY
Guitar - Songwriting - Bass
Lindsay is a singer, songwriter, guitar player, sports and outdoor enthusiast with an innate curiosity about music and life. He studied music at Malaspina College in Nanaimo BC and has traveled the world, entertaining and sharing the gift of music, in a long and varied career in the music industry. With his wife and son he has recently settled in the Cowichan Valley and is happy to join the team of enthusiastic music educators at Blackbird School Of Music.
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.
HAYLEY
Piano - RCM
"I’ve dedicated eleven years & counting to my piano bench. My studying includes an array of all genres such as classical, baroque, romantic, jazz, etc. I’ve completed all my level 8 exams & have begun my level 9 & 10 exams through The Royal Conservatory of Music".
"Playing piano brings me so much comfort, joy & a sense of accomplishment! (Even if all I do that day is practice hands separately.) I am so grateful to begin fulfilling this happy feeling amongst others!"
DOUG
Guitar -Â Ukelele - 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.
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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.
RACHEL
Voice - Performing Arts - Piano
Rachel completed her BMus in voice at Dalhousie University in Halifax. She is also one of the original graduates of the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria and completed her apprenticeship with the Chemainus Theatre Festival. Rachel has performed
on each coast, in the US, and Europe as a classical soloist, chorister, and in musicals.
Rachel is producer and partner of the duo, Sounds Like Treble with
her husband, Dwight Siemens.
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Known for their professionalism, versatility and humour, Rachel
and Dwight perform music from the sacred, classical, musical
theatre, and party piece repertoire. Rachel and Dwight are cofounders
of the Chemainus Classical Concert Series (St Michael’s
Presents) which features both established and up and coming
professional musicians.
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Rachel has been teaching and performing for many years. She
and Dwight have two children, Theodore and Evangeline, ages 13
and 11. When not doing the most wonderful and challenging job
of parenting, Rachel helps students prepare for all kinds of goals,
from simply having more confidence, to landing roles, or being accepted into programs.
Rachel has previously updated her skills by working with master musicians, and has completed an Applied Vocal Pedagogy course with Dr. Marvin Regier. Rachel is a member
of the Cowichan Valley Music Teacher Association.
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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.
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Jenny has extensively researched nutrition and science-based holistic and traditional modalities in combination.
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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.