Chris Churchill
Standup Bass, Electric Bass, Piano
Chris is a seasoned music teacher with an unparalleled passion for the art. With an impressive career spanning over 25 years, he has explored the world of music across more than 85 countries, immersing himself in diverse cultures and musical traditions.
As a multi-talented musician, Chris is proficient in both the double bass and electric bass, effortlessly transitioning between genres and styles. His versatility has allowed him to establish a successful freelancing career, lending his expertise to various musical projects. He has collaborated with Grammy, Juno, and ECMA award-winning artists, an indication of his exceptional skills and industry recognition.
Throughout his extensive musical journey, Chris has worn many hats, including that of a bassist, producer, composer, arranger, orchestrator, and educator. This rich and diverse experience has honed his abilities to not only perform at the highest level but also to mentor and guide aspiring musicians.
Chris has shared his knowledge and passion for music through teaching, influencing countless students with his expertise. His commitment to education is evident as he continuously strives to inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians. His teaching style is characterized by patience, creativity, and a deep understanding of various musical genres.
In addition to his teaching career, Chris has showcased his talents at renowned music festivals, leading his own groups with unmatched energy and artistry. He has also graced the stages of over 30 cruise ships, captivating audiences from around the world with his magnetic performances.
Chris's impact extends beyond live performances, as his musical contributions have been featured on notable television networks such as HBO, APTN, Eastlink, and CTV. Furthermore, his involvement in over 25 musical theater productions across Canada highlights his ability to seamlessly blend his skills with the demands of theatrical performances.
With an impressive repertoire of experiences, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and real-world expertise to his music teaching practice. He is dedicated to nurturing the talents of his students, and guiding them on their own musical journeys.
JOHN SOTIRAKOS
Guitar, Bass, Violin, Fiddle, Mandolin, Vocals , Composer, Artist Development
John has an impressive journey that began in Halifax. He embarked on his musical career at the age of 16, and his talent and dedication led him to pursue formal education at Red Deer College. Graduating in 1990, he immersed himself in a comprehensive music program, studying Studio Lab Band, Big Band, Sound Engineering, and Music Merchandising for three years. As President of the college's music society, he received the Student's Certificate of Excellence Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement.
Throughout his musical endeavors, John's skills and repertoire have continued to expand. He has embraced a wide range of guitar and vocal styles, adeptly playing various instruments and singing lead vocals and harmonies. His musical journey has taken him across the globe, where he has delighted audiences in numerous countries. Collaborating with esteemed musicians, including Gordon Stobbe Inducee, Bill Bourne (a Juno Award winner), Bobby Shew, and the late Ron Dan (Murray McLauchlan's steel guitar player), John has demonstrated his versatility and talent.
John's notable performances include being invited multiple times to the Halifax Jazz Festival in 1990 and joining the Vancouver-based Legends of Country impersonators in 1993. In the latter group, he paid tribute to country music legends like Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, Ricky Van Shelton, and Patsy Cline, further refining his stage presence and connecting with audiences. Alongside his performances, John has made significant contributions as a composer, arranger, and producer. His involvement in Project Discovery, a project that resulted in nationally aired music videos, exemplified his skill set.
For the past 30 years, John has dedicated himself to teaching private music lessons, celebrating a milestone in his career. He imparts his extensive knowledge and passion to students, specializing in various guitar styles such as Celtic, Jazz, Rock, Country, R&B, and Latin American, as well as providing vocal instruction. John's expertise extends beyond the guitar, as he proficiently teaches instruments like bass, ukulele, fiddle, and mandolin. His experience as a performer, composer, and teacher enables him to bring a wealth of knowledge and a dynamic teaching style to his students, earning him respect as a highly regarded music educator within his community.
Jeremie Boudreau
Guitar, Piano, Violin, Vocals
Jeremie is a versatile music teacher and multi-instrumentalist with a strong passion for his craft. He has dedicated himself to the study of various musical instruments, including the violin, piano, and vocals. However, it is the guitar that has become his primary focus in recent years. Combining his classical training with a deep love for rock and roll, Jeremie aspires to establish himself as a notable artistic presence in the music industry.
Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in music at Dalhousie University, Jeremie has been granted a scholarship in recognition of his exceptional talent. Throughout his musical journey, he has had the privilege of studying under renowned mentors such as Vladimir Sitnikov and Scott Macmillan. These experiences have shaped Jeremie's musical development and inspired him to explore new possibilities within his chosen instrument.
As a music teacher, Jeremie brings a unique blend of classical technique and contemporary flair to his instruction. His teaching style is characterized by patience, enthusiasm, and a deep understanding of different musical genres. Whether it's guiding students in mastering the guitar, exploring the intricacies of violin, or honing their piano skills, Jeremie is dedicated to nurturing their talents and helping them discover their own artistic voices.
Driven by his unwavering passion for music, Jeremie strives to ignite the same love and enthusiasm for the art form in his students. He believes in fostering a lifelong connection to music, not only through technical proficiency but also by encouraging creativity, self-expression, and joy. By sharing his expertise and inspiring others, Jeremie aims to make a lasting impact on the musical journeys of his students while continuing to grow as a musician and educator himself.
Josh StewarT
Guitar, Drums, Piano, Electric Bass,
Josh is a dedicated full-time musician and accomplished music teacher. He has extensive experience playing a diverse range of instruments, with guitar as his primary focus. Additionally, Josh is proficient in piano, drums, and bass guitar. His exceptional musicianship was recognized with an award during his enrollment in the Music Arts program at NSCC.
With a versatile skill set, Josh has performed at a variety of events, including cocktail parties, bar shows, and even stadium events. His adaptability as a musician shines through these experiences, allowing him to connect with diverse audiences. Furthermore, Josh has collaborated with EMCA-winning producers, showcasing his songwriting and instrumental talents in multiple projects.
As a music teacher, Josh shares his passion and expertise to inspire students of all levels. His teaching style is characterized by patience, creativity, and a deep understanding of various instruments and musical genres. Whether introducing beginners to the joys of guitar or helping advanced students refine their skills, Josh is dedicated to nurturing their musical talents and fostering a lifelong love for music.
With his extensive performance background, accolades, and collaborative work with industry professionals, Josh is a valuable mentor for aspiring musicians. He empowers his students to unlock their musical potential, guiding them on their own unique musical journeys while keeping them on the path to mastery over their respective instrument.
Mitchell McFadgen
Guitar, Drums, Piano, Uke, Wind & Brass Instruments
Mitchell is a highly qualified music teacher with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Acadia University. His educational background has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of various musical genres, including Classical, Jazz, Rock, Country, and Popular Music. With expertise spanning multiple instruments such as guitar, piano, brass, woodwinds, and percussion, Mitchell is well-prepared to guide students in their musical journey.
With a passion for teaching, Mitchell has gained valuable experience instructing students across different age groups. His ability to tailor lessons to meet individual needs and skill levels enables him to create engaging and effective learning environments. Whether working with beginners or advanced musicians, Mitchell's patient and supportive approach fosters growth and musical development.
Driven by a desire to expand his knowledge and impact as an educator, Mitchell has set his sights on furthering his education. He plans to pursue a Bachelor of Education in the near future, seeking to refine his teaching skills and deepen his understanding of pedagogy. This commitment to ongoing professional development highlights his dedication to providing the best possible learning experiences for his students.
As a music teacher, Mitchell embodies the belief that music is a universal language that can inspire, empower, and enrich lives. His goal is to instill a lifelong love for music in his students, nurturing their creativity, self-expression, and musical abilities. Through his teaching, Mitchell aims to create a positive and supportive environment where students can explore their musical potential and achieve their goals.
Tiernan Matheson
Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Vocals
Tiernan's musical journey has been a lifelong pursuit that began when they enrolled in piano lessons at the age of five. Through these lessons, they acquired a solid foundation in music theory and instrumental technique. Building upon this early start, Tiernan's passion for music led them to explore additional instruments such as guitar, bass, ukulele, and voice, allowing them to expand their musical horizons.
Apart from being an instrumentalist, Tiernan is also a songwriter and solo artist. Their creativity and dedication have manifested in original compositions that showcase their unique musical voice. Furthermore, Tiernan has honed their performing skills through stage experiences, particularly as an actor in various musicals and plays. Notably, they portrayed the leading character Billy Flynn in a production of "Chicago," a role that highlighted their vocal prowess and stage presence.
Tiernan's commitment to their craft led them to seek training from various instructors, including those at Neptune Theatre School. This specialized training proved invaluable, enabling Tiernan to showcase their talent and achieve notable recognition. Their dedication and hard work paid off when they secured first place in the Kiwanis music festival for musical theatre, solidifying their position as a formidable performer in this genre.
Currently, Tiernan is pursuing a music production program at NSCC, further expanding their knowledge and skills in the realm of music. With a diverse skill set encompassing multiple instruments, songwriting, and performance, Tiernan brings a wealth of experience and creativity to their role as a music teacher. Their passion for music and their varied background equip them to inspire and guide aspiring musicians on their own musical journeys.
Trevor Wentzell
PIANO, SAXOPHONE, FLUTE, CLARINET, ORGAN, COMPOSITION
Trevor Wentzell, a prominent figure in the vibrant music scene of Halifax, is a highly accomplished musician and dedicated music educator hailing from Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia. His lifelong musical journey began at the tender age of five, and since then, he has immersed himself in the study and performance of music. Trevor's passion for music is evident as he graces stages with his multi-instrumental talents, including the organ, piano, flute, clarinet, and, of course, the saxophone. He is a sought-after member of various local jazz, blues, and funk bands, such as the Back Alley Big Band, the Chronos Band, Zim Gars Trio, Tom Collins Band, Wentzell/Burton/Haley Organ Trio, and Zulkamoon, just to name a few. Trevor is also a prolific recording artist, frequently collaborating with some of the finest musicians in Halifax.
Trevor's remarkable musical journey has seen him share the stage with legendary performers, including Charles Bradley, John Scofield, and Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, during his performances at the Halifax Jazz Festival. These experiences have not only enriched his own musicality but have also contributed to his growth as a versatile and dynamic musician.
In addition to his thriving performance career, Trevor is deeply committed to imparting his knowledge and passion for music to students of all ages. With expertise in piano, saxophone, flute, clarinet, composition, and organ, Trevor offers comprehensive music lessons to students of all skill levels. His warm and engaging teaching style creates a nurturing and supportive environment that fosters growth and helps students reach their musical goals. Trevor's genuine dedication to helping others learn music is palpable, making him an exceptional mentor and guide.
Whether it's igniting the spark of music in beginners or honing the skills of advanced musicians, Trevor's unwavering commitment to his students' success shines through in his teaching. His love for music and his desire to share its transformative power drive him to empower aspiring musicians on their own musical journeys.
