All Teachers

I started learning Carnatic Music (Voice and Violin) when I was about 2 years old, and Piano/Keyboard at 4 years old, so music has always been such a huge part of my life. I've studied through the Royal Conservatory of Music, as well as had tons of A Cappella experience throughout my high school and university career, and gained valuable knowledge and experience assisting in running choirs, a cappella groups, and show choirs, giving me a complete understanding of the qualities of a good performance whilst gaining knowledge and excellent memories. I have also volunteered for Speech Language Pathology companies, whose goal was to help improve literacy, articulation, and communication amongst children and adults. I am a firm believer that it is human nature to have the ability to make music, so long as there are the 3 Ps - patience, practice, and perseverance! I would be honoured to take part in your music journey with you. With the help of our lessons, I hope to guide you on your theory, vocal, and piano journey to help instill confidence and share knowledge and love for music!

I have an ARCT performance diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) in both piano and cello, and I obtained my RCM level 6 certificate in violin. I have played in several orchestras, bands, and choirs, which enriched my musical understanding. Beyond classical music, I have also been part of jazz bands and musical theatre pit orchestras. I enjoy playing many styles of music from different genres and timelines. These experiences taught me to work with many types of musicians and artists, and altered my approach in assisting others.

A highly qualified Trumpet and electric Bass teacher. He also teaches beginner drums and piano. Having studied at The University of Regina, he completed a degree in Musical education, also completing both a music degree and Sonic Design Diploma at Carleton University and a Masters of Music Education at McGill University. Kelly has played with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, The Funk Brothers, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Bo Diddley, Dan Akroyd, Members of Ike and Tina Turner and Frank Zappa’s band, Otis Clay, etc… The list goes on! Kelly uses a number of unique techniques and concepts to help his students master theory and technique behind the instrument. He prides himself on passing knowledge onto his students and seeing their joy for music come to fruition.

Ben Glossop studied the classical guitar with Kevin Knellman in Toronto while also playing in several large and small jazz ensembles and folk groups. He is a singer songwriter having studied voice with Micah Barnes, famously of the Nylons vocal quartet. Ben has released an album of his settings of Edward Lear’s Nonsense Songs in 2014 and in 2020 released an album of his chamber music compositions for reeds and strings. He is also the principal bassoonist of the Ottawa Symphony, the Kingston Symphony and a frequent guest performer with the National Arts Centre Orchestra. He has been teaching guitar, piano and bassoon for over 25 years both privately and in groups.

It's no exaggeration to say that Arien is the top call conga player hailing from Havana. Arien has swiftly become the most sought after conga player for Latin groups in the capital. Tempered with his exposure of American genres like Motown Soul, R&B, and Soca, he is a welcome addition to Sunnyside.

Anastasia is a former Actress from Ukraine having 15 years experience. She teaches all ages and makes vocal training fun; catering classes around musical styles that interest her students.

Graduated in 1986 from State University of Arts ( Kharkov , Ukraine ). When studying there took part in Chamber Orchestras Festival in 1983 (First Prize). Started career as professional violinist in 1982. During 1985 was a member of State Opera and Ballet Theater orchestra. Since 2000 has been teaching students to play violin at Ottawa Conservatory of Music from introductory level to 10th Grade RCM and eight of them joined Ottawa Youth Orchestra.

A Saxophone and Flute player, with a Bachelor of Music at Concordia University in Montreal. Zeek has played with some of the biggest names in music, local legend Tony D, Gatemouth Brown, The Boogiemen, Nolan Porter and Patrice Zappa and Boule Noir. He played for the former notorious 515 club band. Zeek is currently a full time professional musician, he currently plays with Mark Nyvlt, The Occasional Angels, The Maclovins. He plays many different genres of music, everything from classical, blues, rock, Jazz and many more.

Rita is a highly skilled and passionate violinist with a solid foundation in music theory and 15+ years of experience working in 5 stars luxury hotels, private events. She performs as one-woman show and with bands and orchestra, playing international, Arabic, classical and pop music. She has participated in various festivals in Morocco, Lebanon, Jordan and Dubai in addition to attending a workshop internationally. Rita is licensed in Musical education with great communication and time management skills.

Mandy has been playing piano for over 17 years and has gained knowledge from past experiences to create the environment needed for students to foster a long-term passion for music. She likes to adapt to different teaching styles that best suit her students, as well as experimenting with different musical genres and styles!

An up-and-coming musician securing his footing in the Ottawa rock scene, Julian has been devoted to music since picking up the piano at age 7. After switching to drums at age 10, he trained under Andrew Parmelee, learning the art of rock, funk, samba, and heavy metal. His experience in performing and songwriting as the drummer for the rock band Refuse make him a great mentor for students wanting to do the same.

An award-winning musician and passionate music educator. He launched his own label (Colfax Music) after high school and went on to sign a deal with Jeff Burns (Universal Music Canada), the industry veteran behind acts like Nickelback and Loverboy. As a guitarist, Brock has toured across Canada, the UK, Europe, and the USA as part of the band Double Experience. In 2025, the band received the Capital Music Award for "Album of the Year" at the National Arts Centre for the band's crowdfunded release. Double Experience was even selected by Twitch Music to launch their creator incubator program known as The Collective. After 10 years of workshops and presentations in high schools, colleges, and conferences in Canada and the United Kingdom, Brock helped launch "The NXT LVL", an Ottawa based festival to champion emerging artists and students. Now, Brock is eager to assist the next generation of creatives with guitar and band-centric lessons.

Asher Darling is a classically trained pianist with a degree in performance and composition from the University of Ottawa. With a strong foundation in classical technique, Asher brings a well-rounded and engaging approach to teaching piano. In addition to his classical background, Asher is experienced in contemporary and pop styles, helping students build versatility and confidence in their playing. Whether working with beginners or more advanced students, Asher focuses on developing solid musical fundamentals while fostering creativity and a love for music.

Eileen got her Bachelors of Music in piano performance from the University of Saskatchewan. She has been teaching piano for 20 years, her students ranging in age from 6 and up (5 year olds may work, a discussion before the first lesson is recommended).

A staple on the gospel circuit, at age 2 Adrian was playing with the best Pentecostal musicians Canada has to offer. He immediately showed a thirst for learning as much as possible across multiple genres. In his late teens and early adulthood, Adrian has become a top call drummer both nationally and internationally. His experience allows him to relate to any aspiring drummer at any age, and at any point in their development.

Tim has been involved with music most of his life and began his first formal training on Accordian and spent many happy hours jamming with his dad; his first musical mentor. After switching over to piano he began experimenting with songwriting and developing his singing voice.

Amrith offers a unique learning perspective, having been a student at Sunnyside Music school before joining the faculty. With over 15 years of experience on the guitar, he honed his skills performing in multiple bands in India, bringing a wealth of real-world knowledge to every lesson. Amrith aims to help students of all levels develop strong technique and a comprehensive understanding of music.

Anna is passionate about helping students of all ages and skills discover their love and passion for music as well. She is able to teach a wide range of genres from Classical, Pop, music theory, and prepare students for RCM Exams, along with being fluent in Mandarin and French.

Erin Adair is an adaptive music educator based in Ottawa. They hold an Honours Bachelor of Music and an MA in Music and Culture from Carleton University and are currently completing their PhD in Critical Improvisation Studies at the University of Guelph. Their doctoral research focuses on autistic sensory regulation and improvisation through music, and they have published three peer-reviewed papers on disability and music. Erin has worked as a professional musician for 19 years as a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, music academic, and recording artist, releasing four albums of original music. Over the past several years, she has specialized in working with students who do not feel at home in typical music lessons. Many of the people she teaches are autistic, ADHD, anxious, sensory-sensitive, or simply learn in ways that do not fit rigid teaching styles. Erin’s teaching approach is shaped by their background in disability studies, their own lived experience as an autistic and ADHD musician, research, and years of hands-on teaching in studios and community spaces. Rather than following a strict curriculum, Erin designs lessons around how each person thinks, communicates, and experiences sound. Some students learn through instruments, some through improvisation, some through technology, and some through musical games. The goal is always the same: to create a space where music feels safe, engaging, and meaningful. She teaches ukulele, piano, songwriting, composition, theory, general music, improvisation, and digital music, and runs small group music circles for autistic and neurodivergent teens and adults. This is not music therapy. It is accessible music education.

Trevor is a multi-instrumentalist, music educator, and recording artist based in Ottawa. With over twenty years of experience performing on guitar and other instruments including international touring and collaborations with a wide range of artists he brings a wealth of real-world musicianship into the classroom. For the past fifteen years, Trevor has taught students of all ages and skill levels, sharing both the technical skills and the creative insights gained from life as a professional musician. His goal is to help students discover and develop their own musical voice. He encourages curiosity, experimentation, and free inquiry, giving students an active role in shaping their musical journey. Drawing on a versatile background that spans blues, roots, rock and roll, jazz, bluegrass, country, folk, and heavy metal, he supports learners in exploring the styles and directions that inspire them most.

An Ottawa-Valley fiddler born in Ottawa, ON. She strives to teach in a creative atmosphere, taking from her experience in different chamber groups, orchestras, and her time at Carleton University and UOttawa. Focusing on the physical health of her students as well as learning how to listen in a group of musicians. Some of the accomplishments she has achieved are: Bachelor of Music with Honors from Carleton University, Masters in Arts-Music-Physical Wellness from UOttawa, RCM 6 Piano, RCM 8 violin, performances in solo and group settings.

A jazz saxophonist and educator. With experience as a performer, bandleader, and recording artist, he brings a creative and supportive approach to teaching. His lessons focus on listening, improvisation, and ensemble skills, while encouraging musical expression and physical well-being.