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Our Teachers
At the Scotia Suzuki school, you gift your child so much more than just a private music lesson. Our faculty members are skilled and dedicated teachers. They continue to be involved with teacher training, workshops and institutes to keep them at the highest level in their teaching practices. Suzuki teachers are members of and have been accredited by the Suzuki Association of the Americas.
We all work together as a team to take you on a musical journey that will enhance and change your life.
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Christy Hodder
Violin/SECE/Scotia Suzuki School Director/NSYA Director/Practicing Pro Academy digital course creator
Christy has her Bachelor of Music Education from Acadia University where she studied violin from Edmund Agopian. Christy has received Suzuki training from Ronda Cole, Pat D’Ercole, Sherry Cadow, Dorthy Jones, Charles Krigbaum, and Martha Shackford. She is the Founder and Director of the Scotia Suzuki School of Music, the Nova Scotia Youth Ambassadors (performance group), and the Suzuki Practicing Academy.
With three recordings and 8 years as the lead in the Celtic conference band Lochaber, She is experienced in performing. Christy has built with a wonderful team of Suzuki instructors an incredible Suzuki community of high-level musicians and has brought music into families' homes and children's lives in Halifax....even extending from Bridgewater to Windsor and to New Glasgow.
Christy, also known as "the Practicing Pro", created the Suzuki Practicing Academy, a digital course, to help and support parents and teachers all over the world to have effective, positive and FUN home music practices!
Christy has her Bachelor of Music Education from Acadia University where she studied violin from Edmund Agopian. Christy has received Suzuki training from Ronda Cole, Pat D’Ercole, Sherry Cadow, Dorthy Jones, Charles Krigbaum, and Martha Shackford. She is the Founder and Director of the Scotia Suzuki School of Music, the Nova Scotia Youth Ambassadors (performance group), and the Suzuki Practicing Academy.
With three recordings and 8 years as the lead in the Celtic conference band Lochaber, She is experienced in performing. Christy has built with a wonderful team of Suzuki instructors an incredible Suzuki community of high-level musicians and has brought music into families' homes and children's lives in Halifax....even extending from Bridgewater to Windsor and to New Glasgow.
Christy, also known as "the Practicing Pro", created the Suzuki Practicing Academy, a digital course, to help and support parents and teachers all over the world to have effective, positive and FUN home music practices!
Caleb Allred
Musical Theatre/Vocal/Dance/SECE/NSYA Assistant/Theory/Senior Vocal Group Director
Born and raised in Mesa, Arizona, Caleb is a Trained Vocal Instructor from New York Vocal Coaching under Justin Stoney in New York City. He is a Suzuki Early Childhood Education teacher trained in both level one and two by the program creators, Sharon Jones and Dorothy Jones. He has a BA in Latin American Studies from BYU and an Associates of Arts Degree from CGCC. Caleb is a member of ACTRA and is a stunt performer and actor in the film industry of Nova Scotia with roles on productions such as Washington Black by Disney, Moonshine on Netflix, and Kids Vs Aliens. He has been training as a performer and has performed in various musicals in the states for the past 17 years. He is a singer/dancer/acrobat and served as an assistant director of the BYU Young Ambassadors and completed an international tour with them of “Welcome Home” performing across the United States and Brazil. He served as an LDS performing mission in Nauvoo, Illinois in 2010. He toured with the cast of the Young Ambassadors to Northern California and Nauvoo, IL in 2015. Having millions of views on YouTube and social media platforms, Caleb’s Hip-Hop and Acrobatic audience is world wide. Recently he was featured on Impossible Talents the TV show with over 2 million subscribers. He has been a Swing Dance and Hip-Hop instructor in various studios in Arizona and Utah since 2012 and has also worked as a collegiate choreographer for various musical productions.
Born and raised in Mesa, Arizona, Caleb is a Trained Vocal Instructor from New York Vocal Coaching under Justin Stoney in New York City. He is a Suzuki Early Childhood Education teacher trained in both level one and two by the program creators, Sharon Jones and Dorothy Jones. He has a BA in Latin American Studies from BYU and an Associates of Arts Degree from CGCC. Caleb is a member of ACTRA and is a stunt performer and actor in the film industry of Nova Scotia with roles on productions such as Washington Black by Disney, Moonshine on Netflix, and Kids Vs Aliens. He has been training as a performer and has performed in various musicals in the states for the past 17 years. He is a singer/dancer/acrobat and served as an assistant director of the BYU Young Ambassadors and completed an international tour with them of “Welcome Home” performing across the United States and Brazil. He served as an LDS performing mission in Nauvoo, Illinois in 2010. He toured with the cast of the Young Ambassadors to Northern California and Nauvoo, IL in 2015. Having millions of views on YouTube and social media platforms, Caleb’s Hip-Hop and Acrobatic audience is world wide. Recently he was featured on Impossible Talents the TV show with over 2 million subscribers. He has been a Swing Dance and Hip-Hop instructor in various studios in Arizona and Utah since 2012 and has also worked as a collegiate choreographer for various musical productions.
Elsa (Hodder) Allred
Musical theatre/Vocal/Dance/SECE/NSYA Artistic Director/Jr Musical Theatre Performance group Director
From Halifax, Nova Scotia, Elsa has been training and performing in music, dance, and theatre since a very young age. She is a Trained Vocal Instructor from New York Vocal Coaching under Justin Stoney in New York City. She is a Suzuki Early Childhood Education teacher trained in both level one and two by the program creators, Sharon Jones and Dorothy Jones. Elsa has a Professional Dance Diploma from the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts. She performed as a lead dancer and singer with the Brigham Young University’s Young Ambassadors on their international tour of “Welcome Home” performing across the United States and Brazil. Winning a Repy Award for her role as Louise in Carousel with Utah Repertory Theatre and performing lead roles in over a dozen musicals, Elsa is very passionate about performing and helping her students to experience the joy that can come from lifting and inspiring others through their performances. Elsa has studied Shakespeare and Contemporary theatre in London, England and acting from numerous instructors and professors including Tim Threlfall and Amy Jenson. She has competed in countless dance and musical theater competitions over the years. In 2015, she represented Nova Scotia at CANdance Competition at the International championship level, ranking her as an overall title soloist winner. Elsa has training at schools such as The National Ballet of Canada, Boston Ballet School and Ballet West. Elsa’s passion and experience in the arts is not limited to performing. With this experience and training, Elsa has taught music, dance and theatre classes for years as well as choreographed for many productions. She is passionate about bringing current, healthy and technical voice education to her students in Nova Scotia so they can sing and master any style and have vocal strength and longevity!
From Halifax, Nova Scotia, Elsa has been training and performing in music, dance, and theatre since a very young age. She is a Trained Vocal Instructor from New York Vocal Coaching under Justin Stoney in New York City. She is a Suzuki Early Childhood Education teacher trained in both level one and two by the program creators, Sharon Jones and Dorothy Jones. Elsa has a Professional Dance Diploma from the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts. She performed as a lead dancer and singer with the Brigham Young University’s Young Ambassadors on their international tour of “Welcome Home” performing across the United States and Brazil. Winning a Repy Award for her role as Louise in Carousel with Utah Repertory Theatre and performing lead roles in over a dozen musicals, Elsa is very passionate about performing and helping her students to experience the joy that can come from lifting and inspiring others through their performances. Elsa has studied Shakespeare and Contemporary theatre in London, England and acting from numerous instructors and professors including Tim Threlfall and Amy Jenson. She has competed in countless dance and musical theater competitions over the years. In 2015, she represented Nova Scotia at CANdance Competition at the International championship level, ranking her as an overall title soloist winner. Elsa has training at schools such as The National Ballet of Canada, Boston Ballet School and Ballet West. Elsa’s passion and experience in the arts is not limited to performing. With this experience and training, Elsa has taught music, dance and theatre classes for years as well as choreographed for many productions. She is passionate about bringing current, healthy and technical voice education to her students in Nova Scotia so they can sing and master any style and have vocal strength and longevity!
Amy Spurr-Caveney
Violin/Orchestra/Piano
Nova Scotian violinist Amy Spurr-Caveney has found her way onto multiple stages across Canada and Mexico. Recently, Amy performed on the 2021 Juno winning album “Heart Parade” by the children’s group, Splash’N Boots.
Amy has over ten years of experience teaching violin, viola, and piano. She has prepared students for exams, competitions, and solo performances. In addition to teaching private and group lessons, Amy has given masterclasses in Mexico at the Festival Internacional de Musica (Guadalajara) and Fesitval de Febrero (Ajijic).
While freelancing as a violinist in Toronto, Amy performed with international stars such as Michael Bublé and 2Cellos. In 2019, Amy premiered Jordon O’Connor’s Violin Concerto. Also an avid orchestral musician, Amy has performed with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphonia, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, the Kingston Symphony Orchestra, and the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. Amy participated as an artist at multiple summer orchestral and chamber music festivals including the National Academy Orchestra of Canada, Youth Orchestra of the Americas, Orchestre de la Francophonie, Domaine Forget, Orford Academy, and Tuckamore Chamber Music Festival.
Amy studied violin with Annalee Patipatanakoon of the Gryphon Trio and Nancy Dahn of Duo Concertante, as well as performing in masterclasses for renowned violinists such as James Ehnes and Jonathan Crow. Amy holds degrees from Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Toronto.
Nova Scotian violinist Amy Spurr-Caveney has found her way onto multiple stages across Canada and Mexico. Recently, Amy performed on the 2021 Juno winning album “Heart Parade” by the children’s group, Splash’N Boots.
Amy has over ten years of experience teaching violin, viola, and piano. She has prepared students for exams, competitions, and solo performances. In addition to teaching private and group lessons, Amy has given masterclasses in Mexico at the Festival Internacional de Musica (Guadalajara) and Fesitval de Febrero (Ajijic).
While freelancing as a violinist in Toronto, Amy performed with international stars such as Michael Bublé and 2Cellos. In 2019, Amy premiered Jordon O’Connor’s Violin Concerto. Also an avid orchestral musician, Amy has performed with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphonia, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, the Kingston Symphony Orchestra, and the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. Amy participated as an artist at multiple summer orchestral and chamber music festivals including the National Academy Orchestra of Canada, Youth Orchestra of the Americas, Orchestre de la Francophonie, Domaine Forget, Orford Academy, and Tuckamore Chamber Music Festival.
Amy studied violin with Annalee Patipatanakoon of the Gryphon Trio and Nancy Dahn of Duo Concertante, as well as performing in masterclasses for renowned violinists such as James Ehnes and Jonathan Crow. Amy holds degrees from Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Toronto.
Brenda Joyce
SECE
A native of London, Ontario, Brenda Joyce has her Bachelor of Music Theory and Composition from the University of Toronto and her Masters in Collaborative Piano Performance from Western University.
She has studied with Ronald Turini and Jane Hayes has completed additional opera repetiteur training with Kathryn Tremills and Martin Katz. Her professional music experience includes piano teaching, music coaching, ballet pianist, music director, harpsichordist, session musician, pit musician, orchestral keyboardist and choral accompanist. In London, she worked at Western University as a collaborative pianist, accompanied two choirs and had her own studio teaching Suzuki piano.
Since moving to Halifax in 2016, she has performed with the Nova Scotia Tattoo Choir, the Halifax Summer Opera Festival, Nova Sinfonia, the All-City Music ensembles and is a regular pianist at the Sing Summer choir camps in Berwick. She is currently on staff as a ballet pianist at the Maritime Conservatory of the Performing Arts and is the choral accompanist for Upper Tantallon Voices in Rhythm.
A native of London, Ontario, Brenda Joyce has her Bachelor of Music Theory and Composition from the University of Toronto and her Masters in Collaborative Piano Performance from Western University.
She has studied with Ronald Turini and Jane Hayes has completed additional opera repetiteur training with Kathryn Tremills and Martin Katz. Her professional music experience includes piano teaching, music coaching, ballet pianist, music director, harpsichordist, session musician, pit musician, orchestral keyboardist and choral accompanist. In London, she worked at Western University as a collaborative pianist, accompanied two choirs and had her own studio teaching Suzuki piano.
Since moving to Halifax in 2016, she has performed with the Nova Scotia Tattoo Choir, the Halifax Summer Opera Festival, Nova Sinfonia, the All-City Music ensembles and is a regular pianist at the Sing Summer choir camps in Berwick. She is currently on staff as a ballet pianist at the Maritime Conservatory of the Performing Arts and is the choral accompanist for Upper Tantallon Voices in Rhythm.
Caroline Boulter
Violin/Step dance/Adult ensembles/Theory/Jr NSYA director
Caroline is studying violin at Dalhousie University. She has been taking violin and dance lessons since she was 3! She moved to Nova Scotia in 7th grade and started taking lessons with Christy Hodder. Caroline was a member of the NSYA, and is a current member of the NSYO and NSWYE. Caroline competed in the 2019, 2021, and 2022 Nova Scotia Provincial music festival for junior and senior strings, as well as the 2021 and 2022 junior woodwinds class. She is the 2022 recipient of the New Glasgow Music Festival Rose Bowl. Caroline is very excited to continue to teach and make music alongside Scotia Suzuki School students and faculty!
Caroline is studying violin at Dalhousie University. She has been taking violin and dance lessons since she was 3! She moved to Nova Scotia in 7th grade and started taking lessons with Christy Hodder. Caroline was a member of the NSYA, and is a current member of the NSYO and NSWYE. Caroline competed in the 2019, 2021, and 2022 Nova Scotia Provincial music festival for junior and senior strings, as well as the 2021 and 2022 junior woodwinds class. She is the 2022 recipient of the New Glasgow Music Festival Rose Bowl. Caroline is very excited to continue to teach and make music alongside Scotia Suzuki School students and faculty!
Chloé Dionne
Associate teacher - Vocal/Musical theatre
Elizabeth Perez
Violin/Viola
Elizabeth was the violist for the Center for New Music Ensemble and performed with multiple symphony orchestras in the Midwest region, including the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra. She completed her Suzuki teacher training under Joanne Bath at East Carolina University, and has taught at the Fairview Elementary School Violin Project in Bloomington, IN, the Preucil School of Music in Iowa City, IA and the Center for Young Musicians in Pittsburgh, PA.
Elizabeth is currently working towards her Doctor of Musical Arts in Viola Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa (ABD). She completed her Master of Music in Viola Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where she performed as Principal and Co-Principal of the IU Chamber and University Orchestras and received her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from East Carolina University.
Elizabeth was the violist for the Center for New Music Ensemble and performed with multiple symphony orchestras in the Midwest region, including the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra. She completed her Suzuki teacher training under Joanne Bath at East Carolina University, and has taught at the Fairview Elementary School Violin Project in Bloomington, IN, the Preucil School of Music in Iowa City, IA and the Center for Young Musicians in Pittsburgh, PA.
Elizabeth is currently working towards her Doctor of Musical Arts in Viola Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa (ABD). She completed her Master of Music in Viola Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where she performed as Principal and Co-Principal of the IU Chamber and University Orchestras and received her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from East Carolina University.
Hailey Coates
Associate teacher - Flute
Hailey is currently studying flute performance at Dalhousie University. She started taking private flute lessons in 2015 while living in Washington state, and has studied with Kim Breilien, Denis Bluteau, and Christine Feierabend, who is her current teacher. Hailey also studies Piano privately.
Hailey has performed in WMEA solo competitions while in Washington, having earned top scores each year. She has also performed unaccompanied flute in the Oak Harbor Music Festival in 2017. Since moving back to Nova Scotia in 2019 she has performed in the Chamber Players Series at the Peggy Corkum Music Room in 2021; for the Women For Music committee in September 2022; and is soon to perform in Dalhousie Symphony Orchestra’s own Concerto Competition in March 2023.
Currently principal flute of the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra and the Dalhousie Symphony Orchestra, Hailey enjoys performing in many different ensembles: jazz bands, flute choir, drumline, wind quintets, wind ensembles, and several choirs, to name a few. In these ensembles she has played saxophone, trumpet, mellophone, and percussion, among others. Aside from music, Hailey enjoys scholarly hobbies such as learning languages and studying philosophy.
Hailey’s love for music runs deep and she loves having the opportunity to share it with those who want to learn. She has been teaching both flute and piano since beginning university, and is excited to teach with the Suzuki School!
Hailey is currently studying flute performance at Dalhousie University. She started taking private flute lessons in 2015 while living in Washington state, and has studied with Kim Breilien, Denis Bluteau, and Christine Feierabend, who is her current teacher. Hailey also studies Piano privately.
Hailey has performed in WMEA solo competitions while in Washington, having earned top scores each year. She has also performed unaccompanied flute in the Oak Harbor Music Festival in 2017. Since moving back to Nova Scotia in 2019 she has performed in the Chamber Players Series at the Peggy Corkum Music Room in 2021; for the Women For Music committee in September 2022; and is soon to perform in Dalhousie Symphony Orchestra’s own Concerto Competition in March 2023.
Currently principal flute of the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra and the Dalhousie Symphony Orchestra, Hailey enjoys performing in many different ensembles: jazz bands, flute choir, drumline, wind quintets, wind ensembles, and several choirs, to name a few. In these ensembles she has played saxophone, trumpet, mellophone, and percussion, among others. Aside from music, Hailey enjoys scholarly hobbies such as learning languages and studying philosophy.
Hailey’s love for music runs deep and she loves having the opportunity to share it with those who want to learn. She has been teaching both flute and piano since beginning university, and is excited to teach with the Suzuki School!
Indi Tisoy Morales
Violin /Theory/Orchestra
Indi is a Colombian Canadian musician who has been playing the violin for over 14 years. Her love for performing classical music emerged from her very first ensemble experience, where she played in the violin section of the Conservatory Jr Orchestra led by Christy Hodder and continued on to take Suzuki lessons from her. Indi has been teaching Theory at the SSSM for the past two years and has been assisting the Symphony Pop Orchestra since its creation in 2021.
Currently, Indi is in the Bachelor of Music Program at Dalhousie University, and studies violin with Leonardo Perez. Her previous teacher was Karen Langille of SNS, who she studied with for 6 years. Indi is very active in the local musical community, she plays with a variety of ensembles such as the Dalhousie Symphony Orchestra, the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, the Halifax Institute of Traditional and Early Music, the Los Primos Cuban-Jazz Band Project, as well as the Nova Scotia Youth Jazz Orchestra, among others.
Indi has studied music theory through Dr. Lorna Wanzel and has completed RCM rudiments, as well as ARCT Harmony and Counterpoint, Analysis and History. Her theoretical studies have helped her further explore the realms of arranging and composing music. Most recently, Indi received an honourable mention for her composition “Tango for String Quartet” at the CFMTA’s National Student Composer Competition in 2021.
When she is not playing violin, Indi enjoys practicing her other instruments such as her alto saxophone, piano, ukulele and traditional Chinese erhu. Her interests outside of music include drawing, painting and videography.
Indi completed her Book 1 and 2 of Suzuki Training as well as “Every Child Can!” the pedagogy course exploring the philosophy of Dr. Suzuki.
Indi is a Colombian Canadian musician who has been playing the violin for over 14 years. Her love for performing classical music emerged from her very first ensemble experience, where she played in the violin section of the Conservatory Jr Orchestra led by Christy Hodder and continued on to take Suzuki lessons from her. Indi has been teaching Theory at the SSSM for the past two years and has been assisting the Symphony Pop Orchestra since its creation in 2021.
Currently, Indi is in the Bachelor of Music Program at Dalhousie University, and studies violin with Leonardo Perez. Her previous teacher was Karen Langille of SNS, who she studied with for 6 years. Indi is very active in the local musical community, she plays with a variety of ensembles such as the Dalhousie Symphony Orchestra, the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, the Halifax Institute of Traditional and Early Music, the Los Primos Cuban-Jazz Band Project, as well as the Nova Scotia Youth Jazz Orchestra, among others.
Indi has studied music theory through Dr. Lorna Wanzel and has completed RCM rudiments, as well as ARCT Harmony and Counterpoint, Analysis and History. Her theoretical studies have helped her further explore the realms of arranging and composing music. Most recently, Indi received an honourable mention for her composition “Tango for String Quartet” at the CFMTA’s National Student Composer Competition in 2021.
When she is not playing violin, Indi enjoys practicing her other instruments such as her alto saxophone, piano, ukulele and traditional Chinese erhu. Her interests outside of music include drawing, painting and videography.
Indi completed her Book 1 and 2 of Suzuki Training as well as “Every Child Can!” the pedagogy course exploring the philosophy of Dr. Suzuki.
Jeremie Boudreau
Associate teacher - Guitar
Karen Langille
Violin/Senior Repertoire Class
Karen Langille has been a full-time member of Symphony Nova Scotia since 1985 and is currently concertmaster of the Charlottetown Summer Festival Orchestra in Prince Edward Island.
A graduate of McGill University, Karen pursued studies in both modern and baroque violin. She is a founding member of both Réjouissance and Tempest, two Nova Scotian ensembles specializing in early music performance on period instruments, and has recorded for CBC Radio 2 both locally and nationally.
Karen has more than 30 years of teaching experience and has taught all levels of students – from beginning students through to adult. She is a member of the NSRMTA and has Suzuki training from institutes in Montreal and Ithaca, NY.
Karen Langille has been a full-time member of Symphony Nova Scotia since 1985 and is currently concertmaster of the Charlottetown Summer Festival Orchestra in Prince Edward Island.
A graduate of McGill University, Karen pursued studies in both modern and baroque violin. She is a founding member of both Réjouissance and Tempest, two Nova Scotian ensembles specializing in early music performance on period instruments, and has recorded for CBC Radio 2 both locally and nationally.
Karen has more than 30 years of teaching experience and has taught all levels of students – from beginning students through to adult. She is a member of the NSRMTA and has Suzuki training from institutes in Montreal and Ithaca, NY.
Kimberly Holmes
Associate teacher - Keyboard Chording/Accompaniment
Leonardo Perez
Violin/Viola
Leonardo Perez has taught violin and viola at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and was the Orchestra Director of the IUP Symphony Orchestra. He will be joining the faculty at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia as Lecturer of Violin/Viola and Head of Strings beginning in the fall of 2018. Leonardo has performed with orchestras throughout the United States such as the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra, Quad City Symphony Orchestra and Evansville Philharmonic. An active and dedicated teacher, he is certified in Suzuki books 1-10 and taught for three years in the public-school system in Snow Hill, North Carolina through the Greene County Suzuki Association.
Leonardo received his Bachelor of Music degree from East Carolina University. He holds a Master of Music degree in Violin Performance from the University of Southern California, and a Master of Music degree in Orchestral Conducting from East Carolina University with doctoral studies at the University of Iowa.
Leonardo Perez has taught violin and viola at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and was the Orchestra Director of the IUP Symphony Orchestra. He will be joining the faculty at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia as Lecturer of Violin/Viola and Head of Strings beginning in the fall of 2018. Leonardo has performed with orchestras throughout the United States such as the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra, Quad City Symphony Orchestra and Evansville Philharmonic. An active and dedicated teacher, he is certified in Suzuki books 1-10 and taught for three years in the public-school system in Snow Hill, North Carolina through the Greene County Suzuki Association.
Leonardo received his Bachelor of Music degree from East Carolina University. He holds a Master of Music degree in Violin Performance from the University of Southern California, and a Master of Music degree in Orchestral Conducting from East Carolina University with doctoral studies at the University of Iowa.
Lydia Lee
Violin
Born in Guelph, Ontario, Lydia Lee is part of a musical family of nine. She began learning piano at age three and picked up violin at age seven in Brandon, Manitoba. Lydia also started exploring other musical instruments such as the viola, ukulele and Chinese erhu, but fell in love with the violin the most due to the rich and elegant sound. On violin, she has participated in numerous music festivals, Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, and chamber groups including Trillium Duo. Lydia is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce at Saint Mary’s University.
As a former Suzuki graduate, Lydia believes that music should be part of every person’s life as she has experienced the joy it brought her and her family growing up. She has completed Suzuki violin training book 1 and 2 giving her the thrill to be able to share the art of music with others!
Born in Guelph, Ontario, Lydia Lee is part of a musical family of nine. She began learning piano at age three and picked up violin at age seven in Brandon, Manitoba. Lydia also started exploring other musical instruments such as the viola, ukulele and Chinese erhu, but fell in love with the violin the most due to the rich and elegant sound. On violin, she has participated in numerous music festivals, Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, and chamber groups including Trillium Duo. Lydia is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce at Saint Mary’s University.
As a former Suzuki graduate, Lydia believes that music should be part of every person’s life as she has experienced the joy it brought her and her family growing up. She has completed Suzuki violin training book 1 and 2 giving her the thrill to be able to share the art of music with others!
Megan (Bain) Singer
Violin/Viola/Orchestra
Megan is from Halifax, Nova Scotia. She began studying the violin in the Suzuki Method at the age four with Yvonne DeRoller. She continued her violin studies with George Maxman, Anne Rapson and Philippe Djokic. She spent two years of violin study at the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying with Linda Cerone and David Updegraff. Megan then returned to Halifax, where she graduated from Dalhousie University in 2003 with combined BSC honours in Neuroscience and Music, studying the viola with Professor Philippe Djokic. Megan then traveled west to continue her viola studies with David Harding at the University of British Columbia, where she graduated with a Masters in Music in 2007. She then went to Calgary to play in the viola section of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
Megan returned to Halifax in 2019. She enjoys being outside, loves biking, running, swimming, gardening and spending time with her family; husband Jarvis and two kids Samantha and Jack.
Megan is from Halifax, Nova Scotia. She began studying the violin in the Suzuki Method at the age four with Yvonne DeRoller. She continued her violin studies with George Maxman, Anne Rapson and Philippe Djokic. She spent two years of violin study at the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying with Linda Cerone and David Updegraff. Megan then returned to Halifax, where she graduated from Dalhousie University in 2003 with combined BSC honours in Neuroscience and Music, studying the viola with Professor Philippe Djokic. Megan then traveled west to continue her viola studies with David Harding at the University of British Columbia, where she graduated with a Masters in Music in 2007. She then went to Calgary to play in the viola section of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
Megan returned to Halifax in 2019. She enjoys being outside, loves biking, running, swimming, gardening and spending time with her family; husband Jarvis and two kids Samantha and Jack.
Poppy Isobel von Maltzahn
Associate teacher - Violin/SECE
Poppy grew up in Ottawa, Ontario and started playing violin when she was 3. She has been a part of Suzuki school for many years and loves the unique Suzuki community. Poppy enjoys spending time teaching and learning with others, enjoying music and how it can improve people’s lives. She is so excited to be a part of this group and help as people learn violin and enjoy it to its full potential!
Poppy grew up in Ottawa, Ontario and started playing violin when she was 3. She has been a part of Suzuki school for many years and loves the unique Suzuki community. Poppy enjoys spending time teaching and learning with others, enjoying music and how it can improve people’s lives. She is so excited to be a part of this group and help as people learn violin and enjoy it to its full potential!
Priscilla Lee
Cello/Piano
Priscilla Lee graduated with her Bachelor in Music Performance at Dalhousie University. One of seven children, she credits the start of her musical training to listening to her older siblings’ daily music practice. She started piano lessons at age five and picked up cello at age ten, soon participating in competitions, orchestras, and chamber groups. She has performed as a soloist with the Dalhousie Symphony Orchestra, and at eighteen years old, is the youngest winner of the apprenticeship position with Symphony Nova Scotia. She is excited to be returning to teach again after traveling for a year at the Scotia Suzuki School of Music.
Priscilla Lee graduated with her Bachelor in Music Performance at Dalhousie University. One of seven children, she credits the start of her musical training to listening to her older siblings’ daily music practice. She started piano lessons at age five and picked up cello at age ten, soon participating in competitions, orchestras, and chamber groups. She has performed as a soloist with the Dalhousie Symphony Orchestra, and at eighteen years old, is the youngest winner of the apprenticeship position with Symphony Nova Scotia. She is excited to be returning to teach again after traveling for a year at the Scotia Suzuki School of Music.
Raquel Correia
Piano
Raquel was born in Brazil and began her musical studies when she was 8 years old. Her father was always very fond of classical music and had the dream that his children would love music and learn to play a musical instrument. At age 11 she enrolled at the music college (Music School of Brasilia) and began studying the cello. That allowed her to continue with private lessons for piano and, at the same time, have greater musical experience participating in choirs, youth orchestras, and chamber music. At the age of 18, she attended Brasilia’s University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in music.
After graduation, she taught piano and theory at several music schools in Brazil and organized choirs in churches and schools as a conductor or pianist. She moved to Halifax in 2019. Ms. Raquel has loved her Suzuki Piano training and is excited to join the Scotia Suzuki School.
Raquel was born in Brazil and began her musical studies when she was 8 years old. Her father was always very fond of classical music and had the dream that his children would love music and learn to play a musical instrument. At age 11 she enrolled at the music college (Music School of Brasilia) and began studying the cello. That allowed her to continue with private lessons for piano and, at the same time, have greater musical experience participating in choirs, youth orchestras, and chamber music. At the age of 18, she attended Brasilia’s University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in music.
After graduation, she taught piano and theory at several music schools in Brazil and organized choirs in churches and schools as a conductor or pianist. She moved to Halifax in 2019. Ms. Raquel has loved her Suzuki Piano training and is excited to join the Scotia Suzuki School.
Raquel Wasson
Piano
Raquel Wasson began her love of music when she started taking piano lessons at the age of six. She studied under Ian Bent for thirteen years until she started her music degree at Dalhousie University in 2017/18 as a Fountain Scholar. During her time at Dalhousie, she has studied piano with Peter Allen and Betty Ro. Raquel has also studied percussion since starting band classes in grade six, up until her third year of university where she studied with D’Arcy Gray. She has participated in numerous Kiwanis Music Festivals and was a member of the Nova Scotia Youth Wind Ensemble for three years. Raquel was the principal percussionist in the Dalhousie Symphony Orchestra for three years as well. During her time at Dalhousie she has made the Dean’s List every year and has been the president of the Society of Dalhousie Music Students (SDMS) for two years. She absolutely loves to work with children as she has spent many years volunteering with an after school childcare program and at Son Rise Bible Camp in Fall River. She also created a Music Therapy program in the Learning Centre at Lockview High School and loves sharing her music with people of all ages and abilities. When she isn’t playing the piano she can be found hiking, painting, or in church. Raquel can’t wait to share her love of music with you!
Raquel Wasson began her love of music when she started taking piano lessons at the age of six. She studied under Ian Bent for thirteen years until she started her music degree at Dalhousie University in 2017/18 as a Fountain Scholar. During her time at Dalhousie, she has studied piano with Peter Allen and Betty Ro. Raquel has also studied percussion since starting band classes in grade six, up until her third year of university where she studied with D’Arcy Gray. She has participated in numerous Kiwanis Music Festivals and was a member of the Nova Scotia Youth Wind Ensemble for three years. Raquel was the principal percussionist in the Dalhousie Symphony Orchestra for three years as well. During her time at Dalhousie she has made the Dean’s List every year and has been the president of the Society of Dalhousie Music Students (SDMS) for two years. She absolutely loves to work with children as she has spent many years volunteering with an after school childcare program and at Son Rise Bible Camp in Fall River. She also created a Music Therapy program in the Learning Centre at Lockview High School and loves sharing her music with people of all ages and abilities. When she isn’t playing the piano she can be found hiking, painting, or in church. Raquel can’t wait to share her love of music with you!
Shanti Sivarulrasa
Violin/SECE/Theory
Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Shanti Sivarulrasa began studying violin through the Suzuki Method at
the age of four. She is in her second year of the Bachelor of Music program at Dalhousie
University on a four-year Fountain Performing Arts Scholarship.
Currently, Shanti studies violin with Leonardo Perez and serves as the Concertmaster of the
Dalhousie Symphony Orchestra. Her previous violin teachers have included Sara Mastrangelo,
Karoly Sziladi Sr. and Christopher Barham.
In 2022, Dalhousie University awarded Shanti the Halifax Ladies Musical Club Scholarship,
awarded to a First-Year student who displays the highest potential as a performer. In 2021, she
was awarded the Honourable L.D. Curie Memorial Scholarship in Music by Dalhousie
University and the Gilles Paquet Memorial Scholarship by the Ottawa Youth Orchestra. In 2020,
she performed with the Ottawa Youth Orchestra at the Ottawa Youth Orchestra Academy and
served as Concertmaster. Shanti was also a member of Stellae Boreales, the premier violin
ensemble of Ottawa Suzuki Strings, in which she performed for four years. During her time with
Stellae Boreales, the ensemble toured to Boston and New York City.
Shanti has a strong interest in music composition and intends to pursue a specialization in
composition in the Dalhousie music program.
Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Shanti Sivarulrasa began studying violin through the Suzuki Method at
the age of four. She is in her second year of the Bachelor of Music program at Dalhousie
University on a four-year Fountain Performing Arts Scholarship.
Currently, Shanti studies violin with Leonardo Perez and serves as the Concertmaster of the
Dalhousie Symphony Orchestra. Her previous violin teachers have included Sara Mastrangelo,
Karoly Sziladi Sr. and Christopher Barham.
In 2022, Dalhousie University awarded Shanti the Halifax Ladies Musical Club Scholarship,
awarded to a First-Year student who displays the highest potential as a performer. In 2021, she
was awarded the Honourable L.D. Curie Memorial Scholarship in Music by Dalhousie
University and the Gilles Paquet Memorial Scholarship by the Ottawa Youth Orchestra. In 2020,
she performed with the Ottawa Youth Orchestra at the Ottawa Youth Orchestra Academy and
served as Concertmaster. Shanti was also a member of Stellae Boreales, the premier violin
ensemble of Ottawa Suzuki Strings, in which she performed for four years. During her time with
Stellae Boreales, the ensemble toured to Boston and New York City.
Shanti has a strong interest in music composition and intends to pursue a specialization in
composition in the Dalhousie music program.
Thomas Gadd
Cello
Having pursued the study of cello since his early childhood, Thomas Gadd's aim is to make cello education accessible to anyone who wants it. Thomas received his teacher training up to level 5 from Susan Gagnon, Barbara Wampner, and Annette Costanzi. He graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Ministries from Millar College of the Bible in Southwest Saskatchewan, where he kindled his passion for exploring the use of cello in various alternative genres, including rock, folk, and jazz. Thomas most recently studied with Simon Fryer, and has also received instruction in the form of master classes and private lessons from various cellists, including Arnold Choi, Paul Widner, Thomas Wiebe, Paul Marleyn, Mark Summer, and Gerard Le Feuvre.
Having pursued the study of cello since his early childhood, Thomas Gadd's aim is to make cello education accessible to anyone who wants it. Thomas received his teacher training up to level 5 from Susan Gagnon, Barbara Wampner, and Annette Costanzi. He graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Ministries from Millar College of the Bible in Southwest Saskatchewan, where he kindled his passion for exploring the use of cello in various alternative genres, including rock, folk, and jazz. Thomas most recently studied with Simon Fryer, and has also received instruction in the form of master classes and private lessons from various cellists, including Arnold Choi, Paul Widner, Thomas Wiebe, Paul Marleyn, Mark Summer, and Gerard Le Feuvre.
Victoria Dubois
Associate teacher - Flute
Dean Bradshaw
Accompaniment /Advanced Theory
Dean Bradshaw did his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees at the University of Toronto where his teachers included Jane Coop (piano) and Oscar Moravetz (composition). Shortly after graduation, he worked as a rehearsal pianist for the National Ballet of Canada. He arrived in Halifax in 1988 and for many years taught piano and all levels of theory at the Maritime Conservatory of Music. In 1999 he became a part time faculty member at Dalhousie University, teaching classes in keyboard harmony, and accompanying singers and instrumentalists. Dean is the organist and choir director at St. James United Church in Dartmouth, and accompanies the choirs Encor East and Seton Cantata Choir. As for the violin, he has accompanied Suzuki violin for more than 20 years in various Halifax studios, and for a few seasons in the 1990s he played in the Chebucto Symphony Orchestra. In his spare time, he spends too much time cooking, going to the gym, and surfing the net.
Dean Bradshaw did his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees at the University of Toronto where his teachers included Jane Coop (piano) and Oscar Moravetz (composition). Shortly after graduation, he worked as a rehearsal pianist for the National Ballet of Canada. He arrived in Halifax in 1988 and for many years taught piano and all levels of theory at the Maritime Conservatory of Music. In 1999 he became a part time faculty member at Dalhousie University, teaching classes in keyboard harmony, and accompanying singers and instrumentalists. Dean is the organist and choir director at St. James United Church in Dartmouth, and accompanies the choirs Encor East and Seton Cantata Choir. As for the violin, he has accompanied Suzuki violin for more than 20 years in various Halifax studios, and for a few seasons in the 1990s he played in the Chebucto Symphony Orchestra. In his spare time, he spends too much time cooking, going to the gym, and surfing the net.
Mark Hodder
Building management /Directors Assistant
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