MEET OUR TEAM
Meet our exceptional team: the passionate minds behind Be Sharp Academy of the Arts. Get to know the talented individuals who bring our vision to life and share a common commitment to delivering excellence in music and the arts!
Ellie
Studio Director & Founder
Piano, Ukulele, Guitar, & Introductory Music Teacher
Hello! I'm Ellie!
I’m a dedicated music educator with over 20 years of musical experience. As a trained teacher through the Royal Conservatory of Music, I've been sharing my passion for music for over a decade in various settings.
I aim to foster an inclusive environment where students can shape their learning experiences and express their musical preferences from the early stages.
In my lessons, I embrace a tailored approach, considering each student's strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Recognizing that every learner is unique, I craft individualised lesson plans by combining or creating materials that resonate best with each student.
I teach music to all ages and skill levels. If you have any inquiries or would like to embark on a musical journey with me, please feel free to reach out. Looking forward to making music together!
On maternity leave until Spring 2025
Nick
Studio Co-Founder
Ukulele, Guitar, Bass, & Drum Teacher
Hello, I'm Nick!
I'm on a mission to inspire the next generation of music enthusiasts. With a passion for music and a blend of creativity, dedication, and a love for teaching, I've found my calling as a music teacher.
I specialise in teaching guitar, bass, and drums. Whether it's the smooth strumming of a guitar, the rhythmic beats of drums, or the deep grooves of bass, I'm here to guide students on their musical journey. Although I teach many styles of music, I specialise in improvisation and "jamming."
I understand that every student is unique, with their musical tastes and aspirations. That's why I tailor each lesson to the individual, allowing them to explore songs and styles that genuinely interest them. This personalised approach ensures that my students are not just learning music but also developing a genuine love for it.
Syd
Administrative Director
Hi, I'm Syd!
I’m Be Sharp’s Administrative Director, so I do all sorts of behind-the-scenes things. You might find me answering emails, volunteering at events, or having a business meeting with Ellie & Nick to discuss all of the fun studio initiatives we have in store!
I might not know much about music, but that’s okay- we have an amazing team of teachers who specialise in that! While our teacher team is busy teaching lessons and running workshops, I help make sure that things run smoothly on the back end. We all work together to ensure that everyone at Be Sharp is having an amazing time and loving their lessons.
I love seeing how excited and passionate everyone is about learning music. Maybe I’ll need to start learning an instrument too!
Amanda
Piano, Vocal, & Musical Theatre Teacher
Musical Bees Program Coordinator
Hello, I’m Amanda!
I’m a pianist and vocalist with a degree in Vocal Jazz Performance from the University of Toronto. After my jazz degree, I dove into music theatre training, acting in dozens of musicals and plays. I also released a self-written pop album (available on Apple Music)!
I have over 9 years of teaching experience in piano and voice, and have taught over 50 students of all ages. I also work in early childhood caregiving, so I am comfortable with the littlest of kiddos!
I love discovering my students' interests and learning styles and tailoring my lessons to make music exciting and engaging for them as individuals! I enjoy exploring different genres or approaches that my students are interested in, whether that’s trying out songwriting, new instruments, or learning through games or visual art. My biggest goal as a teacher is to instill a curiosity and love for music and the arts.
I'm excited to be a part of the Be Sharp team!
On maternity leave until Fall 2025
Lydia
Piano, Violin, & Vocal Teacher
Hey! I'm Lydia.
I'm passionate about music and working with kids. I play several instruments, including piano and violin, and I also dabble in guitar and bass — plus, I love to sing! My goal is to create a welcoming and inspiring environment where students feel excited to learn and explore their musical talents.
I believe that music is more than just a skill to master; it's a powerful way to connect with others, share experiences, and create lasting memories. In my lessons, I focus on building strong relationships with my students, understanding their unique interests, and tailoring my teaching approach to suit their needs. I encourage creativity, whether that's trying out a new instrument, experimenting with different musical styles, or simply having fun with improvisation.
Music has always been a source of joy in my life, and I strive to pass that joy on to my students by showing them how music can bring people together in song. I look forward to inspiring a love of music in every student I teach!
Gabriela
Piano Teacher
Hello! My name is Gabriela!
I am a passionate music educator with four years of teaching experience and a lifelong love for the piano. I have been playing since I was three years old, and sharing my love for music in various settings brings me immense joy. I strive to create a vibrant and supportive learning environment, whether in the classroom or within this community. My goal is to make music education enjoyable and to support students of all levels and ages as they explore their musical interests.
I hope to inspire my students and guide them throughout their musical journeys, helping them grow in confidence and skill. I feel honoured to be a member of the Be Sharp team and look forward to making music with you!
Jenna
Piano Teacher
Hi! I'm Jenna!
I've been passionate about piano for 12 years, studying through the Royal Conservatory of Music up to Level 10 and beginning ARCT. I've participated in many competitions, won numerous awards, and prepared for those nerve-wracking exams! Even when I'm not working directly in music, it has always been a central part of my life. I’ve known for a long time that I wanted to be a music teacher, and while I haven’t had the chance to teach many students yet, I’m eager to find my own teaching style and create a comfortable, engaging environment where learning and playing music is enjoyable for everyone.
I’ve also played the flute and alto saxophone in high school music classes and hope to teach students of all ages. I’m excited to be part of the Be Sharp team and to share my love of music with new students!
